pillows. “You need to hydrate. I know that much.”
She took the glass with both hands, sipped.
Luke sat beside her, nabbed his cell, and speed-dialed Doc Worton’s office.
“So much for keeping my pregnancy secret,” Rae said.
Luke’s call rolled to hold. He listened to sappy elevator music while watching Rae sip water. She’d scrubbed away the meticulous eye makeup and bold lipstick of Regan Devereaux. She’d dressed down in baggy pajama pants, a bright green hoodie, and fuzzy slippers. She didn’t look like the daughter of a Hollywood celebrity. She didn’t look filthy rich. She looked real.
And
His heart jerked just as the receptionist answered. “Doctor Worton’s office. How can I help you?”
“Hi, Leslie. Luke Monroe. Can I get a quick word with Doc?”
“He’s with a patient, Luke.”
“I need some medical advice.”
“Nurse Dunlap’s available.”
“Great. Thanks.” Jane Dunlap was a registered nurse and practiced alongside Worton. She was also another ex of Luke’s, although they’d never slept together. “Yeah. Hey, Jane.”
“Luke. Everything okay?”
He froze for a second wondering the best way to approach this while honoring Rae’s reputation. If he was too cryptic about a “friend” in need, Jane might pry and even if he skimped on details, he’d be setting himself up for gossip. Sugar Creek thrived on juicy dirt—real or embellished. “Here’s the thing. I think I got slammed with food poisoning. Spent the night gushing out both ends, if you get my drift.”
“Loud and graphically clear. Anything else?”
“Dizzy, sweating.”
“Classic signs. How are you now? Still throwing up?”
“No. All that ended about a half hour ago.”
“Feeling feverish or chilled.”
“Feverish or chilled?” he repeated.
Rae shook her head.
“Nope. Just weak as hell.”
“That’s to be expected,” Jane said. “When did it start? Did it last more than twenty-four hours?”
“About half that.”
“Sounds like a mild case of food poisoning or a plain old bug. Rest, drink lots of water, and try to keep down some chicken broth.”
“That’s it?”
“Based on what you’ve told me,” Jane said. “If the symptoms lasted longer than two days or if you had a high fever or if you were a child under three or a pregnant woman, I’d suggest seeking medical attention just to be safe. Doctor Worton has a full schedule today but if you’re worried—”
“No. I’m good. Thanks, Jane.” Mouth dry, Luke disconnected and glanced around for Rae’s suitcase. Not seeing one, he made a beeline for an antique bureau. Unlike his drawers at home everything was neatly folded, even her underwear and socks. He bypassed the silk and lace bras and thongs, opting for one of those cami tops and a pair of wool socks. Long-sleeved pullover, jeans …
He dumped his haul on the bed and peeled off her thin pajama bottoms.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting you into some warm clothes.”
“Why?”
“I’m taking you to the hospital.” He met her panicked gaze and tempered his own misgivings as he helped her into the jeans. “Just to be on the safe side.”
His heart did another funny jerk when she blinked back tears and said, “Okay.”
The closest hospital was in Pixley—a thirty-minute drive on a clear day. Given the icy conditions it would take longer. Rae was glad Luke was driving and not her. Not that she was capable of driving.
Rae couldn’t remember ever being this sick, feeling this weak. After helping her to dress (something she didn’t want to think about right now) and grabbing her purse, Luke had carried her to his car. She hated the way people stared as he whisked her through the lobby, but it would have taken them twice as long if she had tried to walk. At this point, she wanted to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. She needed to know that she hadn’t put her baby at risk because of a stupid food craving.
Fear and guilt caused her to blurt her mind. “Admittedly, I only scanned one article on food poisoning last night, but it didn’t mention anything about a pregnancy risk.” Heart heavy, she slouched against the passenger door as Luke veered onto the main highway. “I should have called for help sooner. I just … I didn’t realize it was going to get so bad.”
“Shouldn’t you be traveling with a personal assistant or a bodyguard or two?”
She frowned, perplexed by the turn of conversation. “Why would I do that?”
Luke shrugged. “Paris Hilton. Ivanka Trump. Don’t heiresses typically travel with an entourage?”
Amazingly, she didn’t detect sarcasm in his tone. The Luke who’d rushed to her rescue today reminded her of the charming man she’d initially fallen for, not the angry man who’d tracked her to Bel Air. “The last thing I want is an entourage. Yes-men. People who cater to your every whim while taking advantage of your prestige and fortune. Olivia’s cup of tea, not mine.”
“Then what about a bodyguard?”
“
“To protect you. Watch over you. You’re worth a lot of money. What if someone tried to kidnap you for ransom?”
“I don’t think that’s an issue.”
“What about the paparazzi? We’ve all seen how they hound celebrities. Look at what happened to Princess Di.”
“I’m not royalty. And I’ve made it a lifetime mission to avoid the paparazzi.” In spite of her anxiety, she managed a small smile. “I’m actually pretty good at it.”
Eyes locked on the road, Luke grunted.
“Are you worried about me?”
He caught her gaze and her heart fluttered. “Yeah,” he said. “I am.”
“Because of the baby.”
“That’s part of it.” He focused back on the road. “Hell, Rae. Seeing you down for the count, knowing you suffered through the night alone. Considering some of the more seedy ramifications of your new social status … I’d be worried about any woman in your position. You’re vulnerable.”
It wasn’t what she wanted to hear. She didn’t want pity. Nor did she want to be smothered by unwanted attention. “Sam said I’m a warrior.”
“Sam’s trying to get in your pants.” Luke held up a hand before she could protest. “Sorry. I won’t go there.”
“You already did.” Rae shifted her focus to the passing scenery. The snow-covered mountains, the occasional farm. She tried to lose herself in the beauty and serenity of the rural landscape, but there was no comfort to be had. Not with Luke tangling up her nerves and senses. How could he be so kind one second and a jerk the next? Although when she thought about it, almost every man in her life had treated her with a duality that made her head spin and her heart ache. She always ended up disappointed or hurt. Part of the reason she didn’t trust easily. Since their confrontation in Bel Air, she definitely didn’t trust Luke.
Yet he’d been her first cry for help.
Not Sam. Who’d only treated her with respect and kindness.
Luke.
“You okay, hon?”
“I wish you wouldn’t call me that.”
“What?”
