Page 13 of You Chive Me Crazy

“It’s nothing,” he said.

“So, the ice pack is just an accessory you picked up from Nordstrom Rack?”

“Along with a six-pack of socks,” he said. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Actually . . .” I tapped on the trunk of his car. “I just need to get my suitcase from you and I will be out of your hair.”

Lucas jerked his head back. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying you’re off the hook. I appreciate everything you have done, but I can handle it from here. I’m going to my hotel to rest now.”

Lucas shook his head. “Sorry—that’s not how this works.”

I crossed my arms, gratitude out the door. “It’sexactlyhow this works.”

Lucas pointed back at the building. “I made a promise to Dr. Bonebrake to look after you and I’m a man of my word. He gave me very specific instructions, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. You heard him; I need to wake you up every couple of hours.”

“And what? You think you and I are going to share the same hotel room? No way! You can forget about that. I’ll set an alarm. I’ll be fine.”

“And what if you don’t wake up or something else happens?” he asked, shaking his head.

“Nothing’s going to happen,” I said. “You’re overreacting.”

“I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are not thinking clearly because of hitting your head. I need to have patience with you. Give me a second.” Lucas pressed his index fingers to his thumbs, closed his eyes, and took in another deep breath.

“I don’t understand what’s happening here,” I said.

Lucas opened his eyes and let out the breath slowly. “I’m meditating.”

“In the parking lot of an urgent care facility . . .”

“I’ll take it where I can get it. You’re driving me crazy.”

“Likewise.”

“You’re coming with me tomyhotel, where I can keep a close eye on you,” Lucas said. “We're doing this my way or I will go right back in there and let the doctor know what’s going on. I’ll also make sure he knows you lied to him and said we were married.”

I smirked, which actually hurt. “You went along with it, which makes you an accomplice. And I don’t need your help.”

Lucas huffed. “Wow. You are not reality based. I have never met anyone in my life who was so opposed to doing the right thing.”

“I’m not opposed to doing the right thing. I’m opposed to you.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” he said. “I guess it’s time to have a chat with Dr. Bonebrake, then. You’re not getting your suitcase back, so have a nice evening or two in urgent care. Don’t mind the beeping machines. All. Night. Long.”

“Seriously?” I placed my hands on my hips. “You’re going to tell on me?”

“You got that right.” He jabbed his finger toward the other side of the street. “And I’ll make sure Lita tells Axel to hold on to your food truck until you get full health clearance from Dr. Bonebrake. You’re not allowed to drive, remember?”

I laughed. “What makes you think they would listen to you?”

Lucas crossed his arms. “And what makes you think they wouldn’t?”

We glared at each other for a moment.

“This is a splendid opportunity for you to practice thinking,” he added. “Dr. Bonebrake said you shouldn’t be driving.” Lucas took a step closer. “And if you want to know, Lita and I hit it off quite well. Plus, she’s a medical professional, so whose side do you think she’ll be on when I talk with her? I can answer that for you. Mine!”

“You wouldn’t dare . . .”