Page 41 of Gator's Gambit
“Jeff. Jeff Hofstede,” I reply, not stopping.
Settling back in my vehicle, I congratulate myself on the inspired ploy. I may not know exactly where she is, but I have a start. The rest will work itself out. Of that, I have no doubt. I’ll find her. And when I do, I will end her. Just as I’ve had to suffer through this unholy grief of losing my Angelique.
Impatient to get back to the bed and breakfast, I catch myself speeding and ease up on the gas. It would never do to get pulled over for speeding. There’s no way I would be able to explain the shit in the trunk if an officer were to decide to search my car.
By the time I’m back at the B and B, I’ve thought through a solid plan for hunting little Ms. Sunshine down and how to dispatch her. Opening the browser on my computer, I book my ticket. As luck would have it, there’s a flight late this afternoon.
Resisting the urge to just fling my stuff into my bag, I take the time to fold everything neatly, taking calming breaths as I go.Excitement bubbles below the surface, making it hard to hang onto that sense of calm. It’s so close now – I can feel it.
The tedious hostess babbles away as she’s checking me out, and I’m hard pressed not to simply reach over and throat punch the bitch to shut her up. But then, thankfully, I’m on my way to the airport. It won’t be long before this is all over. And I cannot wait.
I’m coming, my love. I’ll be there before you know it.
20
FANCY
I’m just securing my hair in a messy bun when I hear my phone ringing in the bedroom. After a restless night going over our conversation last night on a loop, I’m keen to see if it’s Godric. Even as kids, I hated being at odds with him. Life always felt off when we were, and now that things are a whole lot different, it’s hitting different too. And I don’t like it.
“Good morning.”
“Hey, Pooks. How’d you sleep?”
“Okay,” I lie, not about to tell him the truth. “You?”
“Yeah, all right. Listen, I hate to do this to you, but the guys and I have been called in to the office for a bit this morning. I should be done by lunchtime though, so I thought maybe I could come get you, we could grab some lunch together, and then go do some exploring.”
“Sounds good. I’d like that.” I’m disappointed I won’t get to see him this morning, but it’s his work, and I need to get used to this if we’re going to be together.
“Oh, before I forget – please don’t yell at me – we’ve been invited to dinner at Bear and Eloise’s this evening if you’d like to go. I have to go, but think about it and let me know.”
“I don’t have to think about it. It’s fine. I’d like to go,” I say, still not crazy about the way his friends do things, but now understanding why they do.
“Great. Then I’ll give you a call as soon as we’re done at the office, and we can make plans.”
“Okay, have a good day and I’ll see you later.” I hesitate for a moment, then say, “I love you.”
For a heartbeat there’s silence on the other side. “That sounds so good, hearing you say that, baby. I love you too. I’ll show you how much later, but for now I’ve gotta dash.”
Right on time,there’s a knock at my door. Taking one last look in the full-length mirror in my bedroom, I hurry over to the door of my suite. I check the security peephole and catch my breath at the sight of a freshly showered Godric standing tall and handsome in the hallway.
He’s wearing a white shirt that looks incredible against his tanned skin, and a snug pair of black jeans and, for just a second, I contemplate that perhaps I’m overdressed. But I’m meeting his friends’ significant others tonight, and I need the confidence boost my outfit gives me.
I, too, am wearing jeans, but I chose a soft, drapey, off-one-shoulder blouse that I know looks good on me to pair with them. And some pretty heels. Hair’s done, makeup’s done. I feel a million bucks. I just hope they don’t think I’m trying too hard.
Hiding my nerves behind a smile, I open the door.
“Hi, you rea—” Godric’s words dry up, and he gives a low, long whistle, then checks his watch, “Damn, we don’t have time.”
I frown at him, not following his train of thought. But before I can say anything, he continues. “Baby, you look amazing.I’m just sorry we don’t have time for me to show you just how amazing.” He waggles his eyebrows at me, and would you believe, I giggle like a schoolgirl. Not quite what I’d expected, and it still feels strange that our dynamic has shifted this much.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine we’d find ourselves here. But now that we are, I wouldn’t want to go back. I just need to figure out how to adjust to our new normal. Grinning at me, he asks, “You ready to go?”
“Yeah, I just need to grab my wrap and purse, and we can be on our way.”
The trip to Bear and Eloise's house is relatively quick. Godric's good mood is infectious, and he has me laughing the whole way there. And for that I'm grateful, because nerves are riding me hard. Yes, the unexpected meet up at the restaurant with his teammates went well, but I have no idea how I'll be received this evening.
I don't know if it makes me sound sad or pathetic, but I really want the ladies to like me. Before I know it, we've arrived, and all I can do is hope I make a good impression.
