Elizabeth caught a cab and gave the driver the address for Roark’s loft. In the back of her mind, she knew it would be prudent to call ahead and warn him she was coming, but after breaking things off, what was she supposed to give him as an excuse for needing to see him? Telling him that she was pregnant with his child was not a conversation she wanted to have on the phone.
She rapped on Roark’s door. The sound barely drowned out the thunder of her heart as she anticipated the scene to come. Conversation openers spun through her head while she waited, making her dizzy. Her nerve was fading by the second. She’d actually started backing down the hall when Roark’s door opened. A beautiful young woman with disheveled dark hair peered out. She wore a sleepy expression and a gorgeous turquoise silk nightgown that hinted at the flawless figure beneath.
“Hello?” She spoke in accented English. “Can I help you?”
This was yet another development Elizabeth hadn’t foreseen. Her first impulse was to make an excuse and race away, but she’d never been one to run from her problems. “I’m looking for Roark.”
“He’s not here.” Her dark brown eyes smiled. “Are you a friend?”
“Yes.” Elizabeth’s head bobbed. “Elizabeth Minerva.”
“I am Fadira. How wonderful to meet you.”
This was the woman Darius had raced halfway around the world to save. Elizabeth understood his fascination. Fadira was breathtaking.
“Do you know where Roark might have gone?”
“I do not, but he may have called while I was sleeping. Please come in.” The woman opened the door wide and turned to address someone inside the loft. “Darling, have you heard from Roark this morning?”
Darius appeared beside the slim Middle Eastern woman and put his arm around her waist. She leaned into his embrace and slid her hand onto his bare chest.
“Hello, Elizabeth. I see you have met my fiancée.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. “Congratulations.”
“She is looking for Roark,” Fadira explained.
“I thought he might be here.” Renewed anxiety displaced her momentary relief. “I’m sorry to intrude. I should have called before coming over.”
“Roark didn’t tell you that he gave us the apartment for a few days?” Darius asked. “I have not heard from him since he left Saturday night. Are you worried about him?”
“Nothing like that. I had something I wanted to discuss with him. Do you know where he might have gone?”
“No. I’m sorry.”
Which meant her news would have to wait a little while longer.
* * *
Roark sat at the desk in his mother’s bedroom and for the first time, read the entries she’d made after he’d left for the marines. It had taken him two days of wandering like a ghost through the penthouse before he been able to face his mother’s heartache.
He’d spent those days reliving memories of her. How he’d done his homework at this desk, while she’d sat in her favorite chair by the fireplace and read. If he’d gotten stuck on a math problem or wanted to discuss a social studies assignment, she was always close, ready to offer what help she could. Sometimes he pretended he didn’t understand just so she’d lean over his shoulder. Her light, floral scent would fill his nostrils while her musical voice would explain the complexities of iambic pentameter or point out where he’d gone wrong with a formula.
To his surprise, his mother hadn’t been devastated by his departure. She’d been proud that he’d chosen to serve his country, and she’d understood that he needed to make his mark on the world.
If he’d had the courage to say goodbye, he wouldn’t have been burdened by guilt all these years. He could have left knowing that his mother wished nothing but the best for him.
Instead he’d acted like a fool and his mother had suffered. He’d hurt her like he’d hurt Elizabeth. All because he believed that love was a trap he had to avoid at all costs. An obligation that interfered with his freedom.
Well, Elizabeth hadn’t tried to hold on to him and these past few days without her had been some of the most miserable hours of his life.
“Roark?” Elizabeth’s soft voice came from the doorway. “I hope it’s okay that Mrs. Myott let me in.”
Dressed in a dark gray wool coat, her cheeks pink from the cold, she stood just outside the room as if afraid of her welcome.
His heart soared at the sight of her. “It’s fine.” More than fine. It was fantastic. Since she’d turned him down a second time on Friday night, he’d been moldering in a stew of recrimination. Unable to contain his relief, he crossed the room and hauled her into his arms, whirling her off her feet. “How’d you know to find me here?”
For two complete spins she melted into his embrace and he savored the peace he always felt in her company. The second her toes met the floor once again, she pushed out of his arms.