Page 79 of If I Didn’t Have You

He shot me an amused look. “It’s all over town.”

“Well, gossip is never one hundred percent accurate,” I mumbled.

“Make sure that whatever’s going on with you… just be careful.”

I smiled tightly at him, refusing to give him any more ammunition. “If that’s all, I’m going to talk with Ben and see if he can give me a ride home.”

“Sure.” Stepping aside, he tipped his hat.

And now it was time for the performance of a lifetime. Getting to my feet, I made it only a few steps before I stumbled and then let my body weight carry me to the ground.

“Clara!” Maverick shouted, catching me just before I hit the pavement.

I let my eyes roll around before focusing on his face.

“Hey, are you alright?”

The key to the deception was to pretend I was fine. If I acted like I was hurt or sick, he would never believe me.

“Of course I am,” I pushed at his arms. “I just tripped.”

“That wasn’t a trip.”

I shoved to my feet, still gripping his arms. “I’m fine. Really.”

I lied through my teeth, determined to pull this off.

“Just take it easy. Sit down for a moment.”

I let him push me back onto the ambulance, but continued to fight him.

“Really, I’m fine. I just stood too soon.”

“Have you been feeling dizzy lately?” he asked, whistling to the paramedic, waving him over.

“No. Honestly, stop fussing. I’m fine.”

“You collapsed and would have hit the ground if I hadn’t caught you.”

I gave him my best glare, knowing it was the only way to preserve my cover. “Maverick Wynne, are you trying to make me mad?”

“I just⁠—”

“I told you I’m fine.”

“You fell⁠—”

“I said I’m fine, and⁠—”

Right on time, my husband stomped over, his face filled with anger and concern. “What the hell is going on?”

“She almost collapsed. Says she’s fine,” Mav said, quirking an eyebrow at me.

“I am fine.”

“That’s it. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“I am not going to the hospital!” I shouted at my husband. “I am perfectly fine, and if you don’t believe me⁠—”