Emily pulled her arm free from Andrew's grip, her eyebrows drawn tight, but she kept quiet.

Juliet didn't seem to catch the tension between them. Thanks to Andrew's interference, Emily didn't even have a chance to step back before all three of them ended up at the door together. Juliet's car was parked right outside. She said goodbye, got in, and drove off without looking back. Emily's own driver pulled up right after.

Without sparing Andrew a glance, Emily reached for her car door.

Suddenly, an arm appeared behind her, pushing the door shut.

Emily stiffened, her frown deepening. She turned sharply and snapped, "What are you doing?"

Before she could move away, she felt a wave of heat close in behind her. Andrew leaned his whole weight against her back, his chin settling on her shoulder.

He was still burning up. Emily could feel the heat radiating off him and his breath warm against her neck. It sent a chill straight down her spine and goosebumps across her skin.

She jammed her elbow backward into his chest. "Are you out of your mind? Get off me!"

He was heavy enough that she had to brace herself against the car to keep from tipping over.

His voice was rough and low, right next to her ear, his breath brushing her skin. “I'm dizzy... I can't stand straight. Can you help me, please?"

His voice was quiet, almost magnetic, and it made her skin prickle all over again. She couldn't take it anymore. Emily spun around, grabbed his arm, and forced him to stand up straight against the car.

Up close, she finally saw how pale he was. His lips were dry and cracked, his breathing uneven as he leaned back, managing a weak, apologetic smile.

Her frown only deepened. "You were fine just now. The second Ms. Thomas leaves, you suddenly can't stand?"

Even through his suit jacket, she could feel how hot he was when she gripped his arm.

Andrew gave a small, tired laugh. "You have to put on a show for other people. If you don't believe me, check for yourself..."

Emily's frown became even sharper.

He nodded toward her. "Touch my forehead."

Emily didn't really trust him, but she reached up and pressed her hand to his forehead. It was scorching. He was definitely still running a high fever. There was no way he should be out here on his own.

She didn't want to get dragged into this, though. She definitely didn't want to give him any excuses to stick around.

"Where's your driver?" she asked, her tone flat.

Andrew looked away. "I left in a hurry, so I drove myself."

Her scowl got darker. "You drove here by yourself? With a fever?"

Was he trying to get in an accident?

He didn't mention that he'd had a driver earlier, but sent him away after arriving.

Andrew lowered his head, rubbing his temple. "I feel terrible. Everything's spinning. Can you please just drive me home?"

He started leaning in again, looking all helpless and pitiful.

Emily pushed him back, steadying him against the car. "Stay put."

Her driver got out of the car, glancing between the two of them, a little unsure. “Ms. Blair, do you need any help?"

Andrew leaned against the car, mouth parted, breathing shallow, his dark eyes fixed on Emily.

Emily kept one hand on his shoulder to keep him at a distance and spoke to her driver. "He's burning up. He can't drive. Take him home. I'll drive myself."

The driver glanced at Andrew, then nodded. "Okay."

Suddenly, Andrew reached out and grabbed her wrist. "No. I don't want anyone else."

Emily ignored him, pulling her hand away. "You help him," she told the driver. The driver hesitated. He looked tired and wary, clearly recognizing Andrew Lane. Just the look Andrew gave him was enough to make him anxious.

Emily waited a second, then called out, “Well? What are you waiting for?"

Snapping out of it, the driver hurried over and took Andrew's arm from Emily. Andrew's face fell. He stayed silent, just stared at Emily with that dark, unhappy gaze.

She told the driver to find Andrew's car keys in his pocket, then help him to his car. The driver opened the door, but Andrew clung to the frame, refusing to get in, his eyes locked on Emily.

He stared at her for a long moment, but her face stayed cold, unmoved.

Finally, Andrew let out a soft sigh. "You really won't take me?"

"You have a driver," Emily said, not budging.

Andrew tried again. "I took care of you at the resort, you know."

Emily paused for a split second. "If you need anything, just tell him. He'll take care of

it."

That brief pause seemed to give Andrew a little hope.

He pressed on, his voice softer. "I took care of you, not your driver. I want you."

The driver looked awkward, holding Andrew's arm, eyes on the ground.

Emily kept her cool. "I appreciate what you did for me, but I don't have time right now. You heard me, I need to get back to the office. Let my driver take you. We'll call it even for the resort, okay?"

She didn't waver. The faint hope in Andrew's eyes faded. He nodded, defeated. "Fine."

He finally let the driver help him into the car. The driver breathed a quiet sigh of relief.