the ranch where Dr. Tio was already set up and waiting for him.”
Jeff barely spared her a glance as he carried on speaking. “What the hell were you doing out there, son? I told you not to go. I warned you—”
Ben slowly closed his eyes and Silver rushed over to the bed and stood protectively in front of him. “He’s not well; he has a concussion, broken ribs, and a broken wrist. Will you please stop shouting at him?”
“What’s it to you?” Jeff demanded. “Are you one of Dr. Tio’s nurses? Is that where I’ve seen you?”
“She’s the client I took out on the trail ride, Dad. Now will you please stop shouting at both of us?” Ben’s voice was threaded with exhaustion. “I’ll keep in touch and let you know how I’m doing, okay?”
Jeff stared down at his son. “I’ll come back tomorrow. Make sure you are respectful to Ruth, and don’t lie there expecting everyone else to wait on you. I brought you up to be tougher than that.”
Silver marched over to the door and held it open. “I’ll see you out, Mr. Miller.”
She waited as Jeff Miller reached over and squeezed Ben’s shoulder before turning toward her, his expression worried, until he noticed her looking at him, raised his chin, and scowled at her instead.
“I’ll see myself out, thank you.”
Silver watched as he clumped down the stairs. He was still wearing his cowboy boots and spurs and had left a trail of dried mud through the house. She shut the door and rushed back to Ben who still had his eyes shut.
“Are you okay?”
He winced. “After that bracing visit from my parent? Sure, I’m feeling great.”
She sat on the side of the bed and held his hand. “He’s certainly something.”
“He’s a pain in the ass, but he means well.” He blew out a breath. “In case you missed it, that was him being concerned.”
“And I thought my father had problems expressing himself,” Silver said. “Is he that loud all the time?”
“Only when he’s worried.” He attempted a smile. “When he comes back tomorrow, he’ll have calmed down enough to ask questions, and that will be a whole ’nother lot of fun.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t see him,” Silver suggested.
“Like I’d be able to stop him,” Ben scoffed. “He’s something of a force of nature.” He hesitated. “Can you get me those painkillers Dr. Tio left me?”
“Sure.” She poured him a fresh glass of water. “Do you want some breakfast? Mrs. Morgan is dying to feed you.”
“That would be awesome.” He took the pills and set the glass back down beside his bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Not as bad as you are.” She managed a smile. “I slept for about sixteen hours and that really helped.”
“Is your dad coming to get you early?”
“No, I asked BB not to mention what happened if he called.” She paused. “He thought I should tell Dad, but I don’t want to get you or the Morgans in trouble.”
“Hell, we should be in trouble. I could’ve killed you.”
“But you didn’t, and we all got back safely,” Silver reminded him. “Why does he need to know any more than that?”
“Because he’s your father?”
Silver let go of his hand. “You know how your father came in here and immediately started shouting at you to show he cared? My father would come in here threatening lawsuits. I don’t want the ranch getting that kind of bad publicity, and I don’t want anyone to know I was here, full stop.”
Ben just watched her, his expression unreadable. “Are you asking me to lie to him, Silver? Because that wouldn’t sit well with me.”
“I’m asking you not to mention what happened when he turns up here in two days. I’ll tell him my version of events when we’re back in L.A., and then he won’t get all pissy about it with you and the Morgans.”
“Don’t you think he’s going to wonder why I’m all strapped up like this?” He gestured at his wrist.
“If he even notices, and that’s not a given, then you can tell him you fell off your horse when we got back or something. He probably won’t even ask.” She met his gaze. “I’m not asking you to outright lie for me. Just give me some time.”
Ben didn’t speak for so long, she had to remember to breathe.
“Okay, we’ll do it your way.”
“Thank you.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I’ll go and tell Mrs. Morgan you’re ready for your breakfast.”