Chapter 29
Dash
My phone pings, and as I read my fiancé’s text message, I cringe.
Firefly: I’m visiting my mom. You can pick up your stuff and not have to worry about seeing my face.
Hell, no, it’s not what I want. What I desire, is to hold her tight and never let go. I’ll jump off bridges and rescue her from the mouths of angry beasts, if that’s what it takes to be with her.
Not willing to waste another minute, I call up Suds. “Where does Lanita’s mother live?”
His wife answers, voice tight. “We can’t be involved, Montclair. You’re both our friends and-”
Following a small scuffle and some giggling, my buddy wins control of the phone. “North Carolina. I’ll text you the address. You’re welcome. Now hang up. The kid is asleep. We have exactly thirty minutes for fucking. Goodbye and good luck.”
When Sebastian hangs up, I chuckle. Who knew the rambling man could be so succinct? God, what I wouldn’t give to have their kind of relationship. With any luck, my woman will take me back, and I’ll work like hell to save us.
My dad has the jet, so I book a commercial flight to Atlanta, and board a puddle jumper to Greensboro. From there, I drive a rental car to the closest motel to her family’s home.
My palm taps the front desk bell and finally, a co-ed appears. “Yes, sir?”
My British accent at max, I wink. “I’m here from the UK and want to surprise my fiancé, but unfortunately, I’m not sure where she is staying. Could you see if a Ms. Lanita Manuel is billeted here?”
She purses her lips and after she decides I am not a serial killer, nods her head. “I’m not supposed to say, but seeing as how you are engaged, I guess it’s ok to say she’s here.”
“How fortuitous. Would you kindly ring her room, and tell her a man’s about to die without her?”
The young red-head glances around the room, then narrows her gaze at me. “Who? You?”
“Yes, miss. Could you help me out a smidge?”
Unconvinced, she shakes her head a bit, but when I shoot her my best smile, she makes the call. “Ms. Manuel? You’re needed in the lobby.”
Her eyes return to me. “She’ll be right down. Help yourself to some coffee.”
“Thank you. I’m fine.” I’m about to see Landy for the first time in weeks and require no other stimulant.
In fact, so much nervous energy shoots through my veins, my hands shake. Grabbing a paper napkin, I watch the office door, wipe the sweat from my brow, and rehearse my no-excuses apology.
Suddenly, the sun comes out and her beautiful outline steps into view. My breath stops, my mind goes blank, and when she walks in the lobby, my arms open like a pathetic loser.
She’s not going to run in your arms, dumbass.Shoving my hands in my khaki pockets, I try to make a better plan. God, I love her so much, but what if I cock this up?
My throat tight, I croak out the first thing that comes into my head. “Lanita, I apologize for tying you up and in general, for being a bloody arsehole.”
“And I’m sorry I never listen.” Her glistening brown eyes search mine, the room spins, and for a moment, I think I’m dreaming.
One hand on the back of a stuffed chair for balance, I drop to one knee. “Firefly, I love you so bloomin’ much. Come back home and marry me.”
Sobbing, she drops to the floor and wraps her arms around me. “I do, I will. Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re here. I love you so much, too.”
Both crying, we kiss behind the furniture. After we’re more composed, I take her hand, walk her outside, and press her against the aluminum siding.
Our lips reconnect, our abdomens squish together, and as I break for a breath. I ask, “Where’s your room, luv?”
“Upstairs.” She snatches my hand and races me to the stairway.
Mouths melded, we skip to the second floor. At room number two-oh-one, her hands tremble so badly, I take the key from her.
