Page 72 of Rushing Into Love

“I’m looking for Bree. I don’t see her car, so I’m assuming she’s not here?” I shifted from foot to foot, too amped to hide my anxiety.

“No. I haven’t seen her. She left a note saying she had to go to the airport. Some sort of work emergency. I thought you two were together.” Brooklyn’s eyes filled with worry. “Is everything alright?”

I let out a shaky exhale. “Not really. It’s Shayna. She’s back. Long story, but I’ll fill you in later. I have to find Bree.” I ran back to the SUV, calling over my shoulder, “Lock your doors!”

I shot out of the driveway, punching in Bree’s cell number as I drove.

This is Bree. Sorry I missed your call. Leave a message!Her cheery voice mocked me. Straight to voicemail.Damn it!

I sped up as I eased onto I-85 heading south. Luckily, there was no traffic this late on a Saturday night. The same drive on Tuesday at rush hour could take well over two hours. Now, I’d probably be at the airport in less than forty-five minutes, especially since I was pushing ninety. Keeping my eyes on the road, I searched for Bree’s Malibu, as well as police cars—I did not need a speeding ticket right now.

My mind kept replaying that stupid kiss from Shayna. If I’d only been able to push her away sooner, Bree never would have seen that and none of this would be happening. Damn it! How could I have let this happen? I shook my head, disgusted with myself. If I were Bree, I’d never talk to me again. I hoped I could catch her in time. God willing, there wouldn’t be any more flights tonight, but it was the Atlanta airport. There was probably some red-eye she could catch and then what? I guess I’d have to fly to LA.

Turning off the interstate, I followed the signs to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. I frantically scanned the cars around me, willing one of them to be Bree’s. Was that a Malibu up there? I couldn’t really tell; it was pretty dark on the road and there was no moonlight tonight. Plus, turns out a Chevy Malibu isn’t all that distinctive a car. I’d already mistaken a Ford and a Nissan for the Malibu.

Squinting up ahead, I caught sight of a car that could possibly be hers. I sped up, trying to get closer. The maybe-Malibu was about four car lengths ahead of me. I was gaining on the car, pushing the speed limit as much as I dared. I’d been to this airport enough to know there were always traffic cops hanging around. Not an ideal place to speed. I was really moving now. One more minute and we’d be even.

It started to rain. Not just a sprinkle, a freaking flash flood.

“Damn it!” I shouted into the dark, slamming my fist on the steering wheel. Just what I needed. I couldn’t see six inches ahead of me, let alone the car two lanes over and four lengths up.

“Shit!” I slammed on my brakes, screeching to a halt. Red light. I was the first car stopped, meaning the maybe-Malibu was gone. I thrummed my steering wheel, waiting impatiently for the stupid light to turn green.

Peeling off the line, I tried to catch up, following the flow of cars to the airport. Traffic had slowed due to the slick conditions. I wondered if Bree was at the airport, buying a ticket to LA; maybe I’d already missed her and she was gone.

The rain slowed to a steady pounding and my wipers swished-swished double-time, trying futilely to clear the windshield. I continued searching for a Chevy Malibu, but decision time was upon me and I still had zero idea where Bree might be. I figured she’d need to park the car, so I blindly threw a Hail Mary and headed towards the Departures Parking Area.

Rolling my window down, I snagged a ticket from the machine, rain soaking through my cheap costume armor. In my rush, I’d kind of forgotten about my costume; I was going to get some really strange looks in the airport, that was for sure.

I threw my ticket on the dash and rolled into the parking lot, trying not to think about the worst-case scenario. I really didn’t want to take a seven-hour red-eye wearing armor.

Driving down Row A, I scoured the lot for any sign of Bree. Nothing. I turned down Row B and did the same, coming up empty again. My wipers thumped rhythmically against the window as I peered through the raindrops, passing car after car. As I rounded the end of the row, I caught a glimpse of red.Brake lights. There was another car in this lot right now and it could be Bree’s. The thought buoyed me, and I cut hard to the right, following the lights. I headed towards the covered parking, which made sense. Bree had a rental, so she’d have to return it before she left.

I rolled into the garage, making a sharp left turn up the ramp. The next available parking spot was on Level F. Red lights flashed up ahead and I sped up a little, trying to catch the car while still being cautious and watching for pedestrians. I hadn’t seen any people yet, but you never knew.

Climbing the levels, I rounded corners, taking each a little quicker than the last. I could see the car now and it looked like a white Malibu. I’d already been fooled several times tonight, though, so I wasn’t getting excited.

Level D. Level E. I finally rounded the corner to Level F. The white car slowed, turning into the first available spot. I followed, decelerating to a crawl, my SUV idling loudly in the quiet garage. I was holding my breath, my palms sweaty on the steering wheel, sticky under my grip. The car door opened and out stepped Cleopatra, minus the jet-black wig, golden crown, and mask. Bree.

My eyes darted around, scanning for the closest empty space. I spotted an opening in the next row, so I gunned it, gassing my SUV hard. Taking the turn on two wheels, I rammed into the open spot, threw the gear hard into ‘Park,’ and leaped out of the car, slamming the door behind me.

“Bree!” I shouted frantically as I jogged down the row. “Bree! Let me explain!” I rounded the corner and stopped dead in my tracks.

“Stay back, Ryder! Do not come any closer. If you take one more step, I swear I’ll slit her throat.”

Shayna had her arm wrapped around Bree’s waist, a shiny knife flush against her neck. Bree’s face matched her tunic, all color having drained out of it, and her green eyes were wide with terror. My pulse shot up seven thousand beats as adrenaline pumped through me. I put my hands up in an attempt to calm Shayna down.

“Shayna, you don’t want to do this.” I shook my head, trying to reason with her. “There’s nothing to gain by hurting her. It’s not her you want—it’s me.”

Shayna paused, cocking her head to the side, thinking. She gripped Bree tighter, leaving white indentations on Bree’s bare arm. Shayna continued backing up, dragging Bree with her.

“That’s true, but I can’t trust you!” Shayna yelled out, inching back slowly.

“You can, Shayna. You know me,” I said in the calmest voice I could muster.

Shayna cackled maniacally, throwing her head back with laughter. Then she paused, locking her cold eyes on mine. “You’re kidding, right? Every time I turn around, you’re doing something despicable to me. There’s no freaking way I can trust you.” She shook with rage, spitting out the words.

“You can, Shayna. Promise.” I clasped my hands together and focused on Shayna, giving her my most earnest of looks. I took a few steps forward and Shayna didn’t move, so I continued walking slowly towards her.

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