A grin played around the edges of her mouth because, whether he knew it or not, he had her.
His hot gaze settled on her lips. “You’re joking,” he said, his shoulders dropping in obvious relief.
“I am.”
But just because she agreed didn’t mean her stomach wasn’t twisting with nerves over spending a weekend alone with Tyler. Then again, if she mentally took herself back to the mindset of an affair and ignored her annoying emotions, which had driven her crazy over the last few days, she ought to be fine.
“I’ll come with you. Because this time you asked me nicely and also because I’m not stupid, and getting out of here is the smart thing to do,” she said.
He nodded. “I’m going to want a list of everyone in your life, from your boss’s full name to others who work with you, to friends. Nobody is off-limits until I figure out what’s going on. But let’s focus on work first, since this started while you were away on business.”
She sobered at the thought. “My boss? Angie’s eccentric and demanding, but she’d never hurt me.” She looked down, saddened by the very thought.
He rested his knuckles beneath her chin, tipping her head up to meet his gaze. “I’m not going to take any chances. There have been too many incidents.”
She nodded, knowing he was right. So without argument, she headed into her bedroom, pulled out a bag, and packed up her suitcase. Not knowing what he had in mind, she chose a variety of outfits, bathing suits, cover-ups, and restaurant-type wear. She kept a packed cosmetic bag with toiletries since she traveled for work, and added a few more items she used daily.
She tried not to think about what this weekend meant. She’d go with him, she’d be safe, and that was that. She hoped.
A few minutes later, she met Tyler back in the living room, rolling her suitcase behind her.
He stood at the window, his hands in his pants pockets, pulling the material tight over his spectacular behind. She bit her bottom lip in an attempt not to comment on the fact that she wanted to squeeze him tight with both hands and never let go.
She cleared her throat instead. “All set.”
He turned to face her, glancing at his wristwatch. “I’m impressed.”
“I thought you might be.”
“Ready?”
As I’ll ever be, she thought, and nodded. “Where are we going?”
“While you were packing, I called a friend who owns a boutique hotel on Ocean Drive near the Art Deco district. Only eighteen rooms. Totally peaceful and secluded. He always keeps a room available for a friend in need.”
“Nice,” she murmured. “What’s the name?”
“La Belle. It’s named after his wife,” he said, taking the suitcase out of her hand.
“That’s incredibly romantic.” She turned to set the alarm, not wanting him to see what was probably a wistful look on her face at the story of a man naming a hotel after the woman he loved. “Don’t you need to pick up things to wear?” she asked him, forcing her mind to more practical matters.
“I have a change of clothes in the car that I keep for when I go to the gym, and I can buy anything else I need,” he said, as if it was that simple. And she supposed it was.
A few minutes later, they set off in his Range Rover, headed to South Beach, where the hotel was located. He called Luke Williams, one of his security men. Tyler explained Ella’s situation and what he needed from the man, who then peppered Ella with questions about her life so he could begin looking into why someone was targeting her. Tyler directed the conversation, the main focus being on her job, her boss, and anyone she’d worked with regarding the photo shoot before and during their time on St. Lucia, since that was where the first incident had occurred. Luke promised to put eyes on her apartment in case someone came back and said he’d get to work immediately.
“Are you okay?” Tyler asked after disconnecting the call.
“I guess so. It’s unnerving though.”
He reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m not going to let anyone get to you.” And when he reassured her in that deep, self-assured voice that set her nerves tingling, she believed him.
They drove in silence, his hand remaining possessively on hers. On the way, they passed the Meridian Hotel, owned by Tyler’s father, Robert Dare. She wasn’t surprised Tyler hadn’t booked them a room there, given how he felt about his father. How all the Dare siblings felt. Although the girls tried hard to have a relationship with their father despite his failings, he’d hurt each one over and over again, until now, none of them bothered. And Ella didn’t blame them.
She, of all people, understood not having anything to do with a parent you’d once loved. There wasn’t a day she didn’t live with the knowledge and pain in her heart. But she was a better, healthier person for cutting ties and not wishing for something she could never have. And she was certain the same was true for Tyler and the rest of his family.
They arrived at the hotel, a white, unobtrusive stucco building on
a corner that backed up to the beach. Tyler handed his car off to the valet, and her suitcase was whisked away by a bellman. They checked in, the lobby completely unconventional as far as Miami hotspots went. As soon as she stepped inside, Ella felt as though she were in a comfortable home. The taupe and white tones immediately put her at ease; there were books on the shelves and easy chairs for guests to sit in. The overall atmosphere was warm and inviting.