Now that she’d been exposed to an older, more experienced version of the Cole she’d fantasized about for so long, she realized just how naive she’d been. She needed passion in her life, needed love. But it was becoming an elusive wish that kept slipping through her fingers each time she got close enough to touch it.

The sounds of traffic in the street below finally brought her back to the present. She needed to get home and put together something for dinner. And she needed to see Cole, to touch him and remind herself that he did care for her. He would never love her, but he did care. And that would have to be enough for now. It was all that had been offered to her.

*   *   *

Her gray eyes pleaded with him, and Cole was reminded of a puppy begging to be loved. His heart clenched as he pulled his five-year-old daughter into his arms and held her close. Somehow, he had to find the magic words, words that would tell her of his love while still explaining why he had to leave her alone again tonight.

“Please, Daddy. I’ll be good, I’ll do all my exercises and I won’t complain.”

Cole closed his eyes against the anguish raging through him. “I know you’ll be good. You’re always good as gold. And I promise you can come home with me before the weekend. I need to set up a bed for you and get the exercise equipment in place. Besides, the doctor says you have to stay here at least one more day until they get your medication adjusted.”

A single tear slipped down Mandy’s cheek. “I miss you, Daddy. I hate this place, and I’m lonely.”

Cole wiped away the moisture on her face, smoothing her hair with his calloused hand. “I miss you too, Snugglebug. So much, it hurts, right here.” He put his hand over his heart, knowing it would take a miracle to soothe the pain he carried there. “Just be patient one more day.”

The doctor came in, his white coat flapping behind him like an errant child. “How’s my favorite patient today?”

Mandy burrowed her head closer to Cole’s chest and held him tightly.

“She’s a little homesick. Is there any chance I could take her home tonight?” He knew the timing was terrible, but he’d make it work. Darci would understand-maybe too much.

“And take the light out of my evening rounds?” The doctor shook his head. “I’m sorry, honey. I need you to stay with me through tomorrow so I can make sure everything is fine. We don’t want to make you sick again, do we?”

“No.” Her voice was muffled, but Cole felt the wobble of emotion in that short word, felt it deep inside where it tore at him.