“Whoa. What?” Cameron’s eyes opened wide. She spun to face Ian. The relief from moments before vanished, replaced by pure panic. “No. I can handle this. Ian doesn’t need to stay.”
Not exactly the response he’d hoped for. “You’re damn good, but no one can do this alone. Brodie will need someone here around the clock. You have Ara, other patients. You can’t always be here. I’ll help.”
She shook her head hard. “There are others who will stay. They’ll help with Ara, visit with Brodie. We take care of our own.”
Her words struck him squarely in the heart, reminding him that her connections, her loyalties now lie with people who weren’t him. “I have vacation days. I’ll take them.” No matter what she said, he was staying.
“This isn’t a vacation, Ian. This is my life.”
As if he needed the reminder. Meeting her stare, he read the silent plea within the sapphire depths. She feared he’d ruin the careful life she’d created here on the island. She had reason to worry. He didn’t care who or what tried to stand between them. He’d get to the bottom of her leaving and make her come back. “I’m staying,” he repeated.
“And if I don’t want you here?”
That would hurt, but at least this time leaving would be his choice.
“Then Hunte goes to the big island,” Wes interjected. “The only way he can stay is if you have additional medical help.”
Cameron ground her teeth, causing a muscle in her jaw to bulge. Ian hoped for her molars’ sake there was a dentist nearby.
Finally, she shook her head. Resigned. “Do whatever you want. You always have anyway.” Without another word, she turned and strode away.
Neither man moved as she hurried to the clinic, then disappeared inside.
“My advice. Cut your losses and head home. She doesn’t want you.” Wes sauntered after her, leaving Ian alone except for Ara and Keso yards away.
Ian watched Cameron’s family. Keso might be Ara’s father, but he wasn’t Cameron’s lover. She hadn’t admitted they weren’t together. She didn’t have to. From the way she’d kissed Ian earlier, he knew the other man had no hold on her. It didn’t matter what Wes claimed, Ian knew the truth. Cameron still wanted him.