“Oh my gosh, Ali, I’m not an invalid.” Chloe watched from her location on the couch as her friend buzzed around the house, making sure Chloe had everything she needed before she left her alone for the evening.
“Your mom made me swear I’d take proper care of you,” Ali said as she brought Chloe her favorite brand of crackers to snack on later. “She wasn’t happy I sent her home. She wanted to stay with you but I convinced her you’d be okay.”
Chloe sighed. “Thank you for that. She stayed up with me at the hospital all last night. I know she’s exhausted. This is the last thing she needs.” The dark circles under her mom’s eyes had been more than enough proof.
“She’s definitely exhausted. I hope she’s able to rest tonight.” Ali placed her hands on her hips. “I hope you’re able to rest tonight, too. Are you sure you don’t want me to stay with you? I could, you know. We’re on summer vacation. Not like I have anything to do.” The sarcastic tone in Ali’s voice made Chloe wonder what that was all about.
“I appreciate the offer but seriously, I’m fine. You’ve provided me with everything I need for the night.” Chloe glanced around, took in the TV remote, her e-reader, the giant bottle of ice cold water, the box of crackers. Heck, even a couple of napkins sat on the end table, and there was her favorite fluffy blanket folded up at the other side of the couch in case she got cold. “I think I’m set.”
“Okay well, call me any time—I mean it. I don’t care if it’s in the middle of the night; if you need me, I can be here in less than ten minutes.” Ali waved at Chloe’s cell phone, which also sat on the end table. “You’re so lucky you didn’t lose that.”
“I know.” Mike Vargas had been entering the hospital as she exited it with her mom and Alison, her cell phone clutched in his hand. He’d picked it up last night at the accident scene, found it more than one hundred feet away from her car on the lakeshore. A little sandy but otherwise intact, it was plugged in to its charger now.
Once she’d talked to him, she realized why he’d sent her the flowers—he’d pulled over to make sure she was okay mere minutes before the accident. She didn’t remember the encounter whatsoever.
It made her wonder, though. What had happened to make her so upset? He said she’d looked like she’d been crying. And she had no idea why.
“Okay. I’m gonna go.” Ali went to her, bending over and pressing a quick kiss to Chloe’s cheek. “I’m glad you’re okay. I’ve been worried about you.”
“Thanks so much for your help. I appreciate it.” She was loved. She’d felt it since the moment she woke up in the hospital after the accident. Everyone was so supportive; they were so grateful she was okay, and more than willing to do anything for her.
She’d never felt so appreciated in her life. Even Cam had been sweet, thoughtful. Visiting her, holding her hand, reassuring her in that calm, quiet way of his she found so appealing.
After Ali left, Chloe let her gaze linger on the sunflowers Cam had brought her. They were huge, bright and cheerful, and she’d wanted them in the best spot in the house where she could always see them.
So she could be reminded of Cameron. Stupid, yes, but she was filled with uncontrollable hope after the way he spoke to her earlier at the hospital. She could still feel her han
d clasped in his, their fingers entwined, his grip so strong, reassuring. The concern she’d seen in his eyes…he’d looked at her in a way that said so much more than any words that could come from that delectable mouth of his…
Sighing, she turned on the TV, hoping she’d be distracted by something trashy, maybe one of her favorite reality shows. She didn’t need to daydream yet again about the explosive kiss she’d shared with Cameron at the wedding, that was for sure.
But of course, she’d settled for a romantic comedy that had just started, the only thing decent on TV. A friends-to-lovers story that left her feeling wistful and sad when it was over, full of longing for Cam. So foolish, but undeniable.
She was pinning all her hopes on a man who lived and breathed adventure. And she was none of that, beyond this most recent one, though it wasn’t the kind she’d planned on seeking. Nearly getting herself killed in a car accident was adventure enough for her.
Stability was important. It had always been to her. Though she couldn’t deny the thrill that zipped through her every time Cameron glanced her way. The heat in his gaze, that slow smile that would spread across his face. What woman could resist him?
Not her. She was weak, so weak when it came to Cam.
Cozy on her comfortable couch, two pillows tucked beneath her head, her favorite blanket wrapped around her, she closed her eyes. Her thoughts drifted to that magical moment on the terrace with Cameron. Hard to believe it had been only three nights ago. How he’d touched her, how he’d kissed her. Those soft, sexy lips, the sensation of his tongue tangling with hers for the first time, the taste of him, heady and strong…
Outside, the wind blew through the towering pines that surrounded her little house. She could hear the soothing sound from her open window nearby and it lulled her into a dreamlike state. Well, combined with the strong pain medication she’d taken.
And as she drifted off into sleep, she thought of twisted limbs and soft sighs. Hot, damp lips blazing a trail of fire across her skin, a hard, strong man pressed against her, sinking her into the mattress. Cam’s mouth meshed with hers…
Chapter Five
She slept like the dead. Quite frankly, she’d never slept better in her life, and when she woke with a jolt the next morning, Chloe’s head spun from sitting up too fast.
Why wasn’t she in her bedroom? And why did her body ache so much? Shifting, she let out a groan at the sharp pain in her side.
Disoriented and hurting, she closed her eyes, counted to three before she opened them again. Slowly it came back to her. Being released from the hospital, Alison driving her home and making sure she had everything she needed within hands reach. The vase full of bright sunflowers, the silly, sentimental movie, Cameron sitting in the chair opposite her couch…
Blinking, she rubbed her eyes, realized he actually did sit there, watching her. A pink box sat on the coffee table between them and she gaped at it.
She’d recognize that box anywhere…
“What are you doing here?” she asked with a yawn that she quickly covered with her hand. “What time is it? How did you get in my house?”