I watch her limp toward the entrance, and I can’t take it. I won’t watch her struggle in pain because of her pride. She could injure herself further.
I rush to scoop her up, entering the hospital. I only set her down once we reach the information desk. “We’re looking for Granny Jo, uh, Josephine Parker.”
The nurse looks up the room and hands us guest stickers. I slap mine on my flannel shirt as Cami places hers on her jacket. She’s glaring at me as I move toward her.
“Don’t touch me, Rex. I’m fine. I can walk.”
She’s so fucking stubborn.
“Fine.”
“Fine,” she mirrors back.
Fucking Christ. She hates me. I keep thinking it’s gonna change. Nope.
“I’m going to park the truck, and then I’ll be up.”
“Don’t rush.”
She walks slowly to the elevator, the limp hardly noticeable. The doors swing open, and she enters, flipping me off as the doors close her inside.
She thinks she’s won. That I’m not going to keep fighting for her. She’s wrong. My resolve sharpens the more she resists. I’m gonna figure out how to get her to fall in love with me while I keep both my women safe. Granny Jo and Cami are mine to protect.
That won’t ever change.
Chapter 4 Camille
The elevator closes as I drop my hand, glaring at Rex Coleman after I popped my middle finger at him. He’s so stubborn and frustrating. Being in his presence throws everything out of whack, and I struggle to contain my emotions.
He’s not important right now, though. I leave the elevator and rush to find Granny’s room, finally locating the number the receptionist gave me at the end of a long hallway. I say her name as I rush inside, only to find she’s sleeping.
I’m glad I didn’t wake her.
“Hi.” A nurse greets me as she enters. “Are you family?”
“She’s my grandmother, Granny Jo,” I explain. “I came as soon as I heard about the fire.”
“Ah. She’s been resting a lot since we admitted her.” The nurse glances at Granny. “She inhaled a lot of smoke. There’s swelling in her airways.”
She’s wearing a facemask that administers oxygen, and I can hear her noisy breathing as she rests. The bed has been raised. I assumed it’s because she needs it. Seeing her hooked up to machines and needing help to breathe is heartbreaking.
“Is that what I’m hearing with her lungs?”
“Yes. We’ve given her medicine because we want mucus to form and help rid her lungs of the chemicals and bacteria. Earlier, your grandmother complained of a headache and seemed confused. We’re monitoring her condition closely for any changes.”
“Does that mean she’s not okay?” I hear the tremor in my voice and don’t bother to hide it. I can’t believe this happened to her. The whole town loves my Granny.
Who in Raven’s Crest would want to harm her?
“She will be with a little time and patience,” the nurse replies with confidence.
Still, she’s hurt. That’s not okay.
I gesture to the bandage on Granny Jo’s arm. “Is that a burn?”
“Yes. It’s severe, but not life-threatening. We’ll take good care of her.”
The badge the nurse is wearing on a lanyard reads Jean.
