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“I’ve had my shots.”
“Me too, and yet...” Her eyes widen. “Wait—”
“I called Granddad, and he’s resting. No signs of flu.”
She relaxes. “Thank God. At his age...” Her nose crinkles, and as I take in the sprinkle of freckles, I note the tinge of sadness in her eyes. “I really appreciate you taking care of me. You didn’t have to... I mean I never expected you to...”
What, has no one ever taken care of her before?
“See, not a total asshole.”
“I’ll give you that.”
“Mighty generous of you. How about I get you to the shower and then make us something to eat.” Her stomach takes that moment to growl. “I’m starving.”
I stand and hold my arm out to help her up.
“What?” she asks, looking at my hand like it might grow a snake head and bite her.
“I’ll help you to the shower.”
“Oh.” She pushes the sheets down. “I can get up myself.”
I drop my arm and shove my hands into my jeans pockets. Her gaze follows as my pants slide lower on my hips.
“Granddad used to say your dad was stubborn. I see the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree.”
“I’ve put you out enough.” She swings her feet over the edge of the bed.
“I don’t mind putting out.”
Jesus, Will. What the fuck are you doing?
Her feet stop seconds before hitting the wood floor, and her gaze flies to mine. Dark eyes narrow, like she’s trying to figure out if I’m flirting or not.
I am, but I shouldn’t be. She’s an assistant, and the last girl I should be screwing around with. Yeah, sure, she signed a confidentiality clause, and Granddad vetted her. But sex with the help is wrong, and something the media would leap at and twist if they got wind of it. The last thing I want is my face splashed all over the papers again. I’ve brought enough shame to the Carson family as it is, and I’m sure Khloe doesn’t want her history out there for all to examine and pick apart.
“Believe it or not, when someone needs help, I help,” I say, getting my head back on right and redirecting the conversation. “That, and you’re a friend of Granddad’s. He’d kill me if I didn’t treat you properly.” She nods, and I continue with, “Why don’t you shower, and I’ll make us something to eat.”
She scurries off the bed and wobbles a bit as she stands. “Whoa,” she says, and puts her hand to her head.
“Let me help you.” I wrap my arm around her waist and tug her against me. She’s stiff at first but then relaxes into me. “You’re still pretty weak.”
She takes in the big room as we head to the en suite bathroom.
“This place is gorgeous.” Cold air blows down from the overhead vent, and she shivers.
“I’ll adjust the air-conditioning, and when you’re up to it, I’ll show you around the place.” I slowly guide her across the room, taking short steps to match hers. “Your room has a spectacular view of the ocean.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, mine is next to yours, with an equally great view.” I point to the curtains. “Behind those, you’ll find a patio door and a private deck, just for you. We have amazing sunsets here in Saint Thomas. Unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
A happy sigh catches in her throat. “Will, I think this is just what the doctor ordered.”
“Good,” I say, although I’m not sure why seeing her this happy has suddenly turned me into the grinning village idiot. Maybe it’s because she got fired and was violently ill all on the same day and could really use a break.
“Just yesterday morning, I was thinking how much I’d love to get away,” she says, and her smile is a little off-center when she adds, “Talk about fate.”
