âTrent thinks we should get a testâ¦as soon as possible. So there wonât be any questions. But I donât want to.â
The packet of letters in her room mocked her. Would a paternity test destroy her hope of securing her sonâs future? âWhy not, Mac? We all need to know the truth.â
âI trust you, Brynnie, my girl.â
At that very moment, Trent walked in. If he had heard the end of their conversation, he gave no sign.
âYouâre looking better, Dad. Nothing like a visit from a beautiful woman to perk up a man.â
Mac chuckled, but the bland glance Trent sent Brynâs way made her knees weak. It was hard enough to deal with a suspicious, angry Trent. How on earth was she supposed to find the strength to resist the charming,seductive version? One glance from those dark eyes and she was ready to drag him into the nearest broom closet.
She cleared her throat, forcing herself to look at Trent. âIâm going to stay with Mac tonight. The nurse said they can bring in a cot for me. Why donât you go back to the ranch to check on things and then come back in the morning to pick us up.â
âI thought we were both going to stay at the hotel.â A frown creased Trentâs forehead.
âIt was great to have a place to nap, but Iâll be fine here. And Mac says he promised several of the men the weekend off. Isnât that right, Mac?â
âYep. Brynnie will be here if I need anything, and theyâre predicting storms tonight. Iâd feel better if you were at the ranch. Do you mind, son?â
âSounds like Iâve been outvoted.â Trentâs lips quirked. âBut, sure. If thatâs what you want, Dad.â
Bryn and Trent sat with Mac until almost eight oâclock that evening. Trent brought cafeteria food up for Bryn and him to eat. In some ways, it was almost like old times, the teasing, the laughter. They avoided any and all topics that might be upsetting to Mac.
But finally, it was time for Trent to leave. He touched Brynâs shoulder. âWalk me out to the car.â
She did so reluctantly, unwilling to be alone with him but unable to think of a good excuse. They stopped off in the gift shop and Bryn bought a toothbrush and toothpaste. She tucked them in her purse with the sales slip and followed Trent outside. âCall my cell,â she said,âand Iâll let you know when the doctor says he can be dismissed.â
Trent leaned a hip against the car. âOkay. I doubt youâll get any sleep tonight. Are you sure you donât want to keep the hotel room and let us take turns?â
She shook her head. âMac will feel better about the ranch this way.â A suddenly gust of wind sent her hair flying. The skies were darkening as storm clouds built. âYou should go,â she said. âSo you wonât have to drive in whatâs coming.â
Trent smoothed her hair behind her ears, both of his hands cupping her cheeks. His gaze was troubled. âI want to believe in you,â he muttered.
The husky words went straight to her heart. Was she imagining the caring and tenderness in his voice? She stepped away from him, gathering her courage, though all she wanted to do was rest in his arms. âBut you canât,â she said, the words barely audible.
He thrust his hands in his pockets. âYou expect a lot.â
She forced herself to say the words. âI canât be intimate with a man who despises me.â
For a split second, he stood, poleaxed, before his face closed up and a mask of arrogance cloaked his inner emotions. âI donât despise you, Brynnie. Thatâs the problem.â
She shifted from one foot to the other, wincing as thunder rolled in the distance. âPerhaps in light of Macâs most recent incident, we need to concentrate all our focus on him.â
Trentâs black scowl sent a shiver down her spine.
She held out a hand.