She did as he asked, her stomach gurgling in protest at the cold liquid. For a second, she feared the water would come right back up. But it stayed down. The battle let her know she wasn’t as over the flu as she’d like to be. She sank into the pile of pillows, breathing through the nausea. “This sucks balls.”

“Yeah, it really does. I can’t remember ever feeling worse in my life.”

“Because you’re superman. You never get sick.”

“Whatever you say, babe.”

A soft knock on the door had him crossing the room for an update. “Thanks so much, Brant. We’ll be ready.” He closed the door and turned to face her. “Wheels up in one hour.”

“Thank God.” Then she thought of Avery. “Um, what do we do about, um, Avery?”

“What about him?”

Sam rolled her eyes at the testy way he said that. “Would it be possible to offer my colleague, who was so amazingly helpful to me when I was sick, a ride back to D.C.?”

“Yes, it would be possible. Do you want me to call his room and see if he’s interested in joining us?”

“It’s very nice of you to offer, but I’ll call him.” She found his name on her list of contacts and placed the call.

“Hill.”

“It’s me. Sam.”

“How’re you feeling?”

“Better. We’re going home. You want to hitch a ride with us?”

After a long pause, he said, “Um, sure. I need to return the rental car, though.”

In consultation with Nick, they discussed logistics and agreed that they’d pick him up at the terminal in forty minutes.

“See you then,” Avery said before the line went dead.

“Look at us,” Nick said as he put on jeans and a sweater. “One big happy family.”

“There may be hope for you two yet.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” He came around the bed to help her up, holding her until she got her bearings. “Take it slow. You were really sick last night, and you’re going to feel weak and dizzy for another day or two.” He placed his hand flat against her forehead. “You’re still warmer than you should be too.”

“I’m okay.” She kissed his cheek and went to find her suitcase. By the time she brushed her hair and teeth and put on some clothes, she was completely drained of energy. A dizzy spell had her gripping the bathroom sink so she wouldn’t fall.

Nick’s arms came around her from behind. “Easy, baby.”