Page 21 of Caught off Guard

“You’re cute. We’re going to have fun this weekend.”

“Thank you, but I’m not used to all these compliments. Please ration them during my stay,” she said.

“Why?”

“I don’t want to get ‘the big head’ as my mother used to say.”

I closed the distance between us and rested my hands on Zora’s shoulders.

“I can tell that you’re humble. Remember that this weekend is all about you. If you don’t feel special and spoiled, I haven’t been a good host.”

Before Zora could respond, her phone rang. She pulled it from her purse. Since I was taller than she was, I clearly read Geoff’s name on the caller ID.

Ugh.

She backed up and placed her phone by her side as it continued ringing. As quick as that, her demeanor changed from flirty to jittery. I was starting to detest that man.

“Excuse me, but I need to take this call.” She looked around as she sought a place for privacy.

I pointed to the open office to her left. She scurried into the room.

“Hello?”

I heard her breathy voice when she crossed the threshold and moved toward the window in the distance.

I walked to the entrance and stood inconspicuously by the door so I could hear her conversation.

“Yes, I took off today. I’ll be back Monday.” Her words tumbled from her mouth.

After a brief pause, she said, “I’m taking a break, Geoff. You’ll be fine until I return.”

He must have been ranting because Zora was silent for at least a minute until she huffed. In one of the calmest, more cutting voices I’d ever heard, Zora punctuated each of her next words.

“You do not have to know where I am every minute of the day. I have a right to take time out for myself. I will be in touch when I get back in town. Goodbye, Geoff.”

I covered my mouth with my fist and stepped back to the foyer.

Ooh, ol’ boy didn’t know she was staying with me.

Something about that pleased me to no end, confirming my impromptu invitation was the right move. When Zora returned to me, the light she displayed earlier was gone.

“You good?” I asked.

She gave me a weak smile and then shrugged. Zora attempted to turn away and cover her face with her hand, but I circled her wrist to prevent her from hiding from me. Her eyes met mine as she shook her head.

“I guess…uh, not really.” Zora’s carriage fell as a tear fell from her eyes.

I wasn’t expecting the flood of emotion that poured from her, but I instinctively wanted to soothe her. To do that, I opened my arms wide to welcome her. Without hesitation, she folded into me.

“It’s okay. You’re safe to feel whatever you’re feeling.” I cradled her body and rested my chin on her head.

As our breathing synced, I inhaled the fresh ginger scent of her hair and stroked it lightly with my fingers.

“This is so unprofessional.” She spoke into my chest, tightening her arms around my waist.

“It’s perfect. You’re meant to be here. With me,” I added softly, rubbing her back with the pads of my fingers.

She pressed her chest and head into me and then lifted her eyes to mine. I held her chin in my head and kissed her cheek. Only then did her beautiful smile return.

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