Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 14-1

"Look, I can do laps!" Logan announced, attempting to swing his legs off the bed.

David’s hand on his grandfather’s shoulder was gentle but firm. "One more day of observation. Then you’re free."

Logan hid his triumphant smile. Finally, progress! He really couldn’t stand spending another day in the hospital.

A delicate knock interrupted their negotiation. Audrey glided in, the picture of springtime in a white sundress, her carefully curled hair pinned back to frame her face.

"Grandpa Logan, I heard you were ill," she said sweetly. "I brought you some flowers. Hope you’ll get well soon." She turned to David with practiced shyness. "Hi. David. Suprised to see you here."

"Of course I’m here. I need to keep an eye on him." David’s tone could have frozen hellfire.

Audrey faltered momentarily before recovering with a polished smile, desperately trying to maintain a conversation with David.

Logan watched this performance with hidden amusement. ’She’s not here for my health, he thought, suddenly finding the flowers less appealing. ’She’s hunting my grandson.

He glanced at David’s glacial expression. ’And he’s acting like a hermit. I need to get out of here fast-this boy needs serious help with his marriage prospects before he ends up alone forever. This family would fall apart without me.!’

David caught his grandfather’s scheming look and knew nothing good would come of it. "There’s a meeting I need to attend," he announced, already striding toward the door.

Audrey’s heart sank. All that time on her hair and makeup this morning, and he was leaving before she could even get a proper conversation going.

"Grandpa Logan, I should go too," she jumped up. "I’ll visit again soon!"

’Well, Grandson, looks like you’ve got a predator on your trail,’ Logan mused to himself.

"David, wait!" Audrey called in the hallway. "My driver already left. Could you give me a ride?" She looked at him expectantly.

"I have a meeting. My assistant will take you." His brow twitched slightly.

"Oh, thank you then," she replied with perfect poise.

At the hospital entrance, Audrey executed a flawless "accidental" stumble on the steps. "Oh!" she gasped, falling directly into David’s arms. In the shadows, a camera clicked rapidly.

Nathan arrived just in time to witness the performance. ’Bold move,’ he thought, amazed she dared to pull such a stunt. His boss was notorious for his icy rejections-she was playing with fire.

"Take Miss Darling home," David ordered, displeasure radiating from every syllable.

"Let me help you to the car, Miss Darling." Nathan stepped forward quickly.

"It was an accident, I swear," Audrey pouted.

David ignored her completely and headed to his car. His expression remained glacial, every perfect feature carved from ice, but his thoughts drifted to another girl-the drunk one from the club. He wondered if she even remembered him the next morning.