Cole nodded. “The doctor said just to keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn’t sleep too soundly or do too much right at first, and—” he shrugged and frowned “—wait for the bruises to fade.”

“Where is she now?” Buddy asked. “I could see if she wants something to eat. Maybe some yogurt or—”

“That’s great, Buddy,” Cole smiled. “She’s in her room. Why don’t you knock on her door and then ask? I don’t think she’s doing anything but lying down right now.”

Buddy grinned, happy that he’d thought of something useful, and made a dash for the hallway.

“Did you ever think you’d see the day when a woman would get Buddy out of his precious room?” Morgan was grinning.

“No. And it’s a good thing that he doesn’t see her as a woman. He sees her more as an extension of Lily. I’d hate to have to fight my own brother for her.”

Morgan’s mouth dropped. He turned and stared, but Cole disappeared into the kitchen, ignoring the bombshell he’d handed his father.

*  *  *

She was sleeping peacefully on her side, rolled up in a tiny ball with the sheets wrapped around and under her like a swaddled baby.

Cole couldn’t decide whether to curse or cry. He did neither. Instead, he simply walked over to the side of her bed, lightly felt across her forehead for signs of fever, and sighed with relief as his palm slid over cool, smooth skin.

The urge to unwrap and straighten her covers was strong, but he knew it would be futile. Two hours ago he’d tried and was now staring at the results. If she’d been bagged and labeled by experts, she wouldn’t have been packaged any better. He turned and walked away.

Debbie felt his touch, the sigh on her cheek as he leaned over and brushed her forehead with his lips, and then heard his footsteps as he left her alone…again.

She didn’t move or indicate by any means that she’d been aware of his presence. Not now, or the other times he’d come into her room when he should have been getting his own rest.

She blinked back tears. When he thought she wasn’t looking, he was so damned gentle it made her heart hurt. Why couldn’t he admit that what was between them was more than just casual caring? Why wouldn’t he face the fact that they were in love?

The first time she’d seen him standing beneath a shade tree at the Longren Ranch, a plate full of barbecue in one hand and a beer in the other, laughing at something someone had said, she’d been lost.