Chapter One

 

Tye Jamieson stared down at the detective novel he was holding. Maybe it hadn’t been such a good idea asking to share a hospital ward with another patient. He didn’t want to get involved with other people’s problems, he had too many of his own.

Mack seemed a nice old guy, a thorough gentleman, that dying breed of modest hero and God-fearing family man. Salt of the Earth, his Granny O’Leary would have said.

If only he wouldn’t keep harping about his beautiful granddaughter. 

“I brought her up with old fashion values,” Mack kept saying.

Tye knew such a paragon didn’t exist. Twenty-one years old, hardly went out with men. Yeah, probably a frigid mouse of a woman. Not that I care what she looks like. He always selected his female companions with care now. Glamorous beauties, willing to indulge in commitment free sex for a diamond or two.  Not the twinkling gems you put on the ring finger of a woman’s left hand.  He had been down that road before and it had cost him emotion as well as cash.

I’m a cynical bastard.  An emotional cripple. I’ll never put myself through such trauma again.  It would destroy him.  No, better to stick with his silicone enhanced babes, and leave permanent relationships and happy families to other men.

“Hello, Grandpa.”

The soft, melodious tones intruded on his brooding.  He glanced up, and a bolt of electricity shot through him.

So, this was Mack’s granddaughter. A halo of tousled golden curls framed a heart-shaped face. Gray eyes, shadowed with worry, stood stark against her alabaster skin. Small and dainty, she looked about sixteen, and wore an air of such fragility he wanted to protect her.

He opened his book and scanned the opening sentence.  Delicate porcelain figurines were not for him, and he should never forget it.