Chapter 66

Jeremy paced the hospital corridor, restless. Dewitt called, explaining he'd smoothed things over with the guy and sent him home.

Dewitt's voice was laced with remorse over what happened to Kayla. "Total fluke. I didn't even realize that dude was staking out my hotel. I'll swing by with something for Kayla-apologize in person."

"Handle your mess. Don't let this kind of thing happen again." With that, Jeremy ended the call.

Just then, Zoe's name lit up on his screen. He answered.

A faint cough came through. "Hey, Jeremy. I'm home now.You good?"

Jeremy cast a quick glance at the exam room door,his voice dropping. "I've got something going on right now."

Zoe let out another exaggerated cough. "Still grinding this late? You've got to ease up sometime. If you need anything, I'm around. I mean, I can't fix your deadlines,but I can chat, at least. Oh-and my mom has been pestering me to invite you over for dinner..."

Zoe kept going, her words tumbling out. Jeremy's patience was wearing thin, but he stayed silent,waiting.

The exam room door swung open, and Jeremy saw his moment. "I've got to run, Zoe. I've got a lot on my plate."

Before she could reply, the line went dead. Zoe stared at her phone, insulted. She was practically hacking up a lung, and he didn't even ask if she was okay?

Wasn't he supposed to send someone right away with the cold medicine?

Still holding her phone, Zoe muttered, "Jeremy's probably swamped. I'll find him once he's got a moment."

Meanwhile, Jeremy tucked his phone away and approached the exam room.

The doctor stepped out, carrying a tray of used supplies from treating Kayla's injury.

Jeremy asked, "How is she?"

"I'm fine," Kayla called from the wheelchair. She didn't think she needed it, but the doctor hadn't budged.

Kayla held her bandaged arm, her face pale but her eyes still bright.

"Don't worry about me, Jeremy. The doctor saysI've just been running myself into the ground, and tonight didn't help. A couple of days of rest, and I'll be back." Jeremy looked to the doctor for confirmation. "That right?"

The doctor nodded. "Yes. The cut's slightly inflamed,but it's under control."

"Good." Jeremy gave a curt nod. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out.

Kayla exhaled a huge breath of relief. She turned to the doctor. "Thanks a lot, really."

By pure luck, it was the same doctor who'd handled her prenatal appointment. He already knew. She'd begged him not to say anything about her pregnancy.

He gave her a concerned look. "The cut's manageable,but the stress tonight stirred things up with the baby.You've got to take it easy. No more pushing yourself."

"I hear you, doc. Thanks," Kayla said as she headed out.

She assumed Jeremy had long gone, but as she stepped into the night air, his car was still out front.

One of the bodyguards approached. "It's late. Mr.Graham's taking you home."

Without thinking,Kayla blurted, "Can I say no?"

The bodyguard blinked, caught off guard.

Kayla spotted Jeremy watching from the car. She sighed. "Fine. Thanks for the ride." Inside the car, exhaustion crashed over her. She leaned her head against the window, barely staying awake. Jeremy's voice cut through. "You took a hit for me tonight. Getting you to the hospital is just evening the score."

Kayla figured he was trying to clear any debt,probably thinking she'd cling to this as leverage.

She murmured a quiet "okay" and let her eyes close.

Jeremy thought she hadn't heard. But when he looked over, she was out cold, her expression peaceful,lashes fanned out like soft ink strokes on her cheeks.

He found himself staring, caught off guard by the stillness in her face.

"We're here at her spot, Mr. Graham," the driver said suddenly.

Jeremy looked outside, his brow tightening as he took in the rough neighborhood. "Liam has got Kayla living somewhere like this?"