“Because,” Seth calmly answered, “Rebecca is too dedicated or too bullheaded to take care of herself. That’s why she was sent home.”
“You sent me home,” Becca corrected challengingly, swallowing when he slid a look at her.
“You’re damn right I did.”
Three
The next day, while absently sipping her lunchtime coffee Becca mulled over the events of the day before, most particularly her family’s reaction to Seth Andrews’s comment about Becca being bullheaded.
Were there angry outcries against his assessment of her? Oh, no, she mused, scowling into her now empty cup. Laughter, each and every one of them. Mother, father and sister agreed with him.
Traitors. The thought wiped the scowl from her lips, replacing it with a smile. It was rather funny, Becca had to agree, at least to herself. Hadn’t the three of them been saying the exact same thing, telling her she was bullheaded, since she was in middle school? Truth be told, they had been saying that before she was out of diapers!
Still…they hadn’t had to agree with the man, wiseass that he was!
Said wiseass picked that moment to stroll into her room, looking far too attractive for her own good.
“Mail call,” he said, holding a cream-colored envelope out to her as he came to stop beside the bed. “And hand delivered, at that.”
“Hand delivered?” She was beginning to frown when the light went on in her brain. “Oh, you mean by you.”
Shaking his head, as if in despair of her, Seth answered, “No, by a delivery man. You know, the kind of person hired to deliver something.”
Condescending jerk, Becca inwardly raged, feeling a need to smack the superior look from his face. But since she was in bed and couldn’t reach it, she plucked the envelope from his hand instead.
The very first thing that struck her was the weight and texture of the paper. Expensive stuff, she mused, sliding a fingernail under the flap. Removing the note from the envelope, she quickly scanned it, softly gasped and slowly reread the contents. It began…
Ms. Jameson,
It’s my pleasure to inform you that due to your sacrifice and dedication in giving of your service to the people of Africa, you have been chosen to be awarded by the person to be known as an admirer.
Your award will consist of the use of a fully equipped cabin in the Appalachian Mountains until you are fully recovered or for as long as you wish to stay. Although directions are included, you will be transported to and from your destination. The cabin will be fully supplied, along with a housekeeper/part-time nurse for your care.
We sincerely hope you are well and hearty again soon. Meanwhile, a telephone number is also listed, in case you need anything at all. Please, do not hesitate to call if you do.
That was it, other than a second sheet with the directions.
“Well, damn,” Becca muttered, once again read ing the missive.
“There’s a problem?”
Becca was just getting an inkling that Seth was possibly behind this invitation, but his expression, his tone of voice, doused the idea.
“This is incredible,” she answered, frowning down at the sheets of paper in her hand. “I don’t know whether to take it seriously or laugh and tear it up.”
“May I?” He held his hand out for the letter.
She shrugged. “Sure, why not.”
Taking the papers from her, he carefully scanned both sheets before looking at her. “Take it seriously.”
“Why should I?”
“I take it you’ve never heard of the anonymous billionaire?”
“Obviously not,” she said, a tad sharply. “But, also obviously, you have. And what does an anonymous billionaire have do to with this letter?” She arched her brows.
He smiled. Well, almost.
“Yes, I have heard of him, but I’m sure whoever it is, he is your benefactor. No one knows who he is, except of course, those who work for him. The person is considered an eccentric, reclusive, generous older man who, in his later years, is sharing the wealth, so to speak.”
“Well, naturally, I can’t accept this offer.”
“Why not?” It was his turn to frown.
“Why not?” she repeated in surprise. “Because it would be like being rewarded for doing my job.”
“And…?” Again he pulled that aggravating look of superiority.
“And why should I be?”
Seth leveled an impatient look at her. “Rebecca, you have gone above and beyond the duty of other nurses.”
“But…”
He silenced her by simply raising one hand. “I was there, remember? I witnessed your devotion to caring for those people, your genuine affection for them. In the process, you wore yourself out…completely. This generous person is offering you a retreat, a quiet place to rest and rebuild your strength.”
Becca was on the verge of protesting once more, but reality intruded. He was right, of course. She was tired, even after several days in bed. The nurse inside her knew she needed more than a week or so to get back to normal.
Besides, she knew Seth, along with her family, would nag her until she agreed.
She let out a soft sigh of defeat. “Okay, I’ll go to the mountains,” she said, quickly adding, “but only until I feel up to par again.”
“Good girl.” Seth actually smiled. Amazing. “And you missed a third sheet.” He held the paper aloft before handing it to her.
“I did?” Becca frowned, taking the sheet from him. She read the page, then sharply glanced up at him. “This is ridiculous.”
“Why?” He arched one eyebrow at her.
She rattled the paper impatiently. “It says a limo will be waiting for me here at the hospital the day I’m released.”
“Yes, I read it…so?”
Becca let out a loud sigh. “So…so? So, I have to go home, to my apartment.”
“Why?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Why?” she repeated, waving a hand in agitation. “Because I have to pack my things…hell, I need to wash the clothes I brought home with me.”
He smiled.
She stifled an impulse to jump from the bed and slug him a good one. “What’s so amusing?”
“You are.” His smile matured into a grin. “You are very easy to rile. Rebecca, your mother and Rachael can take care of everything.”
“Oh.” It was stupid—no, it was downright asinine—but damned if she didn’t bristle at hearing him say her sister’s name. Stupid maybe but… could he possibly feel an attraction to Rachael? Becca smothered an urge to sigh, or cry. She closed her eyes.
It was blatantly obvious Seth Andrews did not feel any kind of an attraction to her, Becca thought, despite that kiss…to shut her up. Why wouldn’t he feel an attraction to another woman? Being the eldest, Rachael was beautiful, bright, single and closer to his age. Becca suspected Seth was at least ten years her senior. And, while the difference didn’t bother her, it might bother him.
“Hello?” His voice was soft, curious. “Have you fallen asleep on me?”
I wish. Becca shook her head.
His smile vanished, replaced by a look of concern. “Are you feeling