Page 193 of Torrid Passion
“You’re a good man.”
“You say that because you’re stuck with me until we get off this island.”
“True, but Ilikebeing stuck with you,” she flashes me a seductive smile.
“I like being stuck with you too, gorgeous,” I smile too. “I’ll be right back with drinks and appetizers. You keep working.”
“Yes, sir!”
I head to Larkin’s kick ass kitchen. Mrs. Simmons, his housekeeper, has done a phenomenal job at keeping the kitchen well-stocked with all our favorites. In the time I’ve been living with Kyla I’ve gotten to know her likes and dislikes. I can even prepare a mean French martini.Maybe she’s domesticated me.Yeah, I have it bad for this girl.
In no time, I have everything ready.
“Here we go,” I say stepping outside.
“Yay!” Kyla closes her laptop and moves her things to the side.
I drop the large tray on the table and hand her the French martini.
“Thank you!”
“My pleasure.”
I place a platter of French bread, sharp cheddar, black and green olives in the middle of the table before grabbing my classic martini from the tray. I take a seat across from her and lift my glass.
“Here’s to another day of being housebound!” I say.
“Cheers!” she exclaims.
We both take a long sip of our drinks before nibbling on the appetizers.
“Mrs. Simmons marinated some fresh tuna for us,” I say. “She also has a delicious looking potato salad and marinated veggies in the fridge. Just say the word and I’ll fire up the barbecue.”
“That sounds really good. She’s such an amazing cook.”
“Considering how demanding Larkin is, I’m not surprised.”
“I know I’ve said it before, but this is like being at a luxury corporate resort,” she jokes. “Think about it, we could’ve ended up in a desolate place like Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah or Barrow, Alaska. But here, we get to work and live by the ocean.”
“As long as this doesn’t drag out much longer, I can live with it. I know myself. Soon, I’ll grow restless, eager to go back to my life in LA. Of course, with you by my side.”
A cloud of sadness veils her eyes. “I’m sorry. This is all my fault.”
“Stop saying that. You aren’t responsible for this,” I gently scold. “But when we do find out who is, that person won’t only have to contend with Larkin’s anger, I’ll make sure he or she pays the price for disrupting my life and yours.”
“I was hoping Falcon Crest would have a lead by now,” her shoulders slump.
“So was I.”
“I guess cyber-tracking takes a lot longer than I expected.”
“The people behind this can’t dodge the bullet forever. I’ve had several conversations with Lazarus and these guys are on top of things.” Lazarus Ludlow is the former Navy SEAL overseeing Kyla’s case. Her stalker may have eluded them so far, but it won’t be for much longer.
“From your lips to God’s ears.” She lets out a long sigh. “I’m not sure I would’ve gotten this far with my script had this not happened, but I miss my freedom, I miss my parents and it’s weird not seeing my cousins every day.” Kyla and her cousins video chat and text constantly, but it’s not the same.
I reach out for her hand and lace my fingers with hers.
“I’m sure Falcon Crest is close to cracking this case wide open.” I surely hope so.
