Page 69 of The Bad Boy Prince in Love

Chapter 35: A Big Slip-up

It was quiet, thougha nurse or assistant would stride by occasionally.Miss Santer’s no-nonsense tone sounded especially sharp in the hospital passageway.

“You knew where he was all along, and you didn’t tell me,” she stated.

Hallie decided she didn’t have to explain anything.All she wanted to do was keep up the appearance of being Luke’s girlfriend.Since their worlds had so suddenly collided, there was no telling if word could get back to the people she knew, so she decided to keep her story consistent.She only hoped Luke would do the same.

“The truth is, Miss Santer,” Hallie said, “Luke needed some time off.He didn’t want anyone to know where he was.”

“And we can see where that has led us,” Santer scolded.

Hallie had to admit she had a point.

“Do you have any idea how busy I am?”Santer went on.“With Luke absent, I run the company practically by myself, I have to figure out whether to tell his family about what happened, and do damage control.”

“That’s only three things,” Hallie said, “Doesn’t sound like you’re all that busy.”

“All right, since you’re being difficult, I’m going to tell you plainly: I’m taking over from here.Luke doesn’t need you or your hick friends anymore.”

Hallie put on her toughest act as she tried to stare the woman down.

“I think we should let Luke decide that.And I happen to be his girlfriend, so I have a feeling he’ll want me to stick around.”

“Girlfriend?”Miss Santer laughed obnoxiously.“Luke doesn’t have girlfriend.”

“He does now,” Hallie said.“Looks like you didn’t get the memo.”

“Ha!I know for a fact that Luke never has a girlfriend.He doesn’t do the whole dating thing, ever.Looks likeyoudidn’t get the memo.”

“I did get the memo, and it says I’m his girlfriend.”

Hallie just hoped Luke would back her up on this.

“You’re so naïve.”Santer shook her head with a pitying smile, “He’s just using you for sex like he’s used lots of women.”

“Actually, we haven’t had sex yet, but I know he’s serious about me,” Hallie said calmly.

“Serious or not, he’s coming back to work as soon as he’s recovered.No more riding horses on the Texas plains.”