Page 71 of Dream Chaser

He hugged me tighter. “I think not. What floor?”

“Seventh,” I said as the elevator door opened.

Two minutes later, Alejandro unlocked the door to my place and went to the living room, where he put me down but kept his arm draped across my shoulders. He studied the empty space, his brow furrowed.

“You need to sit, or better, lie down,” he said.

I gestured toward the hallway. “I have a bed in my room. I think I can walk now.”

He tightened his hold on me. “Let’s get you settled.”

Once in my bedroom, he pulled the duvet aside and helped me lie down. Then he tucked me in—a gesture so sweet my eyes burned. I didn’t remember the last time someone took care of me.

He perched beside me. “How’s the spinning?”

“Better.” I sighed. “Kind of.”

“You heard what the doctor said. Bed rest, and also, you need food.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make something once I feel better.”

“You can’t stand, and you’re going to cook? I’ll fix us something to eat.”

“You already wasted all day on me. And I’m not sure I have enough stuff in the fridge.”

Just two yogurts and a few apples—hardly enough for a meal. I was going to buy groceries after work, but now that’d have to wait.

He shrugged. “I canceled my meetings for the day. I’m not going back to work, and I can’t leave you alone. You could fall and get injured. Don’t be stubborn and let me help.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m going to buy groceries and cook us something. Will you be okay while I’m out?”

I wrapped the duvet around myself tighter. “Sure.”

“Keep your phone close just in case.” Alejandro handed me my purse. “And call me if you need anything. Is there anything you want me to buy?”

I shook my head, then closed my eyes, surrendering to the exhaustion. My body had finally reached its limit after a month of stress, sleeping in my car, and barely eating.

“I’ll be back soon,” Alejandro promised. “Get some sleep and don’t try to get up without me.”

“Okay, boss,” I whispered.

After giving me a soft smile, he left.

The silence in the apartment lulled me into a dreamless sleep, not deep enough to miss the buzzing of my phone.

I reached into my purse. Mom’s number was on the screen. I debated not answering, but what if something had happened? After Dad passed away, every phone call from her made me worry, irrational as that was.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Nova.” Her voice was tight.

“Is something wrong?”

“Donna was here. She said they served Preston divorce papers.”

Not this again. My temples throbbed; the room kept spinning. “I don’t know why you’re surprised. I told you I filed for divorce.”