Page 47 of Fireworks & Forehead Kisses

Part of me wondered if she was some sort of modern-day siren, a magical creature who cast a spell on me. I’d fallen under her trance and been completely powerless to her—captivated by her feminine wiles. It would make about as much sense as anything else would to explain my out-of-character behavior.

I inhaled deeply and could still smell Carrie's lingering, fresh berry scent in the air. It was barely there. Or maybe it was just a phantom aroma. One that was only in my imagination. I picked up the pillow she’d slept on and inhaled. When I did, I discovered the source of the scent. I was tempted to take the pillowcase off and put it in my suitcase to take it with me on my travels, but I stopped myself. I was behaving like a lovesick teenager. This was getting out of control. I put the pillow down, stood, and walked to the bathroom.

On my way, I scanned the room only to find there was no other trace anywhere. Part of me was searching for proof of her existence, evidence that she hadn’t been a figment of my imagination. Even though I didn’t discover any, I knew she wasreal. And thanks to my decision not to tell her my real name, there was a good chance I’d never see her again.

Which was probably for the best. Last night, as I lay awake listening to the sound of her breaths, holding her in my arms, I had the strongest urge to say three words.I love you. I didn’t say them, of course, but I’d wanted to, which was insane.

It had taken me years to say those words to Serena, and even then, I’d never claimed to beinlove with her. It had been more an obligatory declaration than anything else, which Serena was aware of.

What I felt for Carrie could not be love, not the kind in the movies and books. I didn’t believe in that love. And even if I did, I didn’t know the woman. What I did know was that when I was around her, I wasn’t myself. I was reckless. I did things that were out of character. I was impetuous, impulsive, and barely in control. That was not me. That was not the man I was.

I quickly showered, got dressed, and was out the door. On my way down to the lobby, I stopped on the tenth floor and went to the executive suite. I checked the time. It was 8:30 a.m. I hoped it wasn’t too early for Ashley. If it weren’t for my grandmother’s insistence, I wouldn’t have stopped by, but I knew I would never hear the end of it if I didn’t. Plus, I was curious to meet the woman Gran had so much faith in despite having no qualifications. Although I wasn’t entirely sure it was faith as much as it was a chess move against Raquel.

When I reached the room, I lifted my hand and knocked. When there was no answer. I knocked again and waited. Still no answer.

My phone vibrated with another message. This time, it was Hannah letting me know my brother was in the office. I messaged her back that I was on my way in. He’d gotten discharged from the hospital yesterday, so I’d assumed he’d bein bed resting. I needed to speak to him before I left tomorrow, so this would save me from having to make a trip across town.

After one more knock, I figured that she must either be a heavy sleeper or she might be down at breakfast. On my way out of the hotel, I stopped by the front desk and planned on leaving a note for her at checkout.

“Hello, Mr. Wolfe.”

“Hi, Devon, I was wondering if Ms. Thompson checked out of the executive suite.”

He glanced down at the computer as he typed.

“Yes. She did. It looks like you just missed her. She checked out ten minutes ago.”

“Okay, thanks.”

I walked outside to find Lester waiting for me.

“Morning, Declan.”

“Morning.” I smiled as I got into the back seat.

I hadn’t even put on my seatbelt when my phone rang, and I saw it was my grandmother calling. I’d been planning to call her after I spoke to my brother, but I figured I might as well pick up now.

“I tried to stop by her?—"

“Your brother is at the office,” she cut me off.

“I know; I’m headed there now.”

“I’ve had two calls about his erratic behavior.”

He was just released from the hospital. How could things be this bad already?

“Okay.”

“You need to handle this.”

“I will.”

“Call me back.”

I hung up the phone and was happy about one thing. There was no way my grandmother would give me any pushback now about buying him out of the company.

“Everything okay?” Lester asked from the front seat.

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