No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 222

Chase chimed in with a lighthearted grin, "You know, I was about to pick up a picture frame for you, stuff your photo in it, and set it up right here, but then I couldn't find a black and white portrait, so I bailed on the idea."

"Oh, well, thanks a ton," came the sarcastic reply, "Just light some more candles, why don't you? And you can hold a funeral for me right here."

Clara stood off to the side, watching the guys exchange jabs. She couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

The cool, commanding CEO could sling curse words and crack risqué jokes with his buddies. That was news to her. This was a side of him she had never seen before.

Ian shot her a mock, resentful glance. "Clara, they're picking on me, and you're laughing. How about taking my side and showing them the door?"

Clara's smile faded to her usual composure as she said, "You guys catch up. I'm heading to the nurses' station to check on how many IVs you're due for today." She nodded to everyone and made her exit.

Chase followed, "I'll walk with you. I've got to clock in for my shift anyway."

As they left the ward, Chase suddenly spoke up, "Clara, how have you been holding up lately?"