“So do you. And it’s called documentation, Marcus. Make one more shitty threat and I will fire your ass.” Hunter smoothed his shaking hands down the front of his jacket. His insides rioted, his body screamed to beat Marcus into a bloody pulp, but he was determined to keep his cool.
He’d already lost it in front of Marcus, didn’t need to give him more fuel to add to his fire.
Without another word, Hunter turned his back on him, gathering the last of his things. He heard the door open, Marcus slipping out of his office, and when he knew he was gone for good, Hunter breathed a sigh of relief.
He’d made an ass out of himself. Lost it completely with a man he’d considered a friend just a few days ago.
That was before he’d degraded Gracie. Was Marcus going to rush off and tell Alex what he saw? Or worse, would he report him to human resources? Just what he needed—Gracie’s friend knowing they had sex in his office.
Hunter scrubbed a hand over his face, irritation rubbing his insides raw. Damn, if this wasn’t a fucked up mess. He couldn’t fix it either, at least not yet. He had to go. There was no way he could stick around here any longer.
He’d head home, pack a bag and then get to the airport. He could probably be at the hospital in less than two hours.
And once he got a hold of Gracie, he was never going to let her go.
Ever.
“Wake up for me, Gracie. You need to remain strong. You need to focus on healing, both for yourself and for that wee little one you’re carrying.” The voice was vaguely familiar, a little creaky. A woman’s voice that was full of love and encouragement and the slightest hint of fear.
The woman continued. “You’ve slept long enough now, don’t you think? Why, I’m much, much older than you and I’m already pacing the halls demanding they let me out of here, while you lie abed like a fancy girl taking a spa vacation.” The words were shaky, and the woman paused, drawing an audible deep breath. “Please, Gracie. Wake up. They don’t understand why you’ve been unconscious for so long. Your head injury wasn’t that bad. It makes no sense and when it makes no sense, it worries everyone. You’re making me sick with worry, and I don’t know if I can take it much longer.”
Cool, dry fingers clasped around Gracie’s hand and held on loosely. Gracie stirred at the touch, a twitch jolting through her body. A little groan spilled forth from her lips.
The pain was excruciating. It radiated throughout her entire body and settled in a low throb at the back of her head. Nausea threatened, her stomach roiled and she tried to swallow, but her throat was so dry.
“Keep coming back to me, Gracie-girl. Come back to your grandma now, sweetie. Please.”
So it was her grandmother who urged her awake. She’d waited this long to see her and now she had her grandma by her bedside and she couldn’t even wake up? Determination filling her, Gracie struggled against the languid sleepiness. She forcibly opened her eyes, her lids seeming to scrape against her eyeballs. Everything hurt.
Everything.
She stared up at the ceiling for a second or two before she shut her eyes once more, too tired to keep them open.
“Now don’t you go leaving me after I worked so hard to wake you up, Gracie. Open your eyes, sweetie. Open ‘em for me again, please.”
She did so, snapping her lids open so fast her head spun. Trying to focus on the details, she noticed the ceiling was a drab grayish-white. The room was warm and the overhead light harsh. Too harsh.
Suddenly a face appeared before her. Lined with age and topped with a shock of gray hair, familiar green eyes met hers. “You’re awake,” her grandmother said softly.
Gracie parted her lips to speak, but no sound came out.
“Take your time. It’s all right,” her grandma crooned. “You need to save your strength for your baby.”
Baby? Her mouth was so dry, so were her lips, and she licked them before she tried to speak. “Wh—what are you talking about?” She vaguely remembered a baby mentioned. She just found it hard to comprehend, what with everything going on.
“Why, you didn’t know you’re going to have a baby? The doctor told me before they wheeled you into surgery. You don’t know how much this thrills me, sweetie. We finally reconnect, and you’re gifting me with a great-grandchild.”
“I—I didn’t—”
“There, there, rest for now. Take it easy. You went through the surgery like a champ. Everything is fine, but the nurse said once you wake up, you’ll have to stay in ICU for a night or two more just so they can keep watch on you, then a few more days in the hospital before they release you. I told them they could release you to me. I’d be glad to take care of you.”
Gracie frowned. How in the world could her grandma take care of her when she was still in the hospital too? It made no sense.
“You sure are banged up.” Grace laughed softly. “You’d probably scream in horror if you could see your face right now.”
Not the reassuring words Gracie wanted to hear. She knew her grandma meant well, but she wasn’t necessarily being encouraging. More than anything, she wanted to be left alone.
And absorb the fact that she really was pregnant—with Hunter Worth’s baby.
Her heart raced just thinking about it.
Someone entered the room, their squeaky shoes making enough noise to startle Gracie out of her thoughts. “Ah, Mrs. Hayes, I see you woke her up.”
“I sure did. I knew I would.” Grandma sounded pleased.
“Excellent.” The nurse approached the bed, standing on the opposite side of Gracie’s grandma. She smiled down at Gracie. “How are you feeling?”
“Thirsty,” Gracie croaked.
“I’ll bring you a fresh pitcher of water in just a minute. The doctor is making his rounds now. I’ll let him know you’re awake, and he’ll stop by to see you soon. So glad you decided to rejoin us, Miss Hayes.”
Gracie nodded, exhaustion settling over her once again. It was too much, just speaking a few words and moving her head. She could hardly function.
“You need to return to your room and get back into bed, Mrs. Hayes.” The nurse lowered her voice to a conspiring whisper. “You’re not supposed to be in ICU, you know.”
“Aren’t you funny, considering you’re the one who let me in here?” Grandma sniffed and stood tall, trying her best to appear regal but failing considering the faded and tattered blue robe she wore.
“Well, I snuck you in and now I need to sneak you back out. Let’s go, Mrs. Hayes.” The nurse smiled at Gracie once more. “I’ll be right back, Miss Hayes.”
She watched the two women leave the room, her grandma turning to wave at her once before the nurse had to practically drag her out. Gracie closed her eyes the moment they exited the room, thankful for the peace and quiet.
Her mind wouldn’t remain quiet. It raced with overwhelming, terrifying thoughts. Surgery and recovery, a grandma still in the hospital who behaved as if nothing was wrong with her—the woman even insisted Gracie would be able to go home and recuperate at her house. It was all too much.
She needed to find her cell phone and make some calls. Becky would be first on her list. Her friend would know what to do and how to help her. Then maybe…
Maybe she could call Hunter. He deserved to know what happened. He’d called, and she knew he was most likely concerned. Plus, if it was really true, he was the father of their future baby.
Tears leaked out of the corners of her eyes and streamed down her cheeks. She’d really done it this time. Nearly killed herself in a reckless accident and now found herself pregnant. Wasn’t she the poster child of what not to do?
Gracie sniffed and wished for sleep again. For the first time in years, she felt like a complete failure.
She didn’t like it.
“Could you please tell me Gracie Hayes’ room number?” Hunter smiled at the nurse behind the desk, putting forth the Worth charm as best he could, but he was so damn tired, his smile wavered.
Great.
&
nbsp; The nurse glanced up at him for one millisecond before she resumed scanning the chart in front of her. “Are you a family member?”
He frowned. “No.”
“Then I’m sorry, I can’t give out that information. She’s in the Intensive Care Unit tentatively until tomorrow. Once they release her, then I can let you know where her room is.”
“I know she’s in ICU. That’s why I’m here.” Irritation filled him, and he tried to clamp it down. Acting like an ass wouldn’t help in seeing Gracie. They’d probably kick him out of the hospital. “I’m her boss. We’re concerned about her safety and health and just want to make sure she’s all right.” A slight understatement, considering he felt like he was going to die if he didn’t find out if she was okay, but he needed to keep his cool.
The nurse didn’t even bother looking up at him. “I’m sure she’d appreciate your concern, but unfortunately, I cannot give you that information.”
Biting back the curse word that wanted to fly, he turned away from the information desk, glaring at anyone who dared look at him.
Including the old woman in the blue robe who stared at him with wide, assessing eyes.
“Yoo hoo! Are you looking for my Gracie?” she called, the nurse she stood with immediately shushing her.
He cocked his head, studying the woman. Had she overheard his inquiry? He went to her, saw that she clung to the arm of the young nurse. “Your Gracie?” he asked.
The woman nodded proudly. “She’s my granddaughter. Who are you? And why are you here?”
“My name is Hunter Worth. I’m Gracie’s boss.” The nurse gasped at first mention of his name, but he ignored her. Ever since Worthwhile was created, the younger set recognized the Worth name quickly. Plus there was that one-time appearance he made on a fashion designer reality show. He still regretted that choice, wished like hell Alex had done it instead. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He stuck out his hand.
The woman settled her hand in his warily, suspicion glinting in her gaze. “You came all the way up here to check on your employee?”
“Gracie is a very—valuable employee to me. Is she all right?” The words tripped over themselves, and he knew she noticed. He could tell by the turn of her head, the sharpness that gleamed in her green eyes. Eyes that reminded him so much of Gracie’s.
“She’s doing better.” She paused, contemplating him. “I’m going back to my room, Mr. Worth. Why don’t you come along with us so we can talk more about Gracie?”
Relief flooded him. “I would be delighted to accompany you back to your room, Mrs.…”
“Hayes. Mrs. Grace Hayes. She was named after me, you know.”
He nodded dutifully.
“And she looks a lot like I did at her age too. She’s almost the spittin’ image of me, if I do say so.”
“Two beautiful ladies, then,” he said in agreement.
The older woman smiled while the nurse continued to stare at him covertly. Word would most likely spread that one of the Worth brothers from Worth Luxury was at the hospital. He’d hoped to avoid this. “You’re a charmer.”
“Thank you—I think.”
“Oh, it’s definitely a compliment.” The woman cackled.
They stopped in front of an elevator, and Hunter turned to the nurse. “I can take over and assist Mrs. Hayes back to her room, if that’s not a problem.”
The nurse blinked up at him. “It’s not, not at all. Thank you. She’s on the second floor.”
“Room 226,” Grace added.
Hunter hit the down button, smiling at the nurse. “Thank you for your assistance.”
“Anytime,” the nurse whispered.
“I’d appreciate it if maybe you could…keep it quiet. That I’m here at the hospital, that is,” he said, hoping like hell she’d agree.
“Oh, I can do that.” She nodded furiously. “That won’t be a problem, Mr. Worth.”
“Thank you. I do appreciate it.”
She hustled away from them as soon as the elevator doors slid open. Hunter clasped hold of Grace’s arm and led her inside the empty elevator, the doors closing in on them quickly. He leaned over and punched the number two button.
“What was that all about?”
He turned to look at Mrs. Hayes. “What was what all about?”
“You were asking the nurse to keep it quiet that you’re here. Are you some celebrity or what?”
“Not quite.”
“Well, what are you then? And who are you really to Gracie?” She peered up at him, her jaw set, her lips tight.
“Perhaps we can discuss it further once we return to your room,” he suggested.
“Which means you’re avoiding my questions. I get it. I wasn’t born yesterday. And neither was my Gracie. She’s one tough cookie, I’ll have you know.”
Oh, he knew. And he admired the hell out of her for it, too.
The doors opened to the second floor, and he led Grace’s grandmother to her room, helping her settle on top of the bed and handing her a cup of water when she asked for it. Anxious to hear news on Gracie, he sat on the edge of the hard chair that was next to the bed, clutching his hands in front of him as he watched Grace settle in.
“You’ve been right patient with me,” she said once she was finished squirming.
He smiled but it was forced. “I wanted to make sure you were comfortable.”
“You’re also quite the gentleman. I’m sure my Gracie is taken with that.” He started to protest, but she held up a hand to silence him. “No need to deny it, I think I know what you’re all about.”
Hunter clamped his lips shut and swallowed. “What exactly do you think I’m all about?”
“Well, you’re not here simply because you’re her boss and worried over her condition.”
“I’m extremely worried about her condition, which you still haven’t informed me of yet.”
She leaned forward, her gaze meeting his. “She had surgery earlier. Minor internal bleeding, some damage to her kidney, but they repaired it. Though it might aggravate her later, the doctor said.”
Closing his eyes, he said a small prayer of thanks. Though worry still clutched at his heart at the words “aggravate her later”, at least she was going to be okay.
“She suffered a major head injury and she broke her wrist. She’s pretty banged up,” her grandmother continued.
Nodding, he silently urged her to continue.
“She’s also been unconscious since they brought her to the hospital. She was talking and responsive when they pulled her from the wreckage, but once they arrived, she slipped back into unconsciousness and only came out of it a bit ago. I’m sure she’s not out of the woods yet.”
Dread consumed him. “Unconscious?” he repeated weakly.
“Yes. What with her head injury, they think the two are related, but the doctors are surprised at how long she was out.”
“What exactly happened to her?”
“It was a terrible car accident about twenty miles from the hospital. It was raining and she drifted into the other lane. She ended up rolling the car down an embankment.”
Fear gripped him by the throat, nearly choking him. She could’ve died. Or her injuries could’ve been far, far worse. Of course, no one knew the true extent of her injuries considering she’d only just woken up from a three-day unconscious state no one could explain.
“She’s pregnant, you know.” The words dropped from the older woman’s lips like live bombs, decimating him with her nonchalant tone. As if she’d made a neutral comment about the weather.
Those words rocked Hunter’s world. Robbed him of breath and sent him reeling so hard he leaned back in his chair, stunned silent.
“I gather you didn’t know.” She paused. “I don’t think she knew either.”
“Does—does she know now?” He sounded breathless, as if he just ran one hundred miles and his heart beat erratically.
“I told her. I believe it was that bit of news that woke her up, though she
didn’t acknowledge the fact that she’s going to be a mama.” The woman fairly beamed, she looked so proud. “She’s going to make me a great-grandma. I gather you had something to do with that as well?”
If he’d been stunned silent before, her words had now completely rendered him mute. How was he supposed to answer that?
“The look on your face is answer enough.” She shook her head and scoffed. “You men come in my girls’ lives and ruin them, just like that. She’s a successful businesswoman, and you go and seduce her. How dare you?”
It had just taken a turn for the worse. “It’s not how you think,” he started but she silenced him with a cold stare.
“It’s exactly like I think and I know it. Mister Big Shot Boss tells pretty little Gracie that he wants to be with her and next thing she knows, she’s falling into bed with you. You use her up, spit her out and already forgotten her. I’m sure you’re here only out of a sense of guilt. The girl could’ve died, you know.”
“I know,” Hunter said firmly. “And I’m not here because of some sense of guilt or obligation. I’m here because I care for your granddaughter and was worried sick about her.”
“You don’t know my granddaughter. You don’t know how tough her life has been or how much she’s suffered. And now you’ve gotten her pregnant. What are you going to do to make it right?”
“You don’t know how tough her life has been or how much she’s suffered either. You weren’t there for her for years,” he accused.
The woman flinched, her expression turned murderous. “Men. You’re all good for nothing. I’ll tell you how you’re going to make it right. You’re going to leave her alone.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Oh, yes you are, you’re going to stay out of her life and move on. Write her a big fat check and leave it at that.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I won’t have you visiting her in this hospital either.”
He stood, rage making his limbs shake. That this little old woman was trying to manipulate him and tell him what to do astounded him. “You have no control over who her visitors are.”
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