As Dana was on the phone, confirming room numbers with her mystery writers contact, a little instant message speech bubble appeared on her computer screen. The message was from the receptionist.
There’s a special delivery out here for you. You’re going to want to see this!
Dana bit her lip. It had to be from Alex.
Because it had been a busy week for both of them, it had been a few days since she’d seen him. After their time at his Summerlin house, they’d returned to the Strip early Monday morning. He’d had his driver drop her off at her condo in plenty of time for her to freshen up before work. They’d kissed, lingering at her door, like teenagers who couldn’t let each other go.
On Monday night, they’d had dinner together. They’d talked about all the tough topics. Religion, politics, family. She’d been pleased to learn they had a lot of the same thoughts. The evening had ended with a groping session on her couch, but they’d both put a stop to it before it got too far. They were too conscious of letting themselves get carried away. As Alex had said, “I want to show you we’re more than just sex.”
Of course, he’d said that while his hand was on her breast. She’d taken great delight in pointing that out.
She’d suggested they take a timeout for a few days. Her work week was a busy one and she’d promised to take her mom to a couple of appointments. Alex had agreed. His week would be busy too.
Every night away from him tore a hole in her.
Even though he’d never slept in Dana’s bed, the piece of furniture seemed bigger, emptier, without him. It was as if she’d already earmarked a spot for him there, on the left side, next to her alarm clock.
She finished her conversation with her client, checked her lipstick for smudges, and walked to reception.
Dana was greeted by the largest, most colorful bouquet of flowers she’d ever seen. It was so big, the delivery man struggled to look around it. There were lilies, and roses, and so many blooms she didn’t even recognize. With greenery that spilled over the vase, it would make her desk groan under its weight.
“My Lord,” she murmured.
“Someone’s well liked,” said the receptionist, Jane, her eyes twinkling.
“It’s a bit heavy,” said the deliveryman. “How about I bring it to your office for you?”
“That would be helpful. Thanks.” Dana led the way back to her office. She cleared off a corner so the man could set it down.
“I don’t think the desk is a good idea,” said the man, touching the falling greenery. “This stuff will get in your way.”
“You’re right. There’s a little table behind you.”
The man lowered the bouquet onto the table.
Dana reached for a little card that was tucked next to some red roses.
I miss you.
Alex
Warmth spread across her chest. She missed him too. This was moving so quickly, but it didn’t make her want him any less.
The deliveryman cleared his throat.
“Oh.” Dana slipped the card onto her desk. She’d forgotten he was there. “I’m sorry. Do you need me to sign something?”
The man took a step toward her. “Not at all. I just have a question for you.”
“Okay.”
“How does it feel to sleep with a murderer?”
“What?”
“I’m talking about your new boyfriend, Alex Markov. Tell me something. When he’s fucking you, do you ever spare a thought for the woman he killed?”
Any heat Dana had been feeling was immediately replaced by icy cold. “Get out of my office.”
