Chapter 426
“Barrie informed me.”
Ah, that made sense to Hadley. Stella had been with Blanche at the resort.
She paused, her eyes resting on Denver’s soaked clothing. “You’re soaked.”
“It’s fine,” Denver reassured her with a casual smile. “Just couldn’t stay dry in the downpour.”
A wave of gratitude washed over Hadley as she realized the lengths he had gone to for her.
“Denver, I can’t thank you enough…”
He dismissed it with a quick shake of his head. “Really, it was nothing.” How could he think it trivial? His timely intervention might have saved her from a severe medical crisis.
“Denver…”
Hadley adjusted herself in bed, reaching toward the nightstand.
“Do you need something?” Denver quickly inquired.
“Need this?” He grabbed the large towel from the headboard.
“Yes,” Hadley responded with a nod before Denver handed the towel over. With a chuckle, Hadley teased, “It’s not for me. You’re the one who’s all wet. Get your jacket off and dry your hair.”
“Got it.”
Smiling, Denver accepted the towel, and Hadley reached up to drape it over his head. “Make sure to dry off quickly; we don’t want you catching a cold.”
“Will do.”
A moment of shared laughter followed as their eyes locked with mutual warmth.
At the doorway, Eric observed the scene, his hands buried in his pockets and his expression turning increasingly stern.
Phillips, right behind him, remained utterly silent, aware of the tension.
Then, without a word, Eric spun on his heel and strode away briskly.
Phillips knew instantly that trouble was brewing!
Phillips scrambled after his boss. “Mr. Flynn, what’s our destination?”
“Fool!” Eric retorted, casting a withering look at Phillips. “Can’t you see? We’re heading back to Srixby!”
Did he have any place in Hadley’s heart anymore?
“Perhaps…” Phillips faltered, his voice low. “Shouldn’t you go back and clear things up? After all, you rescued Hadley tonight…”
“Not happening.” Eric dismissed the suggestion with a cold gaze. “Am I supposed to wait for her gratitude?”
That soft look Hadley had given Denver, the smile meant only for him—Eric couldn’t help but feel foolish.
Denver’s family wasn’t the problem. This was about what the two of them truly wanted. Did he really think he stood a chance? Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous!
Even if Eric rushed over, what difference would it make? Hadley would never look at him that way.
Phillips parted his lips, ready to say that, if nothing else, gratitude was better than resentment. But one glance at Eric’s darkened expression made him swallow the words before they could leave his mouth.