He wanted to ask more but it wasn’t his place.
And you have been to the doctor?
There was a longer wait now. And he started to think she wasn’t going to text back. Then his screen lit up.
Not yet.
He frowned.
Little girl…
Shit. He probably shouldn’t have texted that. But she knew he expected her to go to the doctor. This time five minutes passed without a reply. Finally, he couldn’t wait any longer.
Do I need to come and take you?
The reply was instant this time. Part of him was disappointed. It would have given him an excuse to see her.
I feel fine.
Ellie. You need to go.
Okay. I’ll make an appointment.
He could almost hear the exasperation in her voice.
Have you had any headaches?
I’m fine, Bear.
He was aware that wasn’t an answer.
I better go to sleep. I start work tomorrow.
All right. Good night. Go to the doctor.
Good night.
Somehow, he felt even worse after having texted her than he had before. He longed to lay down some rules. To tell her she was coming to live with him and he didn’t give a shit about her need for independence. But he wouldn’t take her from one controlling relationship to another. She didn’t need that. He glanced around the cabin that was his home on the ranch with a sigh. He didn’t even own his own house. He didn’t ever have plans to be more than he was. There was no doubt in his mind that Ellie deserved far better than him.
11
“What the hell is wrong with Bear?” Kent asked as he stormed into Clint’s study.
Clint looked up with irritation. “What? You don’t even knock anymore?”
“I’ve never fucking knocked.” Kent started to pace up and down the room.
Clint sat back in his chair with a sigh. “I don’t know where I went wrong. There is no respect for authority around here.”
Kent shot a look. “Authority? We are in this together, brother.”
“Yes, but I’m the oldest. Therefore, I should get respect.”
Kent rolled his eyes. “We’re not the fucking mafia.”
“Sometimes I think it would be a lot simpler if we were. Then I could just shoot anyone who disagreed with me.”
Kent gave him an exasperated lock. He stopped pacing, resting his hands on his hips as he glared down at Clint. “Who the hell around here would disobey you?”