Page 52 of Elusive Promise

He shrugged. "I'm fine with the couch. I'm not that tired yet. I'm going to catch the news."

Considering how comfortable his bed was, she decided not to argue. "All right. Your call."

He caught her arm as she was about to get up, his gaze boring into hers.

"What?" she asked, her voice suddenly a little too breathless. She trusted him not to force her into anything she didn't want to do, but it wouldn't take much to make her want to do all kinds of things she probably shouldn't.

"This is going to sound strange, but I had fun tonight. I liked getting to know you better."

"I liked it, too."

Probably too much, she thought as she left the table and walked into the bedroom.

Striding over to the window, she crossed her arms as she looked out at the view, thinking about how much she had told Jared and wondering why she'd opened herself up that way. She'd never ever told anyone her feelings about time, but somehow Jared had made her feel like she could trust him with her darkest fears.

She really hoped he wasn't going to abuse that trust, because she didn't usually let down her guard so easily.

Suddenly her biggest fear wasn’t time anymore; it was betrayal.

Twelve

Parisa woke up Sunday morning feeling energized and ready to get some answers. She'd had a good night's sleep and the fog that had been clogging her brain since the kidnapping was finally completely gone. She was also relieved not to have had to wake up and fight for her life. Apparently, her location had not been compromised.

After a quick shower, she dug into her suitcase, happy she'd brought it with her from the safe house. She put on black jeans and a soft pink sweater and headed into the kitchen. She found Jared once again at the stove. He also wore jeans with a long-sleeve gray T-shirt. He must have gone into the bedroom and grabbed new clothes while she was showering. But she didn't care about that right now. She gave him a happy smile. "I was hoping the bacon and eggs weren't a dream," she told him. "I could get used to having my own personal chef."

He handed her a plate and a mug of coffee. "Enjoy."

"Oh, I will." As she sat down at the table, she noticed he wasn't eating. "Where's your breakfast?"

"I ate while I was cooking."

"Very efficient."

"I can multitask. How did you sleep?"

"Surprisingly well. I hope the couch wasn't too uncomfortable."

"It was fine. I can sleep anywhere."

He refilled his coffee mug and brought it to the table, taking the seat across from her. "Your eye looks better today."

"Nothing a little makeup couldn't cover up." She sipped her coffee. "This is good, too. Strong. Just the way I like it."

"I had a feeling you were no-nonsense when it comes to coffee."

"Definitely. I'd rather save my calories for a big-ass hot fudge sundae than put whipped cream in my coffee."

"Good call."

"Speaking of calls, I tried the Langdons again. Neither one answered. I think we should just go to their home. I already told Neil I'd be coming over today, so it won't be a surprise."

"I'm up for that, and I'm glad you said we, because I'm not sitting this one out in the car."

"Is there a chance the Langdons will recognize you from the party or anywhere else?"

"I don't believe so."

"Then I'll just tell them you're my boyfriend."

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