Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

He smiled weakly. “I think I’m just going to take a nap.”

“Ok. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll pick up Grayson from school and I can get the rest of your prescriptions.”

“Do you have a nurse outfit?” His eyes were barely open.

I laughed. At least he had a sense of humor. “I’ll see if I can get one for you.”

“After my nap,” he slurred.

“Ok. I’ll let you rest.” I turned off the light and closed the door.

Once, in college, Branch had the flu. I had dropped off chicken soup and some Nyquil. Other than that, I had zero nursing experience. I didn’t know if I was really the warm, nurturing type, but for Cole, I was going to try.

With Cole asleep, I decided to head over to the Dunes for a few hours. I crept into the room and placed his phone next to him on the bed. That way, if he woke, he could give me a call. I left a note letting him know I’d be back soon.

I turned on the window unit and retrieved my computer from the storage closet. I wasn’t in the mood to work, but what else was there at this point? Cole was out of commission, and I needed to get some reservations booked.

I almost jumped out of my seat when I saw a reply email from the senior living catalog. This is the break we needed. I scanned the response. It would cost a thousand dollars, but I could place an ad in a senior vacation magazine that would be distributed nationally. It was one of those publications you see at the grocery store in the stacks by the sliding doors. A grand was more than I had budgeted for advertising, but success didn’t come without taking risks, right?

I picked up my phone to schedule the ad when Aiden walked through the door. He had a way of sneaking in when I least expected him.

“Good afternoon, Kaitlyn.” Today he had on a starched white shirt that brought out his tan.

“Oh, hey.” Maybe if I ignored him he’d leave. I scribbled down the information for the ad reservation.

“Catch you at a bad time?” He sat in front of me.

“Actually, yes. Today’s not a good day.”

“Something going on?” His eyes wandered to the desk.

I debated whether to tell him about Cole’s accident. This time, I kept the cards to myself. “Look, Aiden, I’m working. I have a business to run and I don’t have time for your Kardashian family drama today.”

He chuckled. I was amazed at how calm he always seemed even when everyone around him was obviously irritated with him. “So I take it you looked inside the envelope.”

“I don’t want to discuss it with you. It’s not my business. You and Cole have to work that out.” I opened a blank email and pretended to type.

“I stopped by hoping to catch him. Where is he?”

“Not here,” I snapped a little too quickly.

“Come on, Kaitlyn. I’m not that bad. You can’t seriously blame me for wanting the inheritance that’s rightfully mine. This was my father’s motel.”

“The motel you want to demolish. You really think that’s what he wanted? I’m guessing that’s why you didn’t inherit it.” I closed my eyes. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry.” I had no idea why Pops willed the Dune Scape to Cole and not Aiden. I should have kept my opinions to myself.

Aiden lost the easy look in his eyes. “Did you know him? Did you know my dad?” His voice quieted.

I shook my head. “I’ve only heard Cole’s stories. He sounded like a wonderful man. Pops died before I ever made it to Texas.”

“If you didn’t even know him, why are you so hell-bent on defending this place? The siding is chipping. The pool needs to be repainted. The boardwalk has cracks. There is only one ice machine. It’s a joke.” He looked at me. “It’s not worth fighting for.”

I looked at the empty parking lot behind us. The place was a ghost town, but I had an opportunity to show Aiden all the things that made me fall in love with the Dunes. Cole might shoot me later when he could walk, but this could be my only chance to mend a fence before the two of them chopped it with chainsaws.

“I have a proposition for you.” I leaned forward on the desk.

“And what’s that? Decided my nephew’s not enough for you?” His smile was devilish.

“No. You’re practically my uncle-in-law or something.” I made a face at him. “Where are you staying while you’re in Padre?”