Page 122 of Billion-Dollar Attitudes

Refocusing on my work, the words flowed again. Then my computer chimed, indicating I had an incoming video call. So, I hit save and clicked to see who it was. My hands flew up to my lips. Was this really Guy calling me?

"Hey there, beautiful," he beamed, looking like an awkward teenager ready to have his picture taken.

"Hi. Guy... I can't believe it's you?" I grinned and glanced at the mirror across the room to make sure my face looked presentable.

"I've been so worried about you." He leaned back in his chair. Guy was sexier than ever.

"I've been worried about you, too. I've left so many messages and texts I finally gave up. How are you? Have you solved the mystery of the roses yet?"

"Hell, no!" Guy shook his head. "You don't know the rest of the story."

"I'm all ears! Tell me what happened." I set my computer on a pillow at just the right angle so the light from the window would illuminate my face perfectly.

"First, tell me where you went that night. I thought you were behind me. Then when I realized you weren't.... how did you get to London?"

"I flew."

"So, you can fly now?" He seemed delighted with his joke as he laughed and threw his head back.

"Well, up here on the top floor of Marcie's townhouse, I feel like Wendy in Peter Pan… So, I can fly with a little help from Tinkerbell…." I giggled and leaned back against the headboard, pulling the duvet over my legs.

"God, I miss you." His voice turned serious as he stared at me longingly through the computer screen.

"I miss you too." I swallowed hard, not knowing what to say next. Then there was an awkward silence between us until he finally broke it.

“Tell me, where'd you take off from?" He stroked his chin.

"Oh, I drove to Phoenix... called Marcie… I told you she was my editor and agent, didn't I? Anyway, I told her about the roses and how you had invited me to stay at your place… but I just didn't feel comfortable with that, Guy. I'm sorry I didn't have the guts to say that to your face. After everything that weekend, my best excuse is that my body and brain were still in shock. I was going to call you after sending you a quick text, but I didn't have cell service until I got to the outskirts of Phoenix... and well, I called Marcie instead."

"I understand, Ariel! I really do. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I didn't really think anything would happen... I never dreamed anyone would make a move so quickly. I wanted to get to know you better before telling you I had a psycho stalking me. And if you were going to be dating me, you would need a security detail.”

"Well, I would have refused.... just like I did. It's okay. Really it is... at least for me. But what about you? Has anything else happened? I get the feeling..."

"Meagan! She was kidnapped!"

I gasped. "Oh, no! Is Meagan alright? I've called her several times to let her know I was here in London. I was thinking about inviting her over here for Christmas..."

"God! I forgot it was almost Christmas time. I knew it was the holiday season, but honestly, with everything that has been going on. I forgot... Anyway, Meagan is lucky to be alive!"

I took a deep breath and listened as he told me about Meagan's hospital stay and how he had to move into this massive estate for his own safety. And he hadn't kept in touch because they suspected their phones were bugged.

I only wanted to crawl through the computer screen and hold him tight. I felt so helpless, being so far away. "Guy, I'm so sorry." Tears welled up in my eyes, and I brushed them away hastily.

"I should have been more careful." He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "I never dreamed they would go after Meagan."

"Who are 'they'?" I asked softly.

"I use that figuratively. I don't know yet and Meagan has no memory of what happened. We should know more today. Oh, by the way. What kind of security does ABC provide for you... I mean, at your apartment complex?"

"All I know is it's around the perimeter. Nothing inside my apartment or anything. Why?"

"I was just curious." He shrugged.

"Oh, come on, Guy. I need to know. Did something happen after I left?"

"Let's say.... the guys will be here in a few minutes. And our attempts to work with ABC Security to get a copy of their surveillance failed..."

"And let me guess... You own a business that specializes in software development, and you have an idea for a creative workaround." I clicked my tongue and grinned, licking my lips, teasing.

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