The doors begin to close when a hand shoots through, prompting them to open. I don’t pay attention as the stranger nods a greeting. He glances at the floor lit up and doesn’t request another, so I assume he’s here for a patient on the same floor as Granny Jo. In his hand, he’s holding a vase with a dozen red roses. It’s not the usual hospital flowers, but maybe he’s visiting a girlfriend or wife.
The oddest sensation prickles the back of my neck, and I glance at the guy. There’s nothing significant about him. Average height and build. Dark hoodie and jeans. Sandy blond hair, no beard or mustache.
It’s his eyes. They hold my gaze boldly, almost hostile. I frown as he turns to the doors as they open, leaving without abackward glance. Something about him rubs me the wrong way. Since I doubt I’ll ever see him again, I dismiss it as nothing important.
Juggling the drinks, I make my way toward Granny Jo’s room. There’s a smile on my face because I’m about to see both the women I care about.
Phantom notices me first, snatching up the coffee with a nod. “Thanks, brother.”
It’s stupid, but when I see the grin he tries to hide behind the rim of his cup, I get annoyed. What’s his deal?
I figure it out when Cami sees me. “Oh. It’s you.”
Granny Jo gives her a disapproving look before beaming a smile at me. She’s not wearing an oxygen mask anymore. “There’s my favorite biker.”
Phantom slaps a hand over his heart. “I’m wounded, Granny Jo.”
She snorts, shifting her attention to me. “Did you bring me a treat?”
“Of course. Hot tea with lemon and honey.”
“You’re always so sweet to me.”
I hand it over and then reach for the hot chocolate. “Got you something, too,” I tell Cami.
She accepts it, taking a sip without saying anything.
A nurse walks in, carrying a vase of red roses. She’s smiling as she sets the flowers on the table beside Gran. “Special delivery. Aren’t they lovely?”
Granny Jo blinks. “For me?”
I can tell she’s confused. Who would send her red roses?
The nurse shrugs. “You must have a secret admirer.”
She leaves us, shutting the door behind her. That’s when I notice Cami’s expression. She looks pale, almost afraid.
Something spooked her, and I need to find out why.
Chapter 6 Camille
Red roses. Here. In Granny Jo’s hospital room.
It can’t be a coincidence.
I glance at the arrangement and spot the bright white card. My fingers tremble as I grab it and flip it over to read the message. It’s blank.
Relief washes over me, and I toss the card in the trash.
Granny Jo frowns as I face her, trying to settle the anxious beating of my heart. “Does it say who sent them?”
I shake my head. “No. I guess you have a secret admirer after all.”
She laughs. “It’s because I’m so irresistible.”
“You’re right,” I agree, forcing a smile. She doesn’t need to know about the roses I received in L.A., it’ll only worry her, and that’s something she doesn’t need right now.
I think everything is fine until I notice Rex’s stare. He’s figured out something is wrong. I can see the gears churning in his head. Phantom is watching him and glancing between us.
