Page 15 of Her Dirty Rival
“I don’t know what to make of these developments, but…thankyou.”
I’m tempted to tell her that I should be thanking her, but I don’t. “It was great meeting you, MissHampton.”
“Same to you.” Riley begins to leave, but stops short in the doorway and looks back at me. “Ishouldbe running out of here like a bat outofhell.”
“So whyaren’tyou?”
“Honestly? A few reasons. I also get the distinct impression you have something weighing on your mind that you want to sharewithme.”
Riley is right on the money. There’s nothing else I’d rather do right this second than unburden myself to her. My decision to let her leave now lays the groundwork for building a bridge of trust between us. No matter what’s going on in my head or my chest, I just can’t presume that there’s room to take a leap of faithsofast.
“What am I missing here?” she pushes. “Tell me. Give me something.Anything.”
“Merry Christmas to you and yours,” I say withresolve.
“Thanks. Have a great holiday.” With a nod, she steps into the hallway and I watch herleave.
Taking a shower helps clear my head. I grab my things and head up to my private suite for a change of clothes. It’s time to go back to the office. I’m on my way out of the clubhouse when my phone buzzes. I slide it out of mypocket.
The message reads,“Mr. Alexander. This is MissHampton.”
I reply with,“You took my business card.Goodmove.”
“Do you want to knowsomething?”
“Yes.”
“If I come back, I’ll be there of my ownfreewill.”
I smile and hop in the back of the waiting town car.“Perhaps.”
“Or how about this instead? 35 Morningside, Apt 503,Buzzer768.”
There it is. It takes two to build a bridge, and she has just laid one plank on theotherside.
“Sure.When?”
“Howaboutnow?”
“It’s one in theafternoon.”
“Shut up and getoverhere.”
