“None of us aresurehe didn’t,” Richard countered. “This guy does one careless thing after the next. It’s sure to catch up to him some time.”
“Richard, this isn’t the time for that,” Andie scolded, covering the speaker portion of her phone. “He’s hurt. We need to worry about getting him help right now, nothing more.”
“Yeah, he needs help,” Richard mumbled.
“Shut up,” Maverick hissed.
“Both of you shut up,” Emmitt said.
Memphis shook his head. “Seriously.”
“Hey, Ava,” Maverick blurted. “You’re wearing the dress. I sent that up to your room. It looks pretty on you.”
Ava glanced down at it. “Yes, thank you. I love it.”
Walk away, Richard. Just step away for a minute.
He forced himself to circle the corral. Sadly, his irritation only grew. He overheard Dirk and Lee rehashing the scene, a blend of shock and humor in their expressive tones.
Stupid kid. Only Maverick wasn’t a kid anymore. Who knew what kind of injury he’d suffered? Sure, Trenton had a name for it. Did he have a prognosis too? The doctors were sure to. What if Maverick learned he’d never have kids of his own, all from some dumb stunt to impress a woman?
Richard’s heart surged like lightning had struck it.No, God. Don’t let that happen to him.He hurried back to the group, glancing at Maverick who, miraculously, had stayed in place. That was both good and bad. Good, since that’s exactly what he should be doing. Bad, because it wasn’t like him to take direction. He must be really messed up.
Richard made his way to Andie, who was still on the phone.
“Are they coming?” he asked. Nausea rolled through him. How was he supposed to protect these guys fromthis?How in heaven’s name had Mom and Dad kept Maverick alive during childhood? And why did all of this have to fall on Richard?
“Yes, they’re on their way,” Andie said.
“Good.” Richard hurried over to Maverick’s side. “The medics are on their way.”
Maverick glared up at him, nostrils flared, his blue eyes accusing. He could almost hear him say the words.You’re glad this happened.
Richard narrowed his gaze and shook his head sternly.No.And that was the truth. He was horrified that this had happened. He might blame Maverick for being so foolish, but the truth was, Richard couldn’t help but put the blame in one other place. One other person, to be exact—himself.
