Page 86 of All I Desire

Awesome! I was wondering if we could talk sometime. In person. You can come to the resort for lunch, or I can meet you somewhere.

Babe, ALL I want to do right now is see you. But I’m in the cockpit of a plane. One of my neighbors here wants to show off his new toy. We’re about to take off. I’ll be back in a few hours, though. We’re headed up to St. Pete for lunch and back. I’ll come by afterward. Is that okay?

I grin. I love his adventurous side. It’s so sexy.

It’s totally okay. I’ve got plenty of work here. Can’t wait to see you later.

XOXO, he responds. And finally, I relax.

* * *

Two hours pass,and I’ve blasted through a mountain of paperwork. I can’t wait to see Matthew, although I’m still not exactly sure what I’m going to say.

All I know is that I want him in my life. It’s also crystal clear that Chad has kept me from experiencing happiness in the past, but he sure isn’t going to keep me from it in my future.

My phone rings.

“Paradise Beach Resort, Natalia speaking,” I say.

“Hello, Ms. Hastings? This is Lily Esmonde, the principal at Island Middle School.”

“Hi there. If you’re calling about having us sponsor the school’s fall festival, I’m so sorry we haven’t gotten back to you.” Crap, am I that behind? I thought I asked my assistant to handle this. I turn to a stack of papers and leaf through, looking for the sponsorship info.

“No, this isn’t about that. We’re all set with the festival. This is about Chloe Mancini.”

I go still. “What about her? Is she okay? You should call her father right away. Do you have his number?” I roll my eyes at my stupidity. Of course they have his number. He’s her father.

“Well, that’s the thing. Chloe’s fine. It’s her dad. He’s been in a plane crash.”

“What?” I shriek. “Where is he?”

“Ma’am, calm down. He’s at Island Hospital. We received a call from the local authorities.”

“Is he alive?” My heart feels like it’s going to pound out of my chest. No. No. No. This can’t be happening. He can’t be hurt. Or… dead. My stomach rolls and bucks.

“They haven’t released information on his condition. Chloe’s mom is out of the country for work. I haven’t told Chloe about the crash yet, but we asked her who we should call in case both of her parents can’t be reached. In case of an emergency. And she said you. You’re not her official contact, but since I can’t reach her mother…”

I’m trying not to hyperventilate. “I’ll be right there,” I say.

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