Page 44 of Blind Attraction

“It’s something we try to do often. Especially since the near miss with the fan OD’ing. We like to show our support and reiterate that Reckless Beat doesn’t condone the misuse of alcohol or the use of illegal drugs.”

No, this man definitely wasn’t what her mother described.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he chuckled.

Alana focused on the bright white of his smile and frowned. He read her so well already.

“It’s mainly about exposure and to get the haters off our backs. The ones who think we encourage kids to take drugs.” The smile faded, and the shadows from the light behind him made it hard for her to read his expression. “I enjoy it though. It puts things into perspective. And if spending a few hours with people who are doing it tough is all it takes to ease the shit in their life, even for a little while, then I’m happy to do it.”

“You’re a wonderful man, Mitchell.” She turned further into him and placed a kiss on his cheek.

He grasped the back of her head and held her close, their lips barely an inch apart. “I love how you say my name.”

“And I love saying it.” She placed another soft kiss on his lips. “You’ve opened my eyes and changed my life, in only a few days. I can’t thank you enough for that. I can only imagine what you do for others.”

He didn’t respond with his usual passion. The burst of lust didn’t hit. Instead, he stroked a hand through her hair and let out a heavy sigh. “You’re special, Allie.”

Her stomach dropped, not at his words, but at the resigned tone.

“Tell me what’s wrong,” she pleaded, cupping his cheek with her palm.

“Nothing, sweetheart.” He tilted his head into her hand. “Just tired I suppose.”

It was more than lack of sleep. He was shutting her out and she didn’t know why.

“Do you want me to go? Kate and I can call a cab.”

“No.”

She inhaled slowly. Deeply. At least his tone held a comforting fortitude. If it wasn’t for his somber mood, she might actually believe him.

“What are your plans for tomorrow?”

She frowned at the change in subject, but let it slide. “I need to go back to the optometrist for a check-up.”

“Shit. I completely forgot.”

“It’s OK. My sight is getting better, and Kate has the day off work, so I’ll be fine to get there.” She rubbed his chest to soothe the tension radiating from him. “I also want to determine if living in Richmond for a few months is feasible...and I plan on calling the Bowens and meeting up with them again. My mom has been the only family I’ve ever known, and I need to find out if I really am related to these people. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I walked away not truly knowing if they were telling the truth.”

His posture stiffened. “When do you plan on seeing them? You shouldn’t go alone.”

“I’ll be fine. Truly. I’m not going to do anything stupid.”

The tension in his body relaxed slightly, and she continued to sooth him with light strokes of her fingers down his chest.

“Plan it around lunch time. I’ll try and get out of the breakfast show gig as soon as possible and come with you.”

Her hand paused, emotion freezing her movements. His sincerity and concern touched her more than she thought a man’s interest ever would. “You don’t need to do that.”

“Please, Allie.” He squeezed her tight. “Let me do this one last thing for you before I leave.”

The reminder of his departure dried her throat to the point of pain. She cringed at the things he could learn about her from the meeting with the Bowen’s. Although she hadn’t hidden anything from Mitchell, she didn’t like announcing to the world that her life was forged from heinous adversity.

“Promise me you won’t go without me.” He lifted her chin and peered down at her.

She nodded, swallowed.

“OK.” He brushed his lips against hers. “Let’s go to bed. I want to make love to you this time.” He ran his fingers through her hair and held her in place. “I want to take my time. I want to taste you, savor you, and have you fall asleep in my arms.”

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