Page 3 of Love in Bloom

“I was so worried about you.” Connor took her hand. She noticed his eyes were slightly bloodshot.

She gaped at the men. This couldn’t be happening. She was young and strong. The heart monitor continued beeping.

“I realize this is a lot to take in,” Connor said. “You must take a break.”

She protested, “But my work—”

“Can wait,” Doctor Hastings said. “I’m recommending medication, a respectable diet, complete rest for a few weeks, and a fitness routine. Your regular doctor must clear you before you may go back to work.”

Camille was rendered speechless. Her mind whirled at all that wouldn’t happen at Lakr without her guiding hand.

Dr. Hastings features softened. “Please understand, Ms. Slade, that this is for your own good.” He patted her hands and left.

Tears threatened, and Camille turned imploring eyes on Connor. “I can’t leave Lakr.”

“Your vacation has already been arranged.” Connor sat on the bed and took her hand in his.

“I can make my own arrangements,” she snapped, pulling her hand away. “I’m a grown woman.”

“Except you haven’t been acting like a responsible adult. I’m not sure who’s worried the most in the last twelve hours: me, Clara, or your mum. Once you were deemed out of danger, I sent them home, though I doubt they slept much.” He sighed. “Maddie’s friend, Rose, recommended a lovely seaside resort in France. White beaches, blue Mediterranean waters, sunshine. All the things you need to regain your health.”

“I’m not fat.” Camille glared at him.

“No one could ever accuse you of that, Camille. If anything you’re wasting away. You barely sleep or eat, and it’s been going on for much too long. The roses are missing in your cheeks. Even Clara has more color than you. Most importantly, you’re missing out on life. You should have a social life, make friends, and go on dates.”

She pouted. “I have friends.”

“Outside of work?” He raised his brows.

She slumped against her pillow.

“And when was the last time you went on a date?”

She closed her eyes in resignation. “Point made. I’m a workaholic. What did you expect?”

“Camille, I’m doing for you what you once did for me. I’m shoving you out of Lakr and making you take a vacation. Look at all the good it did for me. It got me a wife. I’d trade all of Lakr for her. Maybe you’ll find someone too.”

“But the business—”

“Do you trust your staff?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then trust us to take care of Lakr while you’re gone. Wanda and Rachelle will figure out the formula. The rollout of the new line can still go as planned. You’ve already approved Tina and Deena’s marketing scheme. And I’ll make sure we don’t run into the red and declare bankruptcy.”

“Lakr is my life. You of all people know I’ve given everything to it. I built this company from the ground up.”

“Yes, Camille, and if you’re not careful Lakr will claim your life. For the good of yourself and the company, you are taking a break.”

Camille raised her eyes toward the ceiling. “Who am I without my work?”

Connor chuckled softly. “That, dear cousin, is exactly what you need to figure out over the next month. You are more than Lakr.” He put out his arms and she hugged him.

“Promise to take care of everything?”

“I promise. One more thing, Camille.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t bother calling anyone at Lakr and asking about the business. I’ll give them strict orders to say nothing to you. And I won’t say anything to you either.”

She gripped him tighter. “I don’t think I can do this.” Her tears wet his blue dress shirt.

His dimple flashed at her as he smiled. “Of course you can. You’re Camille Slade.”

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