Quotes by Henry Parker Manning

“She was too narcoleptic to speak. Or move.How long had this been going on? Was she like this yesterday? Had I missed her illness in my quest to prove to my brain that my dick wasn’t the one behind this train wreck’s wheel?I touched her forehead again. It sizzled.“Sweetheart.”“Please get out.” The words clawed past her throat.“Someone needs to take care of you.”“That someone definitely isn’t you. You made that clear these past couple days.”I said nothing.She was right. I hadn’t bothered to check on her. Perhaps I’d wished she’d check on me.In truth, she’d already gone beyond any expectations in trying to make whatever it was between us work.Meanwhile, I’d shut her down. Repeatedly.“Shortbread, let me get you some medicine and tea.”“I don’t want you to nurse me to health. Do you hear me?” She must have hated that I’d seen her like this. Weak and ill. “Call Momma and Frankie. It’s them I want by my side.”I swallowed but didn’t argue. I understood she didn’t want to feel humiliated. To be taken care of by the man who ensured she understood her insignificance to him.How did her bullshit meter not fry? How could she think I really felt nothing toward her?“First, I’ll get you medicine, tea, and water. Then I’ll call for Hettie to stay with you. Then I’ll notify your mother.” I tugged her comforter up to her chin. “No arguments.”She tried to wave me out, groaning at the slightest movement. “Whatever. Just go. I don’t want to see your face.”I gave her what she wanted, though as always, not in the way she expected. The sequence of actions didn’t proceed as promised.First, I contacted Cara to dispatch the private jet to Georgia.Then I called my mother-in-law and Franklin”