The Soldier's Legacy

“This isn’t very cold,” she said with a frown. “Do you have another in the freezer?”

“I do, but I can probably leave it off for a while. I’ve had it on for almost half an hour.”

“The usual recommendation is twenty minutes, so you should be good for now. Would you like me to put this back in the freezer for later?”

“Sure.” He motioned toward the opposite wall in the sitting area of his bedroom suite. His deep leather chair and a matching one, both with ottomans, faced a fireplace above which hung a large-screen TV. Flanking the fireplace on either side were well-filled bookshelves. A French door to his right led out to the patio, and his bedroom and bath were on his left. His home office opened off the bedroom, so that his private sanctuary was entirely separate from the guest quarters.

Well, for the most part, he thought with a glance toward the teddy bear. “There’s a minifridge with a freezer behind the door on the right side of the fireplace. You can just stick the pack in there, thanks.”

Jade followed his directions, then closed the cabinet again and glanced around. “This is a lovely space.”

“Thanks. I enjoy it. Is everything okay upstairs for you and the kids? Anything you need?” he felt compelled to ask, despite his discomfort.

“No, it’s perfect for us, thank you.”

“Did you and the kids have a nice weekend?”

“Very nice, thank you. We spent Saturday at the beach. Caleb and Erin swam while Bella built sand castles and looked for shells. They’re going to love living so close to the ocean. But I’m sorry your trip ended so badly.”

He wasn’t sure if she’d heard the details of how he’d reinjured himself, but if so, at least she didn’t seem inclined to lecture him. He replied offhandedly, “Just a minor setback. I’ll be back on my feet in a few days.”

“Speaking of which...” She reached for a throw pillow on the other chair and carried it toward him. Gesturing toward his elevated leg, she asked, “Do you mind? Your leg really should be higher to make the edema go down faster.”

“You’re the nurse,” he said with a slight shrug.

Her hands were cool and obviously skilled as she lifted his calf to slide the extra pillow beneath. She resettled the leg carefully, then pressed lightly against the visible swelling. “Is there much pain here?”

Both her tone and her touch were briskly professional, yet still he had to clear his throat before answering lightly. “It’s felt better.”

“You have pain meds?”

“I have them.” He didn’t promise that he would take them. Not unless absolutely necessary.

Obviously not fooled, she smiled dryly and started to take a step back. “Okay, macho man, that’s your call. You have my cell number. Call if you need anything during the night, please. It’s the least I can do in return for your hospitality.”

On impulse, he caught her wrist. He really disliked appearing weak and injured in front of her, sitting here with his leg on pillows while she stood there looking...well, looking so damned good. “I told you before, you don’t owe me anything.”

She looked down at his hand, then raised her gaze to his. “And I told you that you have my gratitude, whether you want it or not.”

He didn’t want her gratitude. Because he couldn’t say what he did want from her, he released her. “You should probably make sure Bella got back to bed safely.”

“Yes.” But she didn’t move away. He noted that she rubbed her wrist absently, though his clasp had been gentle. “I can tell you’re hurting,” she said quietly. “I understand you want to be cautious with the prescription meds, but can I at least get you an over-the-counter pain reliever?”

He nodded toward the tray on the side table between the chairs. “Mary Pat left snacks, a carafe of hot herbal tea, meds—both prescription and OTC—and some sort of healing crystal. I’m good, thanks.”

He saw her smile as she glanced at the tray. “I’ll say again, you have a treasure in her.”

“Yes. I do.” Feeling guilty all over again about having snapped at his housekeeper earlier, he promised himself he’d be on his best behavior during the remainder of his recovery. Or at least he’d try, he amended more realistically.

He didn’t try to detain Jade this time when she moved toward the door.

She didn’t look back as she left. He watched her until she closed the door behind her, cutting off his very nice view of her backside. Telling himself pain and exhaustion must be messing with his mind, he closed his eyes and put his head back against the chair with a low, frustrated groan.

* * *

TREVOR WASN’T AT the breakfast table Monday morning.

“He said he wasn’t hungry,” Mary Pat explained to Jade and the kids. “When I went in to tell him it was ready, he was already on the phone with his assistant. I’m sure he’ll be at his desk all day, working harder than ever and pouting because he’s supposed to be off his feet for a few days.”

Erin giggled. “Grown-up men don’t pout.”

“Oh, honey.” Mary Pat exchanged a laughing look with Jade. “Don’t you believe that for a second.”

Reminding herself that it was impolite to laugh at their host, even good-naturedly, Jade looked down at her plate where a flaky homemade biscuit was topped with a thick sausage gravy. It was hardly a health-conscious meal, despite the fresh fruit compote served on the side, but she had to admit it was tasty. And it was very kind of Mary Pat to cook for them. Still, maybe she could drop a few hints later that oatmeal or fruit and yogurt would suffice for a few days.

“So, what’s on your schedule for today?” Mary Pat asked, including the whole family in the question. “Any big plans?”

“Back-to-school shopping,” Jade replied. “Backpacks, lunchboxes, school supplies, that sort of thing.”

“I need new shoes,” Erin reminded her. “My old ones are gross.”

“I want new shoes, too,” Bella piped in. “And a Hello Kitty backpack.”

“I need some new jeans,” Caleb grumbled. “Mine are all getting too short.”

“Okay, everyone, I know what we need.” Jade shook her head ruefully. She’d already done most of the shopping for the new school year, but her children still had their lists of “necessities.” It was going to be a long day.

“Why don’t you come with us, Ms. Mary Pat?” Erin asked, her face lighting up. “We’re going to have lunch out. And maybe get ice cream!”

“I never promised ice cream,” Jade challenged with a lifted eyebrow.

“I said maybe.” Undiscouraged, Erin forged on, “Anyway, it’ll be fun. So, want to come?”

“Thank you, Erin, but I really shouldn’t. I have work to do here, and I hate to leave Trevor while he’s recuperating.” Still, Mary Pat looked pleased by the invitation. “Maybe I’ll shop with you another time.”

“We’ll give you a rain check.” Erin had only recently learned the term, and she used it confidently.

Mary Pat chuckled. “I’ll gladly take it.”

When they’d finished eating, Jade sent the kids upstairs to brush their teeth and find their shoes for the outing. “Let me help you clean up, Mary Pat,” she said after they scampered away. She reached for the gravy bowl, which was still more than half-full, even though everyone had eaten heartily.

“Oh, I’ve got this. But you can do me another favor, if you don’t mind.”

“Name it.”

“Will you take a tray in to Trevor while I put away the rest of the food? I told him he’d be getting breakfast in his room so he’s expecting it, even if the grouch won’t admit he’s hungry.”

Jade wished fleetingly that Mary Pat had just asked her to scrub the kitchen floor, instead. She told herself that was a silly thought. She was hardly intimidated by Trevor. There was no reason for her to avoid being alone with him. She knew how to deal with grumpy men, so she could handle Trevor even if he was in a bad mood—though she doubted that his habitual courtesy would allow him to be anything but polite to a guest. From her own few observations and everything she’d heard from mutual acquaintances, he had elevated hosting to an art form, which was part of what made his resorts so successful and his investors so willing to gamble on him. “Yes, I’ll take it.”