Page 35 of No Way Forward

She let the maid brush her hair, feeling just a bit awkward since she’d been doing it herself for a while. If she complained, it would be one more thing her dad would get onto her about.

She heaved a sigh and headed for the door. “Guess I better get this over with.”

Her dad waited, and they walked out the front door together. The butler stood beside her dad’s burnt orange Aston Martin. Novette looked around, seeing no one else.

“You’re driving?”

“I am.” Her dad was busy putting on a pair of black leather gloves as they approached the car. “I don’t get to do it very often, so I’m taking advantage. “Let’s try to have a good time today. How about it?”

“Sure.”

Another car pulled out of the garage. Two men sat inside, and they stopped behind her dad’s car. She tried to see whether one of the men was Zaid but couldn’t be sure.

“Is one of them Zaid?” she asked her dad.

“Not to worry, my dear. We’re protected. Josh and Ted are my best men. They’ve been with me a long time, and they won’t let anything happen to you.”

She wasn’t given the chance to respond. Her dad shuffled her into the car and they were off. In the rearview mirror, she noticed the men following. While they didn’t drive a car of the same caliber as her dad, they kept up just fine.

Novette didn’t bother making conversation or noticing where they were headed. She didn’t care where they ate. All that filled her mind were thoughts of Zaid and how much she enjoyed making love with him the night before. She had dreamed of making love with him, and it couldn’t have been more magical.

Zaid had taken her into his arms and whispered her name. He stroked her skin ever so gently and made sure she was satisfied. Her heart beat faster just remembering.

At the culmination of their intimacy, he reminded her of how much he loved her, and her heart sang. After an amazing night, she woke up alone, and she hadn’t heard from him. He wasn’t in the house, and he didn’t answer her texts.

Nerves stirred in her belly. Could he have changed his mind? No, that wasn’t it. Her dad sent him off somewhere to take care of some business. Plus, the fact that he left her room so early meant he made sure no one saw him leave. They could keep their secret for the time being.

She smiled feeling encouraged. However, another peek at the men following them brought disappointment that Zaid wasn’t joining them. Ah well, somehow she would get through the next hour and remain single in the process.

Another vehicle came into view behind the bodyguards. She didn’t know why she noticed it. Maybe it was the tinted windows that were so dark one wondered how on earth the driver could see out. The car zipped into the next lane and sped up.

A chill raced down Novette’s spine as the driver pulled alongside her dad’s car. He stayed level for a beat and then floored it. Before long, the car disappeared, and Novette dismissed the nerves. She was getting worked up for no reason.

They pulled off the highway and drove through downtown. Traffic was busy but moved steadily. Her dad stopped in front of one of the high-rise buildings, and a valet hurried over to the car.

“My favorite seafood restaurant,” Novette said.

“Of course.”

As her dad handed his keys to the attendant, Novette gazed down the street. She thought she saw the car from earlier, but when she blinked it was gone. Must be her imagination.

Her phone dinged, and she checked the screen. Zaid had finally answered.

“Tied up, but I will definitely see you later.”

It took all her will to keep the stupid grin off her face.

“I started to think you didn’t enjoy last night and you ran off.”

“Never!”

“Novette? What are you waiting for?” Her dad held out his hand. “Don’t be nervous. I promise you will like one or the other of these men. With any luck, you might like both of them and have a hard time choosing.”

“And what if I don’t want either one?”

“Don’t start.”

The bodyguards were close behind them as they entered the posh restaurant. Thick carpet, beautiful artwork on the walls, a quiet and peaceful atmosphere with attentive staff, this restaurant had long been Novette’s choice when her dad took her out to eat.

---