Page 72 of Only If You Dare

“Forgive me if I’m stepping out of line but, you’re running from me, Desiree and I want to know why.” She swallowed visibly.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I think you do.” I glided closer to her. “I won’t let you run, Desiree.” I had a notion of tossing her over my shoulder and leaving the room, but I held my animal instincts to a minimum. Desiree sighed.

“I’m not running from anything.”

Her defiance was telling. “What is this about? At least tell me that much so I’ll know why you’ve been avoiding me.”

She opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t find the words. I watched her intently; hell bent on getting the truth out of her.

“Excuse me, am I interrupting something?” Lila entered our silent fight and glided to my side. Desiree’s features change, her beautiful face going rigid then unerringly masked.

“What can I help you with, Lila?”

“Just wondering if I can catch a ride back to the states. You aren’t taking a commercial flight, are you?”

“No.”

“I didn’t think so. I don’t have a round trip ticket; I didn’t think you’d mind since we’ve flown together before.” Lila smiled up at me.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to check on our kids.” Desiree walked away before I could stop her. She flew across the room in record speed. There was no doubt that something was up and if I had to lock her in a room until she spilled it, I would. Glancing back to Lila I spoke.

“You’ll have a ticket waiting for you at the gate,” I said, “I’ve got other plans.” As I spoke, I kept my sights on Desiree.

“Oh, okay,” Lila said.

“I could hear the disappointment in Lila’s voice. “Lila did you see Desiree Monday morning?”

This time I brought my focus to Lila.

“Yes, she was on her way to your suite with a tray in her hand.”

“A tray?”

“Yeah, I think she was bringing you breakfast, it smelled fabulous.”

“Breakfast huh,” I said.

“Yeah, but I told her she might want to give you a minute because you were in the shower, so she went back to her room.”

That was it. I was certain of it. Desiree had mentioned the same thing that morning, but I’d pushed it to the back of my mind thinking nothing of it.

“Excuse me,” I left Lila going straight to Desiree. “Can I talk to you for a minute,” I asked now standing next to her.

“Lacey, keep an eye on Antonio, will you?” Desiree asked.

“Sure thing, Ms. Stevens.”

“Thank you, Lacey,” I said. We left the open area and traveled to a narrow hallway, where I pulled her into a quiet corner and interlaced our fingers. “I miss you.”

A small smile cruised across her lips. “I miss you, too,” she confessed.

“Why are you hiding from me?” I could always tell when Desiree was nervous because she’d finger her hair and fidget much like she was doing now. “Hey,” I reached out to her wanting to connect with those beautiful brown eyes. “I want you always to tell me what’s going on in that lovely brain of yours.”

“Always?” she said finally.

“Yes.”

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