“That’s not right,” Chloe said. “You should take your percentage from the total.”

“Sweetie, I know you need to sock away money for when Grandmillie needs a companion, and you were the one who negotiated the increase.”

Chloe sighed. “I wasn’t trying to get more money, although I really appreciate what you’re doing. I was trying to make Trainor send me home because I was too expensive and demanding.”

“He likes expensive, demanding women. He dates models and actresses.”

“Really?” Chloe was disappointed in her temporary boss. “I’m pretty sure the woman he just dumped wasn’t either of those things.”

“He dumped her, didn’t he?”

Chloe slumped back in her chair. “You are such a cynic.” And she would absolutely not spend another night with Nathan Trainor.

“I thought you came here for a dose of reality.” Judith’s computer pinged. “Sorry, I have to leave for a client meeting. I’ll walk you out. I want to check out the Rolls.”

CHAPTER 8

Nathan massaged his forehead, trying to stop the jabbing pain. “I think it’s time to take a break.” It was four o’clock, and they’d been working steadily since he’d woken up at noon.

Chloe looked up from the computer screen. Her expression went from focused to concerned. “Can I get you some pain meds?” she asked.

He hated his weakness. Despite slogging through his e-mails and sending out a few memos, he could feel the pressure of undone work piling up. But his mind wasn’t clear enough to handle the larger tasks. Like the disaster of the Prometheus project. “Do I look that bad?”

“You look like a man who’s still recovering from a nasty flu,” she said, pushing her chair back from the desk and standing up. “I’ll get you the medicine.”

Nathan watched her walk to the table where Ben had lined up his various medications. She had a nice swing to her hips, probably created by the high heels she was wearing. She’d changed her wardrobe since the first day she’d worked for him, taking it up a notch with the straight skirts and silk blouses. He gave her credit for understanding the nuances of the workplace. She was one smart cookie, Chloe Russell. He suspected that he’d barely scratched the surface when it came to her abilities.

She’d already proven she made a good nurse, and she was more fun to look at than Luis. Ben had agreed to do without the private nurse since Nathan’s fever had not risen again. Although Ben’s staff was carefully vetted and bonded, Nathan felt uncomfortable discussing confidential business matters in front of Luis or any other nurse.

Yet he didn’t worry about the same issue with Chloe. She was bonded as well, of course. Judith Asner at Flexitemps had assured Roberta of that. He examined Chloe’s face as she came back toward the bed. What made him trust her without question?

“What? Do I have spinach stuck between my teeth?” she asked as she handed him a glass of water and two tablets.

“No, you look immaculately professional, as always.”

She gave him a pleased smile even though it was barely a compliment. What would she do if he called her beautiful? She was, in many subtle ways. There was that sway in her walk. Her hair, when it was down, was glossy and thick. She had large, expressive brown eyes and a kissable mouth. He pulled himself up on that thought. “Let’s talk about your schedule for the rest of the day,” he said.

That wiped the smile off her lips. “I’m not staying overnight,” she said, her spine stiffening. “Take your pills.”

He liked it when she forgot to be deferential. As they’d worked together, he’d noticed she made her own suggestions more and more often. In his germ-fogged state, he appreciated the assistance. He tossed the pills into his mouth and washed them down with a gulp of water. “I’ll quadruple your pay for the entire time you’re here.”

She opened her mouth and closed it again, clearly torn. It was an absurdly generous offer, and he was suddenly curious about what would make her even consider turning it down. “What are these obligations at home that require your attention?”

She looked confused for a moment before a frown snapped her brows together. “They’re private.”

“I’m just wondering what I can do to ease your worry,” he said.

“You’re wondering what additional bribe you can offer to get me to stay,” she said, planting her hands on her hips.

Which made the fabric of her blouse pull taut over the curves of her breasts. He added those to the list of her attractions.

“Bribe is such an unpleasant word,” he said. “I want to turn this into a situation where everyone wins.”

“I’ll stay late, but I need to go home tonight.” She gave him a level look. “You don’t have to send the helicopter. Oskar can drive me.”

So she wasn’t going to tell him what drew her home so strongly. He had a feeling Ben knew; he’d find out from the doctor. He nodded. “That works.”

It didn’t, though. He wanted her here, in case . . . what? He shook off the irrational urgency of his need to have Chloe nearby. It must be a weird symptom of the flu that his hallucinating brain had somehow become imprinted on the temp.

“I’m going to let you rest for a while,” Chloe said, moving back to the computer and putting it into sleep mode.

The need surged. “Stay,” he said before he could stop himself. “Talk to me.”