Her Inconvenient Groom by Niomie Roland
Chapter 9
Chantelle lay on the hospital bed in her private suite, irritated to the tip of her last nerve, arms folded tight across her chest. She made no move to get under the covers, as if to do so would be admitting defeat. The only thing she hated worse than hospitals was being a patient in a hospital.
And they were keeping her overnight. Augh! Hadn’t they said there was nothing to worry about? That fainting in pregnancy was no big deal? It happened, didn’t it? How much more ‘observing’ did they need to do?
She heard the door open over her shoulder, but didn’t bother to look around. She kept on glaring at the closed blinds, not bothering to have them drawn, because whoever heard of a pretty view from a hospital bed?
“See if you can postpone the meeting with Jules and Krakowski tomorrow, will you?” she told Sienna. “And cancel my damn yoga classes. This is the third session I’ve missed!”
No answer. Which was unlike Sienna, because her assistant had an answer for everything. “Did you hear me?” She turned her head… and gasped. “What the hell?”
Dustin stepped into the room and shut the door, as if he’d been invited in—which he hadn’t.
She frowned. She was sure that she’d seen the last of the guy in the hotel lobby, until she decided it was time to dissolve their arrangement and cut him—and herself—loose. But there he was, bold as brass, acting as if he’d been invited. He really thought a lot of himself. Kissing her like that.
Something inside her tickled. She slapped it down.
Concern was printed across his face. He held up his phone and waggled it at her, as if she could read the screen from all the way over there. “I got a text.”
“What text? I didn’t text you.”
“I’m thinking it was your assistant. Miss—”
“Sienna told you I was here? Why?”
“She said you’d fainted and were brought here.” He gave her a sly look. “I guess she figured your husband should know….”
Chantelle scowled. Maybe I’ll fire her tomorrow. But to Dustin, she said, “So, I fainted. What’s it to you? You do understand that this marriage is fake, right? No need for contact?”
He answered irritably, obviously fed up. “I understand. I am not mentally challenged, so no need for you to keep on harping over the terms, okay? But I was a few floors down anyway, and I heard you were unwell. I took the elevator… two minutes. It’s not like I spent two hours in traffic crossing town.”
The heat in his voice was enough for her to feel a tinge of embarrassment. “Look, Dustin. It was kind of you to come, but unnecessary. It was only a dizzy spell.”
He counted on his fingers. “So far, to my knowledge, you’ve had two dizzy spells and one bout of throwing up. Are you sure—”
“I’m sure. I’m fine. I’m being discharged in the morning, and as soon as I’m cleared to fly, I’ll be going home. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Home?” he queried.
“To France. I’m half French, remember?”
“I remember.”
“Since moving to the U.S. at twelve years old, I’ve rarely been back. I intend to have my baby there, so he or she can share in that part of my heritage.”
He nodded. “I understand.” Then, as an afterthought, “What city?”
She wasn’t sure if he really needed to know, but she told him anyway. “Aix-en-Provence. It’s an old town on the—”
“South coast,” he supplied. At her surprised look, he added, “It’s known for its art and culture. I’m not an idiot, Chantelle. I have a fine arts degree from a reputable college. Kinda sure I could find Aix on a map.”
Her face heated up. It wasn’t like her to be patronizing. “Sorry.”
He shrugged it off, folding his arms. “You’re off, then.”
“Yes.”
“And you’ll take care of yourself and the baby.”
“Yes.” She lifted her chin. “I’ll have an in-flight doctor on the way over, and medical staff on call once I get there. I got everything covered.”
He nodded slowly. “Very well then. I guess you’ll be in touch when you’re ready to end this thing.”
He was about to turn away when she stopped him with a question. “How’s your sister?”
He turned, features softening. “Arabella will be fine. We had a surprise windfall from a charitable organization. Didn’t you hear?”
She smiled because Grady had been carried out her instructions smoothly. “I heard a rumor.” She almost surprised herself that she could joke with him. Then she added, “I’m happy for her. And your family.”
He stared at her for a long time, making her wonder if she came across as such a bitch that even that simple, honest gesture arose doubt in his mind.
“Take care of yourself, Chantelle,” he said finally. “I’m sure your lawyers will have the documents sent to me in a few months to end this marriage.”
She wished him well and wished he’d hastily leave her in peace, but he hesitated.
Just as he finally turned to leave, Sienna came through the door and she recognized her employee’s impish smile and knew right away that whatever she was about to say wouldn’t be favorable.