He stared at her, neither of them willing to back down. He thought he was in the right, and she knew she was. Finally, she was able to once again speak, though she knew her words would come out between clinched teeth.
“I don’t know where you come off thinking I should be grateful for you setting me up in this hospital, and I don’t know exactly what happened, but you hit me with your car, not the other way around. You don’t get to come in here and be a jerk!”
“I’m trying to do the right thing. You don’t have anyone to take care of you, so I want to make sure you get proper care. You don’t have to be so ungrateful about it,” he said, still sounding as if nothing could possibly penetrate his cool exterior.
“Well, I’m telling you that I don’t need taken care of…” she snapped. She wanted to add more when he rudely interrupted her again.
“You will not leave here by yourself, and that’s final!”
Cassie took a few minutes to compose her features, trying to get control of her temper. She could feel the headache starting to pound in her temples once again, and was frustrated with him for that, too. He seemed unhappy unless he was causing her some kind of distress.
“We aren’t getting anywhere. I think we should both cool off and then have this discussion when I’m feeling better.” She figured if she played the sick girl card he’d leave her alone and give her time to get her thoughts together.
Max didn’t say anything - he just stood up and walked from the room. Cassie didn’t know whether to feel happy or disappointed she’d gotten her way. She told herself she was glad he’d left, but she didn’t feel elated to have him gone. She blamed her erratic emotions to the knock on her head. That’s all it could be. She lay back against the pillow and closed her eyes, letting out a sigh.
“Okay, we haven’t started this out the way I wanted to. I’m sorry if I came across a bit strongly but I need to make sure you’re going to be okay,” she heard Max say. She opened her eyes, turned her head and found him standing in the doorway. He was leaning against the frame, his cocky expression in place, arms crossed, looking as if he was swallowing sour lemons while attempting an apology.
He spoke in a way that was meant to instill confidence in the other person, but she didn’t trust him further than she could throw him, and that wasn’t any distance at all. He’d placed her in a private room, took care of all the bills, made sure she was fed well, and now wanted to make sure she was taken care of when she left. He had an agenda. She knew she was vulnerable and he was no better than the big bad wolf but she couldn’t figure out his game plan.
As she laid there and they once again had a staring contest, it suddenly hit her. He was worried about getting sued. The mega-rich billionaire had plowed his car into her, causing a concussion, and a banged up body, and he was using his full arsenal of charm so she would be all happy to sign whatever papers he put before her.
She had zero desire to sue him. She didn’t know whose fault the accident was, but even if it had been his fault she could never go head to head with one of the Andersons. It just wouldn’t be worth it. She wasn’t that kind of girl, anyway. She despised ambulance chasing attorneys and people who made their fortunes from frivolous law suits. But, he didn’t know she felt that way. He didn’t know what kind of a girl she was. This entire accident could work to her advantage. She may just get her interview after-all. She would’ve thought of it much sooner if she hadn’t been loaded up with so many drugs.
“I’m sorry too, Max. I guess my head has just been hurting so badly and I really do need to get more rest,” she said in what she hoped was a pathetic voice. If she was going to play a power game with the man then she needed to pull out all the guns. Ah, it would feel good to take down this high-handed, arrogant guy. She could practically see her headlining articles in the newspaper now. Her dream was so close.
“I insist that you stay with my family until you’re fully functioning. Of course, I’ll pay all expenses,” he stated. She looked at him, trying to figure out the best way to proceed. She was going to get her interview.
“When are you going to whip out the papers for me to sign?” she asked, coming straight to the point. Her direct approach took him off guard and he stared at her for a moment in shock. He wasn’t used to women coming right out and stating the facts. She thought her time with him was going to be enjoyable. He could use a strong woman to knock him down a peg or two from that throne he’d placed himself on.
“Well, since you brought it up, my attorney has drafted some papers he’d like for you to sign. You’ll be compensated for all medical expenses and receive a generous settlement. It’s really a win-win situation for both of us,” he told her, quickly regaining his composure, and adding his trademark grin.
“I’d like to take a look at these papers,” she said. He quickly handed them over and she took her time reading through the thick document. She had to give Max credit because he sat there, tapping his foot impatiently, while she perused the document. He didn’t try to rush her. She couldn’t keep the surprised look from her eyes when she took in the six figure sum he was offering as a settlement. Who knew getting hit by a car could be so profitable? Heck, why work hard when you could just jump in front of a high-priced sports car? she thought sarcastically. She set the papers down and looked up where he stared back at her.
“Do you have a problem with the figures?” he finally asked when she remained silent.
“Now that you’ve asked, yes, I do have a problem. I’m not after your money, Mr. Anderson.” She waited a few moments before she continued, after he raised his brows. “There is something I want from you, though,” she finished with a wicked smile of her own.
She watched as the light dawned on his face. First, he looked surprised, then his eyes narrowed as he realized she was attempting to blackmail him. She supposed that had never happened to him before. He blanked his expression after only a few seconds.
“What would that be?” he demanded, though he knew.