“It’s pretty complicated, and much of it’s classified. How about we just leave it as is?”
“But you don’t do it anymore?” I pressed. Then I wondered why I even cared so much. I didn’t need to know all of this about him. We were just in this for a week. He could put himself in as much danger as he chose. I’d never see him again.
The thought made my stomach clench painfully.
He shook his head. “Now I’m freelance. I work with banks to hunt down cyber criminals. People who would steal customers’ money or attempt to make fraudulent transactions. Hack into online bank accounts, pfishers. Things like that.”
I pressed my lips together and nodded. “Still a hero.”
He shrugged. “I travel a lot. Do these conferences. I’m as much an educator as anything.”
“And do you have a girl at each stop?” I froze. I didn’t know where that question came from. “I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “It’s not really my business—”
“No.” He cut me off, staring straight into my eyes. “I don’t have a girl anywhere. Actually, I’ve never done anything like this before.”
Suddenly we were both very quiet. I looked at the half-eaten sandwich on my plate and realized I was finished. I didn’t want any more wine. I needed to get back to my room, to get my head straight. We were venturing into impossible territory now.
I stood quickly. “Thank you so much for dinner,” I said, dusting my hands together.
Derek stood just as fast, towering over me in the night. “Please don’t go,” he said. “It’s still early.”
I shook my head. “It’s late, and I’m tired. And… well… I think we both know it’s for the best.”
Just as I turned to leave, I felt his touch, light at my elbow. “See me tomorrow. Don’t stay away. It’s just
for a few more days.”
His words, the tone in his voice, caused a sharp pain in the center of my body. It was as if a sword were thrust into the space below my ribs, above my stomach. I glanced back at his blue eyes, bright and open. It was impossible to believe I could have any power over him at all, but it seemed in this one request, I did.
I nodded. “What would you like to do?”
He smiled and lowered his hand. “What’s your last name?”
I shook my head. “My room is 323 in the spa tower. Call me that way.”
The crease in his brow told me he didn’t understand, but if he truly had access to all of our background information like Patrick had teased, I didn’t want him knowing what my year had been like. I didn’t want anyone knowing. Having not gone officially on record, I wasn’t sure if he could find anything out, but I couldn’t be too careful.
“Goodnight,” I said leaning forward to kiss his cheek, cutting off any further discussion. Just as I was about to pull back, he caught the back of my neck and pulled my mouth to his for a better kiss.
I didn’t resist, allowing his soft lips to part mine. I placed my palms on his strong shoulders, bracing myself as our tongues entwined. His kiss turned hungry, and my mouth matched his pace. I wanted him to lift me again. I craved the connection of our bodies as much as he did. Heat flared between my legs, but I resisted, stepping back, inhaling deeply, eyes still closed.
“Goodnight,” I said, this time in a shaky whisper.
My eyes blinked open and only briefly caught his before I turned and walked away, not giving him a chance to respond.
Chapter 5 – Little Boxes
Our room was dim and empty when I arrived. The turn-down service had left organic dark chocolates on our pillows and soft track lighting ran around the walls behind the headboards. Beach sounds were coming from the little music station between the two beds, and the air smelled faintly of the signature cactus flower perfume. Everything was designed to cultivate a relaxed, spa vibe. I actually liked it.
Elaine was still with Patrick, I supposed. I went to the bathroom and flicked on the soft yellow lights, and for a moment, I was stunned by my reflection. My cheeks did seem rosier, and although the faint lines were still visible at the corners of my eyes, even my eyes were different. The smallest hint of that old brightness was fighting to return. Was it all the spa pampering? The easy, schedule-less days of sleeping in and then relaxing by the pool, allowing the nonstop tension to drain from my body?
Or was it him?
I shook my head and tied my long dark curls back so I could wash my face. Once I was finished and had smoothed a thin line of moisturizer under my eyes and across my lips, I turned and walked back to the large, queen-sized bed where I slept. My phone lay discarded at the foot. I hadn’t even thought about taking it with me. I didn’t want to check emails or texts. I was in a bubble, and everyone had been informed I would be unavailable for the week. I had auto-respond messages set up everywhere.
But still he called.
Sloan’s picture and number sat there staring at me like the cat that always came back. Tonight I didn’t listen to his message. I didn’t want to hear his lectures. I tossed the phone on the small sofa in our room and slipped between the cool, crisp sheets. I considered deleting his contact information, getting a new phone, a new number. But no. I needed to know where he was. At least for now.