Page 105 of Maximum Dare
He smirked. “When do I meet her?”
“Soon?” It came out as a question. “I’m going to stay another week.”
“For me?”
“Let’s get you through surgery and go from there.”
“You can afford to take more time off?”
“My team will handle everything.” And they could. It was time to share the workload a little more.
Nick’s gaze flitted to the door. “Daisy!”
She paused in the doorway and gave me a questioning look.
Concern must have flashed over my face because she said, “I came as soon as I got your text, Nick.” She glanced at my phone hinting she’d tried to get in touch with me.
Nick patted the bed, inviting her to sit near him. “Come here.”
She approached him with a bright smile. “I can bring in chicken soup.”
“You’re so cute, Daisy.” He reached for her hand. “This place costs a fortune so they’d better have soup.” He paused. “Thank you for coming to see me.”
“Of course.” She glanced at me for reassurance. “What happened?”
“I was attacked.”
She looked horrified. “Did the police arrest them?”
“They’re investigating it.”
She stared at his knee, swallowing hard at the sight of his injury. “You’ll be okay though, right?”
Nick swapped a wary glance with me. “You’ve always been there for me, Daisy.”
“So…you’ve been messaging each other?” I tried to sound casual.
Nick brought Daisy’s hand to his chest. “I didn’t know who else to call. I texted Mum and you—” His affectionate stare fell on Daisy. “And then you.”
She was probably wondering where Morgan was, too. “It’s going to be okay, Nick.”
“I fucked up.” He shifted to get comfortable.
“One day at time, buddy.” Reaching over, I rested my palm on his shoulder and squeezed.
Nick turned to look at me. “We were groomed by our dads to keep their dream alive. I just hope I haven’t blown it.”
A cold sweat formed on my brow.
We had been groomed and at no time had we been asked what we wanted to do with our lives. Still, Nick was obsessed with football and I’d once believed law was my destiny. It was in our blood, at least…though my heart fought against the urge to fulfill someone else’s ambition.
“Shall I get your mum?” asked Daisy.
“Yes, let her in. I’ve got to face her sometime.” Nick shrunk back in the bed. “I’ve let everyone down.”
“That’s not true,” I said. “You were doing what you believed to be right. Sounds like you were trying to protect…”
“And now look at me.” He cringed. “I’ve thrown it all away for someone who doesn’t appreciate it.”
