Free WORTHY by Evie Matthews Page A

get sick.” Sebastian tried to reason with her.
    “Katie, get in or else I’ll be forced to haul you in here. I certainly wouldn’t mind.” Sebastian issued a threat. Somehow, Caitlin knew he would follow through.
    Stopping, Caitlin angrily demanded, “What do you want from me? You don’t get it do you? I’m trying my damndest to avoid you. Get that through your thick skull and respect that.”
    They were now starting to draw more attention from people. Sebastian was not used to this. Usually women would jump at the chance to be with him. Apparently, Caitlin wanted nothing to do with him.
    Tamping down his irritation, Sebastian pulled over and covered the distance between them in several long strides. “Katie, come on. I just want to talk to you, nothing more. Just for a few minutes?” Sebastian asked, his voice like warm chocolate, smooth and soothing.
    Caitlin closed her eyes, concentrating on keeping it together. She was tired, cold, hungry and feeling sick again and before she knew it, she was holding on to Sebastian’s forearm for support. Her world seems to spin out of control, literally and figuratively, it seemed.
    Sebastian looked at Caitlin intently. She was so pale and fragile, no doubt cold from the biting temperature. His hands immediately went around her small waist to hold her steady. “Easy now. Are you okay?” Sebastian asked, his voiced laced with concern.
    “I’m…Sebastian, I thi—”Caitlin fainted, her frail body slumping into Sebastian’s strong arms.
    “Katie…? Katie!” Sebastian was alarmed when he realized Caitlin had just fainted. He had no choice but to carry Caitlin and deposit her gently into the passenger seat of his car.
    As soon as he was seated at the driver’s seat, he immediately pulled Caitlin’s wrist to check her pulse then leaned forward to put on her seatbelt. Vaguely, he caught a faint smell of her perfume, which triggered a flood of memories of that fateful night they shared and against his will, his loins stirred in response.
    He spent several seconds scrutinizing her features before starting the car. While looking at her, unfamiliar feelings well up inside him. He felt a fierce sense of possessiveness and protectiveness for this woman he hardly even knew except for a night of pure ecstasy. Without any makeup on, she seemed so pure, innocent and delicate.
    He was still several blocks from the nearest hospital when his passenger stirred, slowly regaining consciousness. When she was fully awake, she sat up and asked, “What…Where am I?” looking a bit disoriented.
    “Take it easy, sweetheart. You fainted. We’re on our way to the hospital now.” Sebastian said, giving her a reassuring smile.
    It took several seconds for everything to dawn on her. The last time she remembered, she was arguing with Sebastian on the side of the road. She was just grateful he was there when she fainted.
    “No, no. It’s okay. I’m okay. Don’t take me to the hospital. I think I’m just coming down with flu or something. I also skipped dinner that may be the reason why I was feeling queasy and fainted.” Caitlin said.
    “Are you sure?” Sebastian is still not convinced. At her firm nod, he offered to take her to his home to fix her a simple dinner since it’s just a few blocks away.
    Caitlin was not comfortable with the idea of being back at his place but did not want to appear paranoid. When they finally arrived, the house seemed larger than the last time she was there.
    Sebastian opened the door for her and offered his arm for support. Caitlin never felt more acutely aware of her femininity. She was starting to enjoy the feeling of having someone take care of her, well, at least for a few hours.
    Once they were inside, Sebastian guided her to the living room couch and went straight to the kitchen. “I usually eat out or order takeout so I can’t offer you anything fancy.” Sebastian said as he inspected his refrigerator. Sebastian could have easily hired some