Total pages in book: 7
Estimated words: 6480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 32(@200wpm)___ 26(@250wpm)___ 22(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 6480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 32(@200wpm)___ 26(@250wpm)___ 22(@300wpm)
“No. Just the cops came. It was a hit and run.”
“Let’s go,” I say, feeling a fierce need to protect her. She looks so small sitting hunched over. It’s obvious that she’s in pain. How did they not notice she was hurting?
“Go where? Who are you? Audrey?” she asks looking around me. Her brown eyes are curious, but cautious.
“Oh, right,” Audrey says moving forward. “Keitha, this is my brother, Curtis. He’s going to take you to the hospital. Why didn’t the cops see you were injured?”
“Is it that bad? I told them I was fine. I took an Uber from the accident here.” she says, standing up. When she does so, she swoons forward. I scoop her into my arms and it’s obvious that she’s passed out.
“I’ll be back tomorrow,” I tell my staff as I carry the limp girl in my arms out to my truck. Already, the music from the bars on Bourbon Street is on and popping. This city is amazing, rich in history and family.
New Orleans is home, but for some reason, the girl in my arms feels that way too.
Chapter Two
Keitha Robinson
Waking in in the hospital was not how I thought I’d end my day. Though nothing about this day has been anything like I thought it would be. I had gotten up at three-thirty like I do every morning to begin baking for the day. The Jambalaya Queen isn’t my only customer, but it is my biggest, even if it’s just temporary. My next largest customer is my cousin Opal. She just recently opened a restaurant, and it’s doing well. She and her prince of a husband are doing really well, and I am not jealous at all.
I was rushing around this morning, loading the van by myself since my assistant, Josie, called in sick this morning, but if the man’s voice I heard in the background is any indication, she was completely fine, the little liar. So, I had to handle all the deliveries myself, saving the largest for last. Then the world spun out of control and I was hit from behind. My face bounced off the steering wheel as well as my chest. I managed to get out of traffic and call 911 but the person who hit me was nowhere to be found. I got an Uber and got the goods from the back of the van before it was towed away. I know that I made it to the restaurant, but I don’t know how I made it in here. I don’t think this is the emergency room though. The warm blanket is more than one would usually get.
“You’re awake,” a very male, very sexy voice says to my left.
“I am,” I say as my eyes clear and adjust to the shockingly fluorescent light.
“The doctor will be in shortly.”
“What’s going on?” I ask, remembering that this is Audrey’s brother, Curtis.
“You passed out and I brought you to the hospital.”
“That was very kind of you,” I say, feeling like my face is on fire.
“It was my pleasure,” he says and my pussy clenches. I must be okay because something tells me that wouldn’t happen if I wasn’t, not that I’d really know.
“Hello, I am Doctor Hagers. Good to see you awake. No concussion but you do have some severe bruising on your chest and stomach, but you should be fine.”
“Why did I pass out?” I ask, not really liking his bedside manner.”
“My guess would be exhaustion and the fact that I don’t think you’ve eaten anything in a while.”
“How the hell can you tell that?” Curtis asks harshly but looks at me with nothing but concern. What is he still doing here? He doesn’t know me, yet he’s showing no signs of leaving.
“The bags under your eyes that have nothing to do with the bruising and the fact that I can hear your stomach growling from here. Should I get a nurse to bring a tray?”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll feed her.” Curtis says, surprising me. He wants to feed me? Why is that so sexy? He’s standing with his feet wide apart and his arms crossed. He’s caressing his long beard with his long, thick fingers. Shit. What is wrong with me right now? I feel like I am having a hot flash that my Nan is always going on about.
“Very well. I’ll send a nurse with discharge papers and aftercare. If anything else happens, if you pass out again, come right back.”
“Of course, thank you,” I say softly, and he leaves the room.
“I am sorry you had to do this. I’m sure you have more important things to worry about.”
“I’m good, Keitha.”
“Okay. Do, uh, you know where my clothes are?” I ask, realizing I am not wearing my jeans anymore.
“Yeah let me get them for you.” He turns and I struggle to sit up but manage to get it done before he turns back around.