Page 12 of Phoenix Rising

“Yeah. It was a long shot, but worth asking.”

Audria told him about the two appointments she’d already booked for tomorrow. “Oh, by the way, you’re having a problem quitting smoking.”

“I am? Great. What about the other two?”

“I read through the information on spiritual awakening with Guru Phoenix. He offers an introductory session and a weekend retreat if you want to learn more.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that,” Reese muttered. “And what is it with these people going by yogi or guru? Don’t they have normal names like Joe or Bob?”

Audria shrugged. “It makes them sound official and probably helps fill the seats. We’ll try the initial class and go from there.”

The earliest she could book them was for the session in two days. She picked up the last brochure. “Getting in touch with your inner child also offers an intro course, followed by a—I kid you not—sleepover.”

“Like with sleeping bags and ghost stories?”

“That would be my guess.” She dialed the number and was able to schedule them for the following afternoon. She disconnected and voiced her primary concern to Reese. “How are we going to know what to look for? We have no idea what Paige was working on.”

“That’s a great question, and I don’t have a good answer. It could be anyone, so we’ll have to keep our eyes and ears open. We’ll ask about Paige, flash her picture, and see who reacts.”

“That sounds like a plan.”

Reese checked his watch. “Let’s head down to the restaurant. We know she stayed here for a few days. Maybe someone will remember her.”

“Let me freshen up first.” Audria grabbed her suitcase and headed to the bathroom. As with the rest of the suite, it was nicely appointed, with marble floors and a walk-in tiled shower.

Audria had glimpsed the restaurant in the lobby when they were checking in. It looked upscale, so she changed into a dressy tunic and pants. A ponytail was her usual hairstyle, but she took out the band, bent over, and ran her hands through the locks to fluff them. When she stood, she shook her head, letting her hair cascade over her shoulders. She rarely wore makeup, but she applied mascara, a touch of eye shadow, and lip gloss. She’d been blessed with lovely skin that she moisturized religiously withHarmony!products, created by Melody Colton. Melody was married to Audria’s coworker Grant, who was also her boss Luke’s younger brother. Because of her morning and nightly ritual, she never needed to wear foundation or powder.

Her hand was on the knob to leave, but something made her turn back to her bag and grab the bottle ofSultry, a new scent from Melody’s fragrance line. She spritzed the perfume in the air and then walked into it so it wasn’t overpowering. The sophisticated mix of jasmine, bergamot, and neroli was as exotic and sensual as the name implied. Audria felt sexy.

Once she was finished, she opened the door and stepped out. Reese had also changed clothes. He now wore a royal-blue Oxford shirt that brought out the color of his eyes and black slacks. Audria’s tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Every woman in the restaurant would drool over him, her included.

“You look amazing.”

At Reese’s softly spoken words, Audria could feel a blush heating her cheeks and hated it. “Thanks. You look good too.”

“Ready?”

He held out his arm. Against her better judgment, Audria threaded hers through his, and they left the room. Once they were enclosed in the intimate confines of the elevator, Audria watched the mirrored wall in fascination as Reese leaned down and sniffed her neck. She closed her eyes, hoping he would kiss her again.

“You smell incredible, like a sultry night in Morocco.”

She fought a full-body shudder. “I-it’s a new perfume from Luke’s sister-in-law. She owns a skincare line. That’s the name.Sultry.”

He whispered, “Well, tell her I think it’s a hit.”

The feel of his hot breath in her ear had her reaching for him to strip off his clothes. Enough pretending she didn’t want him.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. An older couple stepped inside, breaking the sexual tension. Audria was both angry and relieved.

The restaurant was crowded, so they sat at the bar until their table was ready. Reese guided her to two open seats. Behind an impressive selection of liquor, the wall was a cascading sheet of water behind glass, hence the name of the place, Waterfall. Contemporary music mingled with the din of conversation. It seemed a popular spot, as most tables and booths were filled.

A man wearing a white shirt with a black tie and a nametag reading Raphael approached them. His blond hair was fastened into a bun on the top of his head, and he wore a hoop earring. He slapped coasters in front of them. “What can I get you two?”

“I’ll have a glass of your house cabernet.”

“Same,” Reese said.

He took two glasses from beneath the counter and placed them on the coasters. Then he turned and grabbed a bottle, popping out the cork before pouring the liquid.

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