Page 16 of You're So Vine
Doc nods. “If she can walk out of here under her own steam, she can go home. There’s nothing more we can do today.”
Oh, I can walk out of here. Even if it kills me.
Cam hands me a cup of water. I’d prefer bourbon but I’ll take what I can get.
I slide off the bed and bat Cam’s hand away. Have to do this myself.
I’m on my feet and my head is fuzzy but not swirling. Deep breaths, Ava. Slow movements.
Cam is hovering, but I’m feeling good. The rush of relief that I can leave is giving me a much-needed boost. The three of us make it all the way to the hospital entrance without incident.
“I’ll check in with you tomorrow, Ava.” Doc makes it sound almost like a threat. “You take good care of her, son.”
He heads back inside, and soon as he can no longer see us, I grab Cam’s arm.
“You okay?” Anxiety makes his voice go squeaky.
“I’m wiped out,” I tell him. “Take me home.”
There’s a slight pause.
“Uh, your home?” he says. “Or—?”
Up till now, I hadn’t considered this to be an option. But, oh boy, I need to be away from prying eyes. Away from people asking questions because they “care”. I need a distraction, and preferably one that might involve some sexy action with Cam. Nothing like multiple orgasms to take your mind off your problems.
My conscience starts nagging.Don’t use the guy, it’s not fair to him.Every other part of me shouts it down.He made the offer! He mightwantto be used! Why are you hesitating for even a second?
“Your home, definitely,” I say. “Mine will be full of worried people. Don’t need that stress.”
“Might be more worried if you don’t come home.”
“I’ll text them.”
And then I’ll switch off my phone.
We’ve arrived at the Flora Valley Wines truck, an ancient Dodge.
“Shelby let me borrow it,” Cam explains.
“Don’t you have a car?”
“Nope,” he says. “Usually walk.”
He helps me up into the passenger seat where I take a moment to rest my head and close my eyes. I open them before Cam gets in. Don’t want to freak him out.
He gets in, looks across at me. Dodge’s interior lighting is non existent, so all I can see is a big dark shape. But I can sense the nerves. Sense his inner struggle.
Slowly-slowly,I hear Chiara say.
“Honestly, this is for the best,” I only part-lie. “I need peace and quiet. The Durant family don’t do peace and quiet.”
“Okay,” he says. “If you’re sure?”
Oh, I’m sure.
“Drive on, Hollander,” I say. “I’ll text my folks. And then I’ll lie back and have a little nap.”
ChapterSix
