Chloe gave an embarrassed shrug, since she thought it was a ridiculous extravagance too. “My boss wants me back quickly.”

“He sent you here in a helicopter?”

“Actually, we landed at the Essex County Airport, and there was a car waiting for me.” Chloe was beginning to realize that Grandmillie wasn’t happy about something.

“Young lady, if your boss has you riding around in a helicopter, then he certainly could have provided a shower and a change of clothes. I know how those corporate offices are with their fancy gyms and locker rooms. You didn’t have to come all the way back to New Jersey just to freshen up.” Grandmillie put her hands on her hips, her cane jutting out at an angle that somehow indicated her annoyance. “You came back here to check on me.”

“That’s not true.” Chloe tried to deflect the lecture she knew was coming. “I wanted my own clothes after a night of sleeping on a cot in a strange place.”

“Remember our deal, Chloe? If my living here begins to interfere with your life in any way, I will sign myself into an assisted-living facility immediately.” Grandmillie gave her a stern look. “That persistent Dr. Cavill gave me his personal emergency cell phone number, and you made me swear to wear my medical alert necklace, which I am.” Grandmillie held up the stylish pendant that concealed the call button she could push in case she fell or had another problem that required assistance when Chloe wasn’t home. “I don’t appreciate being treated like an invalid, but I know your concern comes from the heart.”

“I’m glad you realize that,” Chloe said. “I don’t mean to worry, but after the insanity of last night, I needed to come home to you. I was feeling lost, and you’re my compass.”

“Nonsense,” Grandmillie said, but her expression softened. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders.”

Chloe smiled. “That’s what I needed to hear. I felt like I fell down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. You wouldn’t believe my boss’s apartment, if you can call it that. It’s really a whole house inside a skyscraper, with a grand staircase and huge terraces and an incredible view of the river and New Jersey. He even has Jimmy Choo shoes for his guests to borrow.”

Grandmillie snorted as she took her hands off her hips. “Why you are so taken with those outlandishly high-heeled, outrageously expensive frou-frou designer shoes, I can’t figure out.”

“Maybe I have a Cinderella complex.” Chloe gave her grandmother another hug. “I’ve got to shower, but I’ll take you up on the oatmeal, after all. The helicopter can just wait a little longer.”

CHAPTER 7

Nathan felt his mood lighten as Chloe Russell walked into his bedroom, looking both refreshed and businesslike in a slim charcoal skirt, a deep blue blouse, and black high-heeled pumps. He gave himself the pleasure of letting his gaze skim down her legs to her elegant ankles.

His doctor was less appreciative. “What the hell is she doing here?” Ben rapped out.

“Your manners are appalling, Ben,” Nathan said. “My apologies, Chloe. Ben thinks I should spend the day sleeping.”

“He’s a doctor,” she said with a tilt of a smile, “so he’s probably right. You were pretty sick yesterday.”

Irritation flared. “It was the flu. Nothing more serious than that.”

“People die of the flu, you stubborn ass,” Ben said.

Nathan caught the little choke of laughter the temp quickly stifled. He quelled a smile. “She finds you amusing, which is more than I do. I’m fine, so you can stop hovering and go treat someone who needs it. Before you go, get this damned tube out of my arm so I can get up.” He held out his tethered arm to his friend.

Ben’s eyebrows drew down in a scowl. “If your fever spikes again, you’re going to need the intravenous line.”

“Luis can put it back in,” Nathan said, glancing at the nurse who stood beside the monitors.

Chloe spoke up. “I promise to keep an eye on him. If he looks feverish, I’ll go on strike.” She gave Ben a smile that pissed Nathan off. He was her boss; she should be smiling at him.

Ben nodded to Luis, who removed the needle and tube so skillfully that Nathan barely felt it.

“Now I have work to do,” Nathan said, giving Ben a hard stare.

The doctor turned to Chloe. “If he gets out of bed other than to go to the bathroom, call me immediately. He won’t admit it, but he’s as weak as a kitten.” Ben’s eyes gleamed with wicked satisfaction at his description.

“Kittens have claws, Cavill,” Nathan said. “And I’m about to use mine.”

Ben laughed and picked up his bag. “Force fluids. Sleep when you get tired.” His expression sobered. “Take it easy, Nathan. You won’t do anyone any good if you suffer a relapse because you pushed yourself too hard and fast.”

That was the problem with Ben. He knew he could defuse Nathan’s anger with genuine concern.

“Chloe has guaranteed my good behavior,” Nathan said, enjoying the temp’s alert gaze as she watched the battle between Ben and him.

The doctor walked to the door. “A task I don’t envy her, you royal pain,” he said as he left.

Nathan surveyed Chloe. He felt at a disadvantage since he was lying in bed in a T-shirt and pajama pants while she looked crisp and professional. Maybe a little too professional, with her hair yanked back into some sort of bun. He preferred it loose and bed-mussed as it had been when she woke up that morning, but he supposed he couldn’t tell her that. “Let’s get started,” he said instead. “You can use the desk there.” He pointed to a small workstation Ed had set up beside the bed, which was equipped with a laptop, a printer, and other office supplies.