Page 34 of Captivated

I roll my eyes. “Anyway, the ring is not what makes you married.”

“No, but it symbolizes to other men you’re unavailable.”

“What are you even talking about? No one is confused about my availability.” He can drop this ring crap, because I’m not wearing it. He’s right, it signifies everything that I despise.

“I want you to close the inn for a few days, and come with me on my business trip. It will be good for us.”

“What?” I gasp. “No. I don’t want to go to Birmingham. I have no desire to go sit in a hotel in the middle of summer while you’re doing business stuff.”

“There are things you can do. You don’t have to stay in the hotel. I really want you there. I don’t like the idea of you having guests here, alone.”

“Fine, I will close the inn for a few days to guests, but I’m not going to Birmingham.”

“What are you going to do?”

I shrug. “I have no idea.” That’s the god-honest truth at this point. “I may go to the beach, relax and work on my tan.” I look at my white arms. “It has actually been a while since I’ve done that. Or I may work on some projects around the house. I’ll be fine here. This is our home. Everyone knows everyone here anyway.”

“Fine. Just be sure the inn is closed.”

“Don’t worry, it’ll be closed.” He need not dare worry. I have no interest in being tied to the inn. I wish he would hurry up and leave. I need to call Quinton with the dates. After all, I won’t hear from him all weekend.

QUINTON

Ilook at my clock again, when is she going to call? It’s Friday and almost four. She will have no way to contact me over the weekend. I look at Gerry, he’s sitting on his desk talking with the ladies in the front. At least he can hear his phone should it ring. I’m fucking starving, I skipped lunch because I didn’t want to miss her.

I’m going to be suitable for a monastery if I can’t shake her. I couldn’t take home anyone last night. Andy and Michael thinks this shit is hilarious. I’m glad they’re receptive of us all sailing together. I hope she will be.

I take that business call I’ve put off all day. I hate fucking suck ups. I see Gerry answer a call, he’s looking at my office. He knows I’ve been expecting her call. I see him grin as I look.It’s her. Within a few moments, my other line lights up. I end my current call immediately, I don’t even know where we left the conversation.

I click my other line, speaker phone on. I sit back. “Quinton Starks.”

“Amelia,” she breathes into the phone. I grin as I hear the sweetest voice I’ve been waiting for all day.

“Amelia,” I repeat, smiling. “I’ve been waiting all day.”

“I’m sorry. I have a full house this weekend.” I hear the side door slap against the frame.

“You going to your favorite place?” And for privacy, no doubt.

She laughs. “Yes. I have those dates you asked me about.”

“All business. Surely, you’re not trying to cut our time short,” I tease, loving her laugh on the other end.

“I wish it was today,” she admits.She wants to see me.

“Give it to me,” I say grabbing my pen.

“Wednesday through Sunday … sooo …” I grin. “I’ll have the inn closed during that timeframe. So you can just let me know what day works for you.”

I lean back in my chair, looking at Gerry talking again. I turn my chair at an angle so I see the city and a hint of the water. “You’re only going to give me one day with you?”

She laughs. “What do you have in mind, Mr. Starks?”How about the rest of your life ladylove?I can’t say that though.

“I want it all.”Shit!I even surprise myself with that. I shrug, it’s true though. How is she going to respond? “Amelia, you there?”

“Yes.” I think I hear her smiling …

“Yes to?”

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