Cook County: Lucky in Love Read Online Free Page A

understood what he’d said, or why he’d said it. “I’m sorry,” he offered, unsure what he could say to make her feel better, but figuring a condolence was mandatory in these situations. “I don’t think I know this friend, but I’m sure she’s a good person.”
    Cammie sniffed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “She’s been battling her health problem for a long while, and now it’s trying to shut down her kidneys. She’s too young to die, Lucky, and she hasn’t done any of the things she planned on doing with her life.”
    Sonofabitch . Lucky downed his whiskey and banged the glass on the bar, signaling his need for another shot while damning himself for not letting Cammie walk away when he’d had the chance. The last thing he needed on his mind was a young woman dying, especially one whose death would hurt Cammie. “I’m sorry to hear that, Cam. I hope the doctors find a way to save her.”
    Lucky drummed his fingers along the bar, struggling to think of what to say. Cammie was more upset than he’d ever seen a person get over a friend, and a situation that hadn’t even happened yet.
    He returned Rho’s dark glare with one he was sure was even darker as she poured him his third drink, and he quickly swallowed it down, letting the alcohol burn in the pit of his stomach. He needed it to keep from running out on Cammie, to flee as far from this conversation as he could. He could ride a bucking bronco all day, break every bone in his body and laugh about it, but dealing with damsels in distress that he couldn’t do a damn thing to rescue was when he tucked tail and ran.
    As hurt as Cammie seemed right now, though, he couldn’t just run out on her. She’d been there to offer kind words after Delia Mayberry had insulted him at the diner this morning. He felt the need to return the favor by being the ear she needed as she talked about her friend.
    “The doctors say that she may end up having to have a kidney transplant if she doesn’t start responding to her medication better. Waiting lists are long for organs, but friends and family can be tested, so she doesn’t have to wait on a stranger’s kidney to become available. But she doesn’t really have any family, and she doesn’t know if her friends would be willing to donate a kidney to save her. She’s terrified of what will happen if it gets to that point.”
    “You might be worrying over nothing, hon.”
    Cammie nodded, sniffed a little before a trail of tears spilled over, sliding down her cheek.
    “Hey now.” Lucky quickly wiped away the moisture with his thumb, erasing the evidence of heartbreak. If there was anything he couldn’t stand to see on a woman’s face, it was that. “I’m sure she’ll be all right. A match will be found if it comes to that, and who knows, maybe your friend will outlive us both.”
    She nodded as she sniffed harder. “Gotta have faith, right?”
    “Yeah,” he agreed half-heartedly. Faith hadn’t done a damn thing for him, but he’d agree with just about anything right now to keep Cammie from breaking down into full on sobs.
    “I’m sorry,” she abruptly apologized. “I’m just spilling my guts about all this depressing stuff. I’m sure this wasn’t how you planned to spend your night.”
    “It’s fine.” Lucky patted her hand, careful not to linger. It would be too easy to allow his fingers to feel more of her soft skin. “I just came in for a drink, and to be around people for a little while. Drinking in a crowded room isn’t nearly as depressing as swigging your alcohol from a bottle in your living room, regardless of whether or not you’re actually alone in that crowded room.”
    “You’re not alone, Lucky.” She put her hand on his shoulder and lightly squeezed.
    He swallowed hard. “Yeah, I suppose not. Thanks, kid.”
    “I’m not a kid,” she replied, hard gaze cutting through him like a dagger. “I’m twenty-freaking-eight years old for cripes sake.”
    Lucky laughed,