His dad shifted to stare at him too. “I don’t understand. Kinsey’s excellent.”
“I realize that, but I want you to have the best nursing care possible—”
“Kinsey is the best. I don’t want anyone else but her.”
“It’s too late. I’ve already made the arrangements.”
“Cancel them.” Dad’s voice was firm.
Tyler knew that determined tone, had heard it lots of times over the years. When Dad wanted something, he could rarely be swayed from it. That forceful focus had helped him build the ranch into what it was, but on a personal level, that forceful focus was difficult to handle.
If Dad wanted Kinsey to stay, he wouldn’t relent. But would his health continue to improve if Kinsey stayed? Or would they eventually wish they’d found someone better?
Dad’s hand began to shake, and the coffee sloshed over the edge.
Kinsey braced her hand against his. “It’s okay, T.W. You’ll do just fine and like any of the nurses that Premier sends. I guarantee it.”
Dad pushed the coffee into her hands, then sagged against his pillows and the bed. “You’re the only nurse I want taking care of me.”
“I like being here with you too.” She spoke quietly, gently. “But you’re doing fine, and you’re going to be better in no time.”
He closed his eyes, his features turning haggard, almost as if in the blink of an eye he’d aged ten years.
A battle waged sudden war within Tyler. Kinsey was good at what she did. She’d more than proven herself. But he’d been counting on her leaving. He was already struggling to keep from thinking about her. After Brock’s comment yesterday morning about dating Kinsey and then more teasing throughout the day, she’d never been far from his mind. He couldn’t imagine having her here for another week, much less a month or more.
“Admit it, Ty.” His dad opened his eyes and pinned him with a stern look. “You’re attracted to Kinsey. That’s why you don’t want her here.”
“No.” Tyler pushed to his feet, causing the chair to scrape against the floor obnoxiously. How had his dad guessed his thoughts so easily? Was his attraction to Kinsey that easy to see? “I’m going out on a date with Nettie.”
Dad’s eyes remained shrewd, as if he could see every emotion raging through Tyler. “Then if you’re not attracted to Kinsey, it shouldn’t bother you if she stays.”
“It’s not attraction, T.W.” Kinsey broke into the conversation. Thankfully. Because it was embarrassing to talk about his attraction to her while she was right there by the bed, listening to every word. “We actually don’t like each other very much.”
Dad’s gaze bounced between them as if he was trying to figure out what the true nature of their relationship was.
“She’s right,” Tyler insisted. “We can hardly be in the same room and remain civil.”
“That’s because you’re afraid to get involved with someone like her.”
Was he afraid?
Tyler shook his head. “Think what you want, but that’s not true.” Very few things frightened him. Certainly not a traveling nurse, no matter how gorgeous and spirited she was.
“If you’re not afraid, then prove it. Let Kinsey stay and be my nurse.”
Tyler could feel the coils wrapping tighter around him. His dad was trapping him. That’s what he was doing.
Tyler rolled his shoulders, as if that could somehow free him from the trap.
Kinsey’s staying wouldn’t have to change anything. He could limit his time around her and keep his interactions to a minimum, just like he’d already been doing.
Besides, he had the date lined up with Nettie for Saturday night. He’d focus on getting to know Nettie, and that would start to occupy his mind and push out thoughts of Kinsey.
He started across the room. “If it’s that important to you to have Kinsey as your nurse, then I’ll call and cancel the replacement.”
“Do you want to stay, Kinsey?” his dad asked.
“I’d love to stay and help you through the rest of your recovery.” Her voice was sincere. “But I don’t want to cause tension between you and Tyler.”
