Stay by Dahlia Rose Read Free Book Online

in it are complicated. You’re either part of it or you’re on the outside looking in. Your choice.”
    Hart watched as Jim closed the door before opening the bag and taking the pain pills out. He took two without water before lying back on the bed and staring up at the ceiling. The buzz from his drinks had faded long ago so his mind was clear. Christ, he thought. He should’ve pushed the bike to the next damn small town instead of stopping in this one. This entire situation, including Crystal, was messing up his basic rule. His subconscious called him a liar once more and goaded him into admitting the truth. Maybe he was looking for more than just a good bar fight and long, open roads. Maybe he was tired of deployments and the changing faces and scenes without something permanent to hold on to. The thoughts swirled in his head until the pain meds kicked in and he fell asleep. Even then, the taste of Crystal’s lips tempted him, and in his dreams she dared him to make a change.

Chapter Four
    “I can’t believe he started a bar fight,” Crystal moaned, dropping her forehead against the cool tile of the kitchen counter.
    “You forgot the part about the hospital and is now currently sleeping off a hangover,” Lyn added.
    “Jeez, I let him around Kaydee.” Crystal sighed. “I have the worst luck with men.”
    Lyn pushed a mug full of coffee toward Crystal. “I think it’s sweet. He was defending your honor. Jim said from the report that Skum said something about you and Kaydee and Hart went postal and took on like fifteen guys. I think Jim said he broke an arm on one guy and the leg on another.”
    “That’s…that’s…” Crystal couldn’t find the words.
    “That’s hot,” Lyn finished the sentence. “A guy busting up bodies for you is hot.”
    “Lyn!”
    Lyn raised an eyebrow. “Tell me you weren’t thinking it.”
    “I wasn’t,” Crystal denied.
    “Liar.” Lyn took a sip from her own cup. “I’ll pick Kaydee up from preschool on my way home in case you want to go play nurse to the stud upstairs.”
    “I do not,” Crystal denied again. “Besides, he’s bandaged and in pain.”
    “He has bruised ribs and is a soldier. The man can still work it or he can lie on his back and you do all the work,” her friend said.
    “I refuse.”
    Lyn kept prodding. “Didn’t you tell me the man can kiss like a dream? Imagine what he can do if both of you are naked.”
    “This is not a romance novel. He’s not a man who wants a woman with a kid in tow,” Crystal explained. “He likes his life and being unattached.”
    “Maybe that’s because no one ever asked him to,” Lyn commented.
    “Asked him what?” Crystal said.
    “To stay.” Lyn picked up her workbag and her to-go cup filled with coffee. “I have to meet Mrs. Limburg to change her will for the umpteenth time. I’ll see you this evening. I’ll have Kaydee. Don’t forget we’re going to go get manicures and pedicures and then frozen yogurt.”
    “You’re spoiling her,” Crystal commented.
    “You can return the favor when Jim and I have some kids,” Lyn replied. “But, seriously, Crystal, if you see something in Hart that you think is worth it then take the plunge. If not, you can do better, but follow your instincts. Not everyone is Liam; many men see the value of an amazing woman and child. See you later.”
    “Be safe,” Crystal called as Lyn went out the door.
    Did she dare take that step and open herself up again?
    Crystal pondered that question all morning. It was around ten when she made Hart a breakfast tray and headed upstairs. She was still torn because it wasn’t just her but her daughter who she had to think about. Her decisions would affect them both. The door to the guest suite was unlocked and she was just going to put his tray down in the small kitchenette and leave. Hart was lying on the sofa wearing only red plaid pajama pants and was barefoot. His ribs were wrapped and he had his forearm over his eyes. He