Chapter 4 Camille
The elevator closes as I drop my hand, glaring at Rex Coleman after I popped my middle finger at him. He’s so stubborn and frustrating. Being in his presence throws everything out of whack, and I struggle to contain my emotions.
He’s not important right now, though. I leave the elevator and rush to find Granny’s room, finally locating the number the receptionist gave me at the end of a long hallway. I say her name as I rush inside, only to find she’s sleeping.
I’m glad I didn’t wake her.
“Hi.” A nurse greets me as she enters. “Are you family?”
“She’s my grandmother, Granny Jo,” I explain. “I came as soon as I heard about the fire.”
“Ah. She’s been resting a lot since we admitted her.” The nurse glances at Granny. “She inhaled a lot of smoke. There’s swelling in her airways.”
She’s wearing a facemask that administers oxygen, and I can hear her noisy breathing as she rests. The bed has been raised. I assumed it’s because she needs it. Seeing her hooked up to machines and needing help to breathe is heartbreaking.
“Is that what I’m hearing with her lungs?”
“Yes. We’ve given her medicine because we want mucus to form and help rid her lungs of the chemicals and bacteria. Earlier, your grandmother complained of a headache and seemed confused. We’re monitoring her condition closely for any changes.”
“Does that mean she’s not okay?” I hear the tremor in my voice and don’t bother to hide it. I can’t believe this happened to her. The whole town loves my Granny.
Who in Raven’s Crest would want to harm her?
“She will be with a little time and patience,” the nurse replies with confidence.
Still, she’s hurt. That’s not okay.
I gesture to the bandage on Granny Jo’s arm. “Is that a burn?”
“Yes. It’s severe, but not life-threatening. We’ll take good care of her.”
The badge the nurse is wearing on a lanyard reads Jean.
“Thank you, Nurse Jean.”
She gives me what I assume is an attempt at a comforting smile. “Is there anything I can get for you? A snack? Blanket or pillow?”
I must look as exhausted as I feel. “Actually, yes. I’ve had a long night and flew in from L.A.”
“I’ve got just the thing. I’ll be right back.”
I’m curling up with the blanket and pillow from Nurse Jean when Rex enters the room. I’m so tired that my eyes flutter. I don’t think I can stay awake, much less argue, right now.
“Go ahead. I’ll stick around and wake you as soon as Granny Jo is up.”
“Thanks,” I mumble. At least, I think I said it aloud.
I wake up disoriented when I hear my name.
“Camille.”
It’s spoken in a deep, familiar voice as I feel something rough brush against my cheek.
“Blissy Girl. Your Granny is waking up.”
My eyes pop open fast as I see Rex on his knees in front of me. His shoulders take up so much space that I don’t see anything other than him. He drops his hand away from my face and clears his throat, slowly rising and backing away like he’s afraid to spook me.
“You were sleeping so soundly,” he murmurs, apologizing for his touch. The rough texture I felt had to be from his calloused fingertips.
As a lumberjack, Rex spent long hours cutting wood and using his ax. I knew as the oldest of the Coleman brothers, he felt a responsibility to maintain the family business and ensure they were taken care of after the accident that killed his parents. The whole town mourned the loss.
I blink as I stare up at him, wondering why I’m suddenly thinking of Rex’s past and how much it must have hurt. Before tears can sting my eyes, I sit up as I turn toward the hospital bed. Granny Jo is awake!
“Granny!” My chest heaves with a rush of emotion as I push away from the uncomfortable chair. It wasn’t much of a bed, but it got the job done. “How are you feeling? Are you okay?”
“Never better.”
She pats the bed, and I sink onto the firm mattress, reaching for her hand. “Granny, don’t lie to me.”
She gives my hand a squeeze. “Aches and pains are a normal part of life at my age.”
“Well, burns aren’t,” I point out, trying not to cry. “The Butter Bliss, Granny. It’s gone.”
“We’ll rebuild it.” She shrugs like it’s not a devastating loss.
“But all the equipment and the décor,” I begin.
She squeezes my hand again, harder this time. “I’ve always wanted to redecorate. Bring it up to date and breathe some life back into those old bones.”
“But the photos,” I say as my voice breaks. All the family and customer photographs taken at the Butter Bliss over the years during festivals, parades, and holidays. They’re irreplaceable.
“It’s a good thing I never keep the originals inside the bakery, then.”
Gasping, I nearly hug her until I remember the IV and her facemask. “You have them all?” There must be hundreds of images—maybe thousands.
“Every single one. It’s the history of the Butter Bliss and our family. They’re safely stored. We can have them reprinted.”
Granny starts coughing, and I realize she’s talking too much. “I’ll get the nurse.”
She shakes her head, coughing again as I head toward the door. Granny Jo is outvoted on this decision as Rex follows me to the nurse’s station, and I ask for someone to check on Granny.
“I can stay as long as you need me, but if there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
I turn to the big guy, appreciating the offer, but knowing it’s best if I tell him to go. I’m here now. I can look after Granny.
“You should probably go.”
His body tenses, but he nods.
“We might need a ride home once she’s discharged, though.”
Rex seems relieved. I’m not sure why. “Just give me a call. I’m happy to do it.”
“Okay.”
We remain in place, standing in a silly, awkward silence until Rex takes a step toward me.
“I won’t be far. Whoever did this to your Granny and the Butter Bliss is still out there, Camille. It’s not safe for you both to be alone.”
Shit. I didn’t think of that.
“What do you suggest?” It takes a lot for me to ask, more than I want to admit.
“You need protection. If not me, then another member of the club. It’s your call. You and Granny Jo can decide who you want for the muscle, but I don’t want to leave until I know there’s a King outside that hospital door.”
He’s right. I’ve seen too many police procedurals and crazy shows where the bad guys infiltrate places like hospitals or churches, and people end up hurt worse or killed. I won’t risk Granny Jo’s life. She’s eighty-two.
“Talk to Scythe. I trust his judgment.” Fatigue and worry feel like they’re pressing down on my shoulders. I haven’t had enough rest yet, and now that Granny is awake, I know I won’t sleep again until she does. “Tell him I need the best. He can call me.”
“If it’s the best you want, it’s me, Phantom, or Scarecrow.”
He’s holding back what he wants to say. I can see it in his body language.
I’m not a fool. I know he wants to be the one who stays here with us, but I also don’t think I can handle being around him twenty-four-seven.
I’m making an effort to keep the peace right now, to be civil, but that doesn’t mean I forgive him for the past.
“Phantom or Scarecrow then, whoever is available,” I decide.
For a brief second or two, I see anguish spread across Rex’s features, betraying a reaction that surprises me.
As much as he’s acting like he wants to be here, I remember the past. I haven’t forgotten what he said to me.
Rex Coleman made it clear he didn’t want me.
There’s no room for hurt and regret now. They were buried long ago.
“I’ll make the call,” he informs me in a tight voice before turning his back and striding down the hall to put some distance between us. I can’t seem to move as I watch him, wondering if Scythe will overrule my choice.
I can’t hear what Rex is saying, but he looks pissed. He begins to pace, spearing his hand through the spiky hair on top of his head. He’s always worn it shaved close on the sides, longer on top. His face used to be clean-shaven. Now he’s got a beard.
The big biker, with his lumberjack red flannel under a black leather vest, is a contrast in itself.
He challenges every rule and expectation.
He’s strong but incredibly gentle when he wants to be, covered in dark ink but articulate when he speaks.
Rex rides a motorcycle and carries an ax wherever he goes.
He’s equal parts intimidating and teddy bear.
My heart squeezes as I let the secret wish die in my chest for something more. It’ll never happen. Relationships don’t work when they’re all one-sided.
I return to Granny as the nurse is finishing her vitals. She leaves with a promise to send in the doctor soon.
“Where’s Rex?”
“Calling Scythe. He’s checking to see if Phantom or Scarecrow is available for protection duty.”
She gestures to a nearby chair. “Sit. You’re exhausted.”
I tug the chair beside her bed and plop onto it. “I am tired. Overnight flights will do that,” I tease.
I’ve got to keep this light, or I’ll just end up crying.
“I’m okay, Cami, honey. I promise.”
“It’s not, Granny. We don’t know who did this or why.”
Rex enters the room in time to hear me. “That’s why I’m going to investigate. As soon as Phantom arrives, I’ll talk to Braden. He’ll be able to tell me about the arson.”
Granny frowns as she waves him toward her. “You stay safe. Hear me? Don’t do anything stupid.”
Rex smiles before he kisses her on the cheek. “I can’t guarantee that, Granny.”
She shoos him away. “Find that cocksucker so I can kick him in the family beans.”
I blink, wondering if I just heard that right. Did my grandmother just say that?
Rex chuckles. “I’ll save enough of him for you.”
I catch the look that passes between them before Rex turns away, his gaze pausing on me like there’s more he wants to say, but he doesn’t. His chin dips slightly before he leaves, closing the door behind him.
“He’s in love with you,” she says like it’s obvious.
“No, Granny, he’s not.”
“Baby girl, he’s been in love with you since high school.”
“Granny,” I warn. She loves to play matchmaker even if she’s not too good at it.
“You need to get laid. That’s the problem.”
I gasp. “Granny!”
“Fine.” She waves me off. “I need some happy brownies.”
My head falls back against the seat as I sigh. Loudly.
The Kings of Anarchy have corrupted my grandmother.
“I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands while I recover,” she announces, not waiting for me to respond. “There’s diamond art. Or bedazzling. You know I like my bling.”
Yep. She does. Granny Jo probably has shares in whatever stock company manufactures rhinestones and fake jewels.
“There’s a website online that can create diamond art from whatever you want.”
Oh, no. She’s saying this far too casually.
“Do you want a bedazzled peen for Christmas this year?”
I sputter and choke on the spit in my mouth, too shocked to form words.
Granny’s laughter fills the hospital room. She hoots like a happy little owl for long minutes as I try to ignore my flaming cheeks.
I don’t know how this woman shares my DNA.
I’m saved by my cell ringing, and I check the screen to see Kat’s name. I swipe across to answer. “Hey, Kat.”
“Are you getting settled in? How’s your grandma?”
Far too chipper. “Recovering. I’m not sure how long I’ll be in town.”
“I’ve got everything covered. Take as long as you need, Cami.”
“Thanks, Kat.”
“Let me know if you need anything. I’m only a text or call away.”
She really is a fantastic publicist. “I will.”
We end the call, and I shove my phone into the pocket of my jacket.
“The Price is Right is on. Turn it up, Cami.”
I do as I’m asked and stretch out beside Granny, propping my feet on her bed. If I doze off, it really isn’t my fault.