Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Forgive me for asking, but . . .

She pushed him away and struggled to her feet. 'I'm all right.' She wanted no complications, was angry at where her thoughts had strayed.

'You don't look all right.' He felt her forehead and reached for his towel, replacing her wet one. 'Here, keep this wrapped around you and get into the car.' He bundled her in and drove back to the motel, shivering himself. Once there he relieved her of her key and hustled her inside, into the bathroom. 'Get those off and get under the shower. Come on, you need to warm up. I'm not leaving so you might as well hop to it.'

Sullenly Noel refused. 'Go away.'

'No. I don't know what's wrong with you, but I recommend getting a check-up.'

She bridled. 'I don't need one.'

'No? Well, right now you can get under that shower. Come on.' He prised the towel from her fingers and bodily carried her into the cubicle where he turned on the taps and adjusted the heat. 'Now stand.'