Page 39 of Only If You Dare

“How? When did you have time to do this?”

“When it’s important, we make time.”

A flurry of emotions ran through her beautiful brown eyes, and they watered instantly. I reached unbuckling her seatbelt, pulling her over onto my lap. It was refreshing when Desiree came willingly, and her head rested on my shoulder. For about five minutes we sat in that spot unmoving. Sniffles came from her then she spoke.

“It wouldn’t have been so bad if he’d gone naturally, you know.”

My head rocked back and forth slowly. “I know.”

“Thank you, again.”

“Come on,” I said, “Let’s say our goodbye’s.”

I reached for the glove compartment and grabbed a few tissues from a small box of Kleenex, then opened the door and pulled to a stand while still holding on to Desiree. Sitting her down on her feet, I closed the Bentley door and we walked hand in hand to Jasper’s gravesite.

“I’m not dressed for this,” Desiree said tugging at her halter top.

“You are not dressed for the season period, but we’ll fix that soon enough.”

That pulled a tiny smirk to her lips. “You talk as if we’ll be together for a long time. Two weeks is lengthy, but sometimes you sound as if you’re making plans for a future we don’t have.” She looked at me sheepishly as if the words she spoke embarrassed her.

“You never know what the future holds, Bella, but time will surely tell.” A fluster of wind sailed around us as we stared at one another. When Desiree pulled her eyes away, they landed on a picture of Jasper I’d taken from a frame in her house. Desiree’s furry companion sat at her feet; his tail upright in the sway of a wag. Desiree’s unobstructed hand flew to her chest as tears sprang from her eyes.

Her hold tightened around my hand as she crouched down to a squat. I went with her, caressing her back while keeping our fingers linked.

“He was the best guy I’ve ever had.”

There was a solemn form of laughter and tears mixed as Desiree grieved over her lost companion. I hated seeing her tears. I’d never been an emotional man, but it tore me up to see her hurt that way. If I ever got my hands on the asshole who’d done this to her, I’d likely tear him to shreds.

I gave Kleenex to Desiree. She wiped her face and said a soft-spoken prayer over Jasper and reached out to swipe his face on the photo. Bringing her fingers to her lips, she kissed and blew out.

“Rest in Heaven, Jasper,” she said. We rose together, and I pulled her into my side brushing a kiss on her forehead.

“Are you ready,” I asked.

She nodded.

“Are you sure, Bella? Take all the time you need.”

She offered up a languid smile.

“We don’t have a lot of time, it’s,” she glanced at her wrist watch, “One pm. Our flight leaves in an hour. We should be at the airport now.”

“We’re taking my private jet. There won’t be a wait time, and if need be, we’ll leave later.” I kept my gaze on her. “Take all the time you need.”

Desiree buried her head in my chest and left it there for a few minutes. I closed my free arm, around her and we stood there resting in the sailing winds and quiet atmosphere. More time passed before Desiree pulled back.

“I’m ready,” she said.

I placed another kiss on her forehead and stepped to the side as we walked back toward the Bentley. Back on the road, I turned the radio dial and asked, “What kind of music do you listen to, Bella?”

“I’m not telling you,” she said smiling slightly.

“Why not?”

“Because you’ll laugh.”

She had my interest peaked. “Try me.”

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