Heart Shaped Spotlight

I thought about calling Carrie for advice, but I knew she would demand that I go to him. And honestly, the decision was already made. My hands were already taking my hair out of my ponytail, and digging for lip balm. If the universe somehow threw us together in a room after being apart for seven years, the least I could do is go chat with the guy.

For once the streetcar was so fast I didn’t have enough time to think about what I was going to say. Walking into the lovely sparkling hotel lobby, I immediately stood against a wall, pulling out my phone. It was my go-to move when I needed a moment to breathe.

Sometimes I could power through stressful moments. Sometimes I couldn’t. Right now, walking up to the concierge and saying, “Hi, it’s Trisha here to see Nate Roberts,” just wasn’t possible.

I typed his number into my phone and sent a text.

Me: It’s Trisha. In the hotel lobby. Locking up.

Already we were falling back into old patterns. My being nervous and Nate taking care of me. Talking me down. Protecting me from the world and myself. He knew that when I began to lock up, I was becoming extremely anxious, and needed help.

There was no way I could ever explain that to anyone else correctly. I knew that he’d remember. At least, I hoped so.

His message came back almost immediately.

Nate: Sit. Breathe. I’ll be right there.

Attempting to stroll through the lobby as if I belonged there, I found a couch that was away from the staff and the endless parade of guests. Holding my back straight, my feet planted on the floor, I did three cleansing breaths.

“Trisha?”

Tilting my head up, Nate looked… magnificent. The chandelier was directly behind his head, giving him the halo effect that I’d always envisioned when he endlessly saved me from myself.

He took my hand politely, helping me stand. Then his long fingers entwined with mine, making me flutter inside while he grinned. “Do you want to get a drink in the lounge, or come to my room for a quiet chat?”

As always, I knew he wouldn’t judge me on either answer. Nate had always encouraged everyone to go with their gut reactions when it came to the little things. Especially me.

“Your room.”

I spoke quietly, but he always heard every word. Leading me to a hallway, his thumb gently circled the back of my hand in a sweet, comforting way. The elevator took us to the top of the building, and he quickly led us to a gigantic suite.

“The show is trying to dazzle me so that I’ll sign their record deal,” he grinned. “I told them a regular room is fine, but the different departments in that company don’t communicate well.”

He gave me a minute to stare around the suite that was easily triple the size of my one-room apartment. We gravitated toward the couch. My stomach flipped as he sat very close, draping his arm behind me along the back.

“Tell me you didn’t get married.” His question was abrupt, and I was surprised to see how nervous he looked.

I shook my head. “No. Of course not.” Looking up into those stunning eyes, I wondered how many women had been dazzled by that exquisite face.

“Have you had any other relationships?”

Damn. He was taking stock immediately. I guess I didn’t blame him. My body was already instinctively turning toward his.

Shaking my head, I murmured, “No.”

“Me neither,” he shrugged. “I mean, nothing serious. Everyone kept trying to set me up, but it just didn’t take.” His grin looked different on his older face. Less goofy. Far sexier, and self-assured.

He was so dazzlingly handsome that it was tricky not to stare. No wonder he was becoming a rockstar. That strange quality of being lit up from within was right there.

His fingers brushed against mine again, and that tiny touch was all it took for me to remember every ounce of lust I’d ever had in my life. All for him.

The way he was looking at

me was odd. He’d always stared at me as if I were his favorite project. Something to be adored and analyzed. Yet there was more now. Something deeper.

“Please...” His voice, always so rich and certain, was practically quavering. “May I kiss you?”

I didn’t know why I’d come here until I saw the absolute torment in his eyes. I leaned toward him. My chin tipped up as my hands wrapped around his shoulders. My body was screaming for him and my brain had gone numb with shock.