Risking the Crown

by Violet Paige

  He examined his leg.

  “The good news is that you didn’t sustain a concussion,” I reported. Darlene had told me that much.

  “Yeah, good thing.” He reached for my hand. “Thank you for staying. And thank you for making sure Grayson had someone.”

  I moved closer to the bed. A metal side rail separated us. “I would do anything for you and him. What can I do now? How can I help?”

  The door opened and a doctor hurried into the room. “Good morning, Mr. Thomas.” He didn’t look up from his charts. “How’s the pain level? We’ve cut back your pain meds.”

  Cole grimaced. “It’s bearable.”

  I could tell from the sweat on his forehead he didn’t mean a word he said.

  “Good. That’s impressive progress considering it’s been less than twenty-four hours since your accident.” The doctor scribbled something on the chart. “You’re going to have to stay off that leg for at least a week. I’ll have the nurse schedule an appointment with Brownsville Orthopedic in seven days. They’ll check you out and let you know about your rehab schedule.”

  “Rehab?” The word was out before I knew I was butting in.

  He turned to me, shoving a pen in the top pocket of his white coat. “Yes, there was a pretty severe sprain to the knee and ankle. The x-rays came back negative for a break, but the sprains are both serious enough that it may take physical therapy to get things back to normal.” He faced Cole. “I’ll sign your discharge paperwork, get a set of crutches assigned to you, and you’ll be on your way. No walking for a week though.” He wagged his finger.

  Cole nodded. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t challenging the doctor or asking for a second opinion. A week with no walking was going to kill him.

  I looked at him. “You’re going to be ok. That’s what matters.”

  He nodded. “I know.”

  “Easy, guys. Easy.” I held my breath as Cal and Lance maneuvered Cole through the kitchen door of the beach cottage. They had managed to carry him all the way up the stairs without so much as banging a toe on the railing. I was impressed.

  They looked around the bare living room. We still didn’t have the living room set we wanted.

  “He’ll have to go on the bed.” I pointed to the hallway that led to our bedroom.

  Cole hadn’t said much since he had been discharged from the medical center. I thought it was partly the exhaustion of the entire experience combined with the pain meds’ side effects.

  “Call if you need anything else, you two.” Cal slung an arm around my shoulder.

  “We will. Thank you, both.” I smiled at Cal and Lance.

  “Sasha said she’s bringing over some kind of casserole or something, so you don’t have to make dinner.”

  “Aww, that’s sweet of her.” It was almost time for lunch. Dinner wasn’t on my radar.

  “Holler at us, girl.” Lance walked past me and shuffled down the deck stairs.

  I walked into the bedroom where Cole was propped on a pile of pillows. His eyes half-open.

  “Can I get you anything?”

  He smiled weakly. “I think I’m just going to take a nap.”

  “Ok. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll pick up Grayson from school and I can get the rest of your prescriptions.”

  “Do you have a nurse outfit?” His eyes were barely open.

  I laughed. At least he had a sense of humor. “I’ll see if I can get one for you.”

  “After my nap,” he slurred.

  “Ok. I’ll let you rest.” I turned off the light and closed the door.

  Once, in college, Branch had the flu. I had dropped off chicken soup and some Nyquil. Other than that, I had zero nursing experience. I didn’t know if I was really the warm, nurturing type, but for Cole, I was going to try.

  With Cole asleep, I decided to head over to the Dunes for a few hours. I crept into the room and placed his phone next to him on the bed. That way, if he woke, he could give me a call. I left a note letting him know I’d be back soon.

  I turned on the window unit and retrieved my computer from the storage closet. I wasn’t in the mood to work, but what else was there at this point? Cole was out of commission, and I needed to get some reservations booked.

  I almost jumped out of my seat when I saw a reply email from the senior living catalog. This is the break we needed. I scanned the response. It would cost a thousand dollars, but I could place an ad in a senior vacation magazine that would be distributed nationally. It was one of those publications you see at the grocery store in the stacks by the sliding doors. A grand was more than I had budgeted for advertising, but success didn’t come without taking risks, right?

  I picked up my phone to schedule the ad when Aiden walked through the door. He had a way of sneaking in when I least expected him.

  “Good afternoon, Kaitlyn.” Today he had on a starched white shirt that brought out his tan.

  “Oh, hey.” Maybe if I ignored him he’d leave. I scribbled down the information for the ad reservation.

  “Catch you at a bad time?” He sat in front of me.

  “Actually, yes. Today’s not a good day.”

  “Something going on?” His eyes wandered to the desk.

  I debated whether to tell him about Cole’s accident. This time, I kept the cards to myself. “Look, Aiden, I’m working. I have a business to run and I don’t have time for your Kardashian family drama today.”

  He chuckled. I was amazed at how calm he always seemed even when everyone around him was obviously irritated with him. “So I take it you looked inside the envelope.”

  “I don’t want to discuss it with you. It’s not my business. You and Cole have to work that out.” I opened a blank email and pretended to type.

  “I stopped by hoping to catch him. Where is he?”

  “Not here,” I snapped a little too quickly.

  “Come on, Kaitlyn. I’m not that bad. You can’t seriously blame me for wanting the inheritance that’s rightfully mine. This was my father’s motel.”

  “The motel you want to demolish. You really think that’s what he wanted? I’m guessing that’s why you didn’t inherit it.” I closed my eyes. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry.” I had no idea why Pops willed the Dune Scape to Cole and not Aiden. I should have kept my opinions to myself.

  Aiden lost the easy look in his eyes. “Did you know him? Did you know my dad?” His voice quieted.

  I shook my head. “I’ve only heard Cole’s stories. He sounded like a wonderful man. Pops died before I ever made it to Texas.”

  “If you didn’t even know him, why are you so hell-bent on defending this place? The siding is chipping. The pool needs to be repainted. The boardwalk has cracks. There is only one ice machine. It’s a joke.” He looked at me. “It’s not worth fighting for.”

  I looked at the empty parking lot behind us. The place was a ghost town, but I had an opportunity to show Aiden all the things that made me fall in love with the Dunes. Cole might shoot me later when he could walk, but this could be my only chance to mend a fence before the two of them chopped it with chainsaws.

  “I have a proposition for you.” I leaned forward on the desk.

  “And what’s that? Decided my nephew’s not enough for you?” His smile was devilish.

  “No. You’re practically my uncle-in-law or something.” I made a face at him. “Where are you staying while you’re in Padre?”

  For the first time, I saw him hesitate. “Wave Oasis.”

  “That’s a nice choice.” I had booked a week there for graduation. It was the island’s most popular resort. I wondered if he had met Sasha at the desk. “Ok, how about you cancel your reservation and take one of the rooms here? Room twenty-three is available and has the best ocean view.”

  Aiden laughed. “You have got to be kidding. Me? Here?”

  “It’s not that funny. I think it’s important for you to get to know the place your father loved before you try to destroy it.”

  I did
n’t think Aiden had a legal leg to stand on, but I wasn’t a law student. If there was a way I could at least get him to stop talking to developers and threatening Cole with demolition, that would be one battle won.

  “You’re serious.” His eyes narrowed.

  I nodded. “Dead serious.”

  He looked at me, and then glanced through the window, eyeing the two rows of rooms. I wasn’t feeling confident about my offer. I shifted restlessly.

  “Ok. I’ll stay a few nights. Try out the Dunes, but I don’t want you to get your little heart broken when I have to file a list of complaints the first night.”

  I faked a laugh. “I’m not worried one bit. You’re going to see all the things that make this a special place, not one that needs to be forgotten.” I pulled out the reservation book that was now stained with coffee. “I’m going to put you down for room twenty-three. It’s the room I stayed in when I first came to Padre.”

  “In that case, I already like it.”

  I ignored the comment. “Anyway, when do you think you could check out of Wave Oasis?”

  “If you’re so anxious to get this party started, I can do it right now. I’ll go get my bags.”

  “Great.” I closed the book on the desk. “See you soon.”

  He stood to leave. “Can’t wait. Cocktail hour at five?”

  I shook my head. “No, there’s no cocktail hour at the Dunes, but if you don’t cause any trouble, I’m sure Hank would be happy to have you at Peabody’s. That’s the local hangout where you had lunch. You can walk there from here.”

  “Me? Trouble? Kaitlyn, I’m hurt you think I’d start trouble.” He turned toward the door. “Want to join me? I’d love to buy you a drink.”

  I almost had to close my jaw with my hand. Was he actually asking me out even though I told him I was with Cole?

  “Cole’s waiting on me.”

  “Maybe another time.” He threw me a wink as he walked out the door.

  Sure, Cole was overprotective and jealous, but he might have been right this time. I couldn’t think about that now. Changing Aiden’s mind about the Dunes was more important. I could handle the flirting.

  I rushed to the supply closet and loaded my arms with all the new supplies: shampoo, soap, fluffy towels. I had no idea what kind of shape room twenty-three was in, but I had maybe twenty minutes to get it up to five-star status.

  11

  Cole

  I glowered at my leg. How the fuck did I end up like this? I’d survived roadside bombs and gunfire in the desert and never had pain like this. The irony was on display. I had buddies who had lost arms. Feet. Their lives. And I was on a damn roof working on shingles.

  I cursed until I ran out of words.

  How in the hell was I supposed to run the Dunes like this? How did I take care of Grayson? And Kaitlyn? I couldn’t put all the responsibility on her. It was too much. I clenched my fist. I couldn’t stay in this bed and let her fuss over me.

  She would do it all. I knew her. That big heart of hers wouldn’t stop until she knew I was ok and Grayson was tucked in dreaming happy thoughts every single night. Because that’s the kind of amazing woman she was. Fearless when she should have been scared shitless. Full of hope when things were falling apart. Optimistic when an opportunistic dick had shown up to destroy everything I had.

  I didn’t know anyone like her.

  I shook my head. I had to find a way to get out of this bed.

  This was on me. I had to make it right.

  I grabbed the bottle next to the bed and split one of the pain pills in half. I needed something, but I wasn’t going full-strength. I’d already slept enough today. I didn’t like how the medication made me feel.

  I pulled the crutches under my arms and wobbled until I was upright.

  12

  Kaitlyn

  I climbed the steps to the cottage. I had been gone two hours. Long enough to cause massive trouble. Aiden had checked into room twenty-three with his two overnight bags. He wasn’t finished trying to talk me into a drink, but I managed to side step his last offer.

  I opened the door to find Cole leaning on a crutch with his head in the refrigerator.

  “What are you doing? You’re not supposed to be up.” I rushed over to him, ready to coax him back to bed.

  “Looking for a beer,” he reported.

  “Uh-uh. No way. You are still on pain medication.” I took the unopened bottle from his hand and placed it in the fridge. “What about some tea or a water?” I pulled out the ice tea pitcher.

  He groaned. I knew it wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

  “What’s happening over at the office?” He nodded in the direction of the Dunes while he waited for me to pour him a glass.

  “Nothing major.” I added a few extra ice cubes. “I’m working on an advertising contract for snowbirds.”

  I watched as he chugged the sweet tea.

  “I’m so thirsty.” He placed it on the counter.

  “I’ll pour another for you.” I retrieved the pitcher for a second time and filled up the glass. “You really need to get off your leg. At least give it another day before you try standing around.” He didn’t look steady.

  “So no new guests?” He eyed me over the glass.

  “Why do you ask?”

  “I saw someone pull in about twenty minutes ago. Couldn’t make out who it was though, and I don’t remember having any reservations on the books after the Shapleys checked out.”

  “Let me help you back to bed and I’ll tell you what’s going on.”

  Reluctantly, he slung his free arm around my shoulder and used his crutch to distribute his weight as he hobbled to the bedroom. I restacked his pillows and made sure he was comfortable before I launched into my awkward confession.

  “Someone did check in this afternoon.”

  “Ok.”

  “And it was Aiden.” I winced, waiting for the explosion.

  “What the hell?” He slammed the tea on the bedside table. “What is that son of a bitch doing in my motel? You checked him in?”

  I sat on the opposite side of the bed, careful not to jar his leg. “I had a reason.”

  “And what’s that?”

  I inhaled, knowing Cole probably wouldn’t buy this argument. It made sense at the time. “I thought if he spent time there, he would fall in love with it like I did and he’d stop all this crazy talk about tearing it down.” I sighed. “I’m just trying to help.”

  “Damn it, Kaitlyn. You think that’s help? He is going to sue me for full ownership. You let that vicious asshole under my roof. He’s going to be hanging around every day, digging into our business. I said it before. He’s after more than just the Dunes. Now he’ll get to see you every day.”

  “Not that again.” I stood and walked to the deck door. The sun was still high, and the gleam off the water was bright. “I was trying to figure out a way to convince him the Dunes needs to be left alone. I don’t want him to tear it down, and I don’t want him to sue you. I am not interested in Aiden and that had nothing to do with my invitation.”

  “He is after you, Kaitlyn. Open your damn eyes,” he growled.

  I faced Cole. “Do you need anything else?”

  “What?”

  “Pills? Water? Extra pillows?” I planted my hands on my hips.

  “No, why?”

  I turned the handle on the door. “Because I’m going out for a walk on the beach. I’ll be back later.” I slammed the door behind me, intentionally loud. I wasn’t going to stand there and listen to that jealous shit another second. Aiden? Me? Cole was the one who had lost his damn mind.

  I walked and walked until I wasn’t sure how long I had been gone. I liked this end of the island. The wildlife park was quiet and isolated. Only the locals knew about how great this part was.

  I sat near the dunes and watched the seagulls fight over a school of minnows. Survival of the fittest, I thought. The minnows might get away if the gulls got too wrapped up in their territory wa
r to notice their prey was swimming away.

  I wasn’t sure how Cole and I were going to get through this storm we were being tossed around in. First Aiden, then the accident, then Aiden again. I buried my head in my hands. We were still supposed to be in the honeymoon phase. After Ryan had knocked Cole on his ass, I thought the hardest part about living together would be figuring out where to put our toothbrushes or arguing over who stole the most covers. I wanted the romance and the dancing in Mexico.

  My skin started to turn slightly pink from the afternoon sun. I hopped up and sanded off the back of my shorts before walking toward home. Enough beach for the afternoon. I couldn’t leave Cole stranded. I had to pick Grayson up soon.

  I trailed the surf, dodging the waves on my sneakers. When I reached our beach access, I turned and cut across the sun’s path. Right smack into Aiden.

  “Whoa, Kaitlyn. Watch where you’re going.” He laughed as he jogged backward a few paces.

  “I—I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going,” I stammered. Aiden was shirtless, sweaty, and out of breath.

  “No problem, sweetheart.” He shoved his shades on top of his head, making his eyes glisten. I noticed they were trailing my legs.

  “Enjoy your run.” I scooted past him on a mission to reach our stairs before he pulled me into a conversation, or I saw his eyes creep up any further.

  He rested a hand on the railing next to my hip. “Want to join me? I’m going to check out that end of the island.” He pointed to the open space of the park. “I still need a tour guide. Trying to get my bearings around here.”

  “The beach is beautiful down there. You’ll like it.” The truth was I had no idea what kinds of things Aiden would like. So far, he hadn’t shown much interest in maintaining the integrity of Padre. Why would a natural park appeal to him?

  “You sure? I promise not to run too fast. I bet you can keep up.”

  I shook my head. He had placed a foot on the bottom step and was inching closer. “No, thanks. You have fun. I have to pick up Grayson from school.”