Chapter 4

“I’ve got every right to be in this room.” A familiar male voice bellowed, but she couldn’t quite figure out who it was.

“Look, old man, she may be your daughter but when have you ever given a shit about anyone but yourself?” Another male voice but she knew that voice.

“Dad, please just leave.” She knew that voice too because she’d heard that voice for a lot longer than the other two.

“I’m not moving from this room until I know exactly how my daughter is.” Now she knew who it was. Stewart Michaels, her father or as her brother referred to him, the sperm donor.

The arguing continued, but she didn’t pay attention to it since she was concentrating on getting her eyes to open. It was hard, but as the first flicker of light entered, she slammed them shut again. The brightness was painful, and she groaned.

“She’s waking up,” Kim said. “Brad, go get the nurse.”

Her brother was the one yelling at her father, but that wasn’t anything new. She opened her eyes again, and at first, everything was fuzzy. It wasn’t as bright either. It looked like Kim had turned down the lights.

“Sandy, it’s ok. You’re gonna be fine.” Several blinks and her sister started to come into focus. Her eyes were red making it obvious she’d been crying.

“Of course, she’s going to be fine.” Sandy turned her head slowly toward her father’s voice. What the hell was he doing here anyway? “She’s from good stock or at least on my side.” Really? He was going to downgrade her mother. Now.

“Dad, please stop.” Kim sighed. He always did this.

Ian’s grandmother once told her that her father did it because deep down he knew he wasn’t half the parent Evelyn was, and it was his way of trying to build up his ego. Even if it was true, Sandy didn’t like it.

“Kimberly, don’t tell me what to do. I’m just saying my genes gave you kids the strength to get through tough times.”

“Old man, if I hear you say one more word against Sandy’s mother or ours for that matter the only thing you’re gonna find out is how hard my fist feels against your face.” Brad hated their father and made no bones about how much. Brad stood next to the bed and took Sandy’s hand.

“See there’s your mother’s side.” Stewart spat.

“You fucking asshole. My mother worked two fucking jobs to support me and put me through school with no fucking help from you.” Brad’s face was blood red, and Sandy squeezed his hand. When it came to their father, he could never control his temper.

“I offered your mother money and a house, but she didn’t want it unless I married her.” Stewart’s face was as red as Brad’s was. It seemed her brother had inherited their father’s temper.

“Imagine that. Wanting the father of her child to marry her.” Brad growled through his teeth. “I know it’s not a fucking concept you’d understand, but some men do step up to the plate with the mothers of their children instead of going right out and knocking up another woman.”

“Stop!” Sandy tried to yell, but it came out more of a raspy whisper. They didn’t hear her because they were yelling. Kim had moved in front of Brad to stop him from lunging at Stewart. She cleared her throat and before she had a chance to open her mouth the door to her room slammed open.

“What the hell is going on in here?” The deep soothing voice made her heart thud against her chest. “You do realize you’re in a hospital? This may be a private room but it isn’t sound proof, and people can hear you through the entire floor.”

 

Ian.

“I’m sorry, Ian.” Kim kept her position between Stewart and Brad.

“You don’t have to apologize, Kim. It wasn’t your voice I heard coming down the hall.” Ian’s voice was firm and sexy as hell. “You do realize Sandy was hurt last night and the last thing she needs is this racket?”

“Young man, I don’t know who you think you are, but this is none of your business. Do you have any idea who I am?” It was the tone Stewart used when he was trying to intimidate people, and Sandy couldn’t help but smile because her father was about to get an earful.

“First of all, Mr. Michaels, it is my business when people are disturbing my patients. Also, it is my business when you’re also disturbing my dearest and closest friend.” Sandy could finally see him as he walked between her brother and father. He was beautiful stood over her father like an avenging angel, and all she could do was stare. “Oh, and I’m aware of who you are Mr. Michaels, and with all due respect I don’t give a flying fuck.” She stifled a laugh when her father’s jaw dropped open. “Now visiting hours are over, and if you would like I can have you escorted, I suggest you leave and don’t return until you’ve learned how to control your behavior.” Her father didn’t move, but she wasn’t sure if it was defiance of or if he was just in a state of shock that someone would dare speak to him the way Ian had.

“What about them?” Stewart finally spoke, and it was the first time she’d heard a quiver in his voice.

“We’re leaving too, Ian, but I’m just going to say bye to Sandy.” Kim smiled and walked next to her bed. She leaned down and whispered in Sandy’s ear. “That man is so damn hot.” She giggled, as she kissed Sandy’s cheek.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Sandy smiled.

“Ian, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. It’s just when I’m around him….” Brad stopped.

“I know, Brad, but in the future, if both of you can’t be in the same room together then you should probably wait until he isn’t here.” Ian squeezed Brad’s shoulder. Ian was aware of the tension between Brad and her father. Sandy had told Ian all about the strained relationship.

“I’ll see you later, honey. Get better.” Brad walked next to the bed and kissed her cheek and then followed Kim out of the room without a glance back at Stewart.

“Good night, Mr. Michaels.” Ian held open the door, and her father actually took the hint. He nodded toward Sandy and sauntered out of the room.

“Are you okay?” Ian pulled a chair next to her bed.

“Well my head hurts, I can’t see out of one eye, and I feel like a truck hit me.” She smiled when Ian laughed at her comment. “Okay, so it was a car, but it still hurt and other than being utterly humiliated that you had to come in to tell my father and brother to be quiet, I’d say I’m on top of the world.”

“I hope you didn’t mind me kicking them out?” Ian took her hand, and the warmth radiated up her arm and through her entire aching body.

“Hell no. I was trying to get someone’s attention, but my throat feels like I swallowed a knife. Which reminds me, I’d be your best friend if you’d get me a glass of water.” She smiled but winced, when pain jolted through her cheek.

“That’s gonna be a little tender for a while.” Ian gave Sandy a small paper cup filled with cold water.

“I guess I shouldn’t be trying to stop cars with my face, huh?” She joked and after she gulped down the water.

“If you’d stayed behind the computers like you’re supposed to, that wouldn’t have happened.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest and glared at her.

“You know computers are dangerous too. Just the other day I tripped over a cord and almost went face first into the wall.” Sandy waved the cup in front of him, and he filled it again.

“It’s not funny, Sandy. You scared the shit out of my family and me.” He sat on the edge of her bed and took her hand in both of his. Why couldn’t she tell him how she felt? How the best part of her day was spending time with him? She’d forgiven him a long time ago for standing her up because since he moved next door to her, they’d spent almost every evening together.

“I’m sorry.” She slid her hand out of his because it felt too good.

“Stephanie and Marina said they want Uncle Kurt to suspend all the officers that allowed the guy to escape and hit you.” Ian shoved his hands into his front pockets. “They also gave A.J. an earful because apparently, he shouldn’t have let you get hurt.” Ian chuckled.

“Poor A.J. It really wasn’t his fault.” She felt sorry Aaron was getting shit because of her error in judgment. She’d jumped out of the car before the other cruiser had been in place in front of the guy’s car and he took off clipping her with the corner of the front bumper. Most of the injuries were from her hitting the ground.

“I’m sure A.J. is taking it all in stride. Nothing bothers him.” Ian smiled, and it was an amazing smile. He was different than any other guy she dated because of his mild and even temperament. Ian was a wall of solid muscle, but that was because he worked out at least a couple of hours a day. From the bits and pieces, she got from his family, he’d thrown himself into working out when his ex-girlfriend left him. It was his way of dealing with the pain, and he’d said once it was better than drowning himself in a bottle.

“I guess you’re right.” She met his bright blue eyes, and it became hard to breathe. It happened every time she stared into blue pools. There’d been a few times where she thought he’d kiss her, but he always backed away. Sandy knew she was in love with him, but couldn’t tell him, and it scared her to death that maybe someday he’d find someone else, and she’d lose him forever.

She closed her eyes to keep the hot tears from falling. Just the thought of Ian with someone else was heartbreaking to her.

“Whoa.” He cupped her face in his hands. “What’s with the tears?” She opened her eyes and covered his hands with hers. His eyes searched hers, and for a second she thought about telling him exactly what was wrong.

“It’s just been a long couple of days and the fight with Brad and my father, it’s just getting to me.” She lied because she couldn’t make herself tell him the truth.

“Are you sure, because if you’re in pain, I can get the nurse to give you something?” He stood up and pulled his hands away from her.

“No. I hate that stuff. It makes me feel all loopy.” She moaned, and Ian chuckled as he sat back down next to her.

“It’s pretty potent.” He pushed one of her stray curls behind her ear. “Last night was one of the most frightening nights I spent in the ER.” He ran his thumb down her cheek, and she held her breath. “When A.J. called and said you were hurt….” He cupped her cheek and leaned toward her. “Don’t ever do that to me again.” He whispered as he moved closer and her eyes closed. The slight brush of his lips against hers had her heart beating a mile a minute.

“Ian.” She breathed.

“I can’t take this anymore, Sandy,” Ian whispered. His hand slid behind her head, and his mouth covered hers. Dear God, he was kissing her or was she dreaming?