River Wolf(16)

Keeping her attention split between the speedometer, the traffic on the interstate and the signs indicating upcoming gas stations, fast food, and hotels, she said, “You were hit by a car. I think that’s a little different than being in a car accident. More like a hit and run. And I knew that. It was on the report the night they brought you in.”

“Were you in the ER when they brought me in?” He didn’t seem to mind the correction.

“No, I don’t—didn’t work the ER. But we talk and you were big news that night. Not sure how long you were in Alba before you came to the hospital, but nothing happens there.”

“You happened there.”

Was he flirting with her? She jerked the wheel when she started to wander into the other lane. He made a grunting noise. “Sorry. Don’t do that.”

“Breathe?” Incredulity punctuated the word.

“Don’t flirt with me. We’re not on a date. You aren’t getting lucky. I don’t want to get to know you better.” Liar. “I’m your driver. We have a deal. You’re paying me money to deliver you to the middle of nowhere New York. Does New York even have a middle of nowhere?” New York was an island and a state, yes, she was aware of the state but when she thought of New York, she thought Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. “Are we going anywhere near Battery Park? Or the Brooklyn Bridge?”

Silence greeted her inquiry and she cut a look in his direction. His eyes were half-closed and the corners of his mouth were curved. Man, Luc had a weird sense of humor. “Keep talking,” he said after a long moment. “It’s strangely soothing.”

“Uh huh.” A sign ahead announced a twenty-four hour restaurant. It wasn’t the steakhouse he’d requested, but she’d bet her car keys they served something resembling steak. “I’m not talk radio for you either. There’s a place to eat at the next exit. Getting you in this car was a hell of an exercise. Are you okay with me pulling in and getting takeout?”

“That’s fine. I don’t enjoy the idea of hobbling on these casts.” Then under his breath, he added. “I should have had them cut off before I left.”

“You can’t have them cut off,” she snapped. “Look, you have some nasty breaks. I saw the x-rays when they went over it with you. You’re going to be in those casts for a while and you’re going to need a good orthopedic physician and therapy.” Hopefully, he had someone at home who could manhandle him around. He had several pounds on her and she was hardly a shrinking violet, but he was dead weight at the moment.

“Hmm.” The strength of his regard struck her again.

Following the exit, she stayed on the access road all the way to the restaurant. “If they don’t have steaks, burgers will work, right?” He liked the burgers at the hospital.

“Sounds good.” The strain underscoring each word concerned her more than anything. Pulling into the lot, she parked, then reached over to touch his face. His skin was on fire.

“You have a fever.” Dammit. Dammit. Dammit.

“I’ll be fine.” His eyes were half closed, and his voice thicker. “Something cold to drink would be nice.”

“You need to be in a hospital.”

“Colby.” The way he phrased her name sent shivers skating over her skin. “I need to be where I am. Go, get the food. My wallet is here…” He tapped the leather billfold on his lap. “Food. Cold drink. Get something for yourself.”

Maybe they had a travel mart. “I’ll get you some acetaminophen.” Ibuprofen would work faster, but she didn’t dare give him a blood thinner. A thermometer would be good, too. “Stay here, okay?” For the first time, she wished she had air conditioning, so she could at least cool the air around him. Stretching past him into the back seat, she tugged out a blanket and draped it over him, but left room for air to escape. Fevers could lead to chills, chills could cause him more issues.

“Not going anywhere.” Amusement seemed to tug at the corners of his mouth. “Don’t worry sweet cheeks, I’ll be fine. Go, get us some food.”

The interior of the restaurant was exactly what she expected. She put in an order for several burgers, fries, and two strawberry shakes. Based on his reaction before, he probably would have taken the strawberry shake if not for her. While the cooks worked on the meal, she stole a look outside. She half-expected him to be sleeping, but his eyes were open and he watched the shop. Was he trying to make sure she didn’t escape?

A small mini mart occupied the far corner of the restaurant nearest the gas station. It cost her three times their value, but she picked up a half dozen packets of pain killers, a couple of bottles of water, a bag of ice and an ice pack. One arming her load back to the restaurant, she managed to pick up the bag of to go boxes and the two shakes. Awkwardly, she carried the whole load back to the car.