“When you mentioned a military setting, I had my doubts, but it was great. I needed that laughter after getting stuck here for the night.”
His lips twisted. “It was unexpected, but it hasn’t been that bad, has it?”
She thought for a moment. “Other than getting soaked, it’s been rather pleasant.”
“One day we’ll come to explore.” He winked. “We’ll make sure to check the forecast first.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed and rose to her feet. “Morning will come early. I’m sure we won’t be the only ones trying to get on the ferry first thing tomorrow.”
“Should we plan to leave the hotel by five forty-five? Do you think there will be that much of a line?”
“Hard to say. Better safe than sorry.” She grabbed her pile of dried clothes. “Let’s leave at five thirty to be certain.”
“All right.” He shifted his weight to his other leg. “I’ll walk you to your room.”
“It’s next door. I’ll be fine.”
“We’re in an unknown place and my mama taught me better manners than to let a lady walk to her door alone.” He made a show of offering his arm to her.
Shaking her head and laughing, she slipped her free arm through his. “Fine, you win.”
They left his room, walked the twenty feet to hers and stopped in front.
He freed her hand. “Thanks for coming with me today, even if it didn’t turn out how we planned.”
“I hope we find more about Edwin and D once we sort through all the papers.”
An unreadable expression flitted across his face. “Me too, but…”
“But what?” she asked when he didn’t finish the thought.
His eyes bore into her, and he leaned his head in. “If we don’t find out, I’ll be okay.”
“You will?” His closeness made it hard for her to breathe.
“Maybe the letter has done its job in ways we didn’t imagine.”
He was close enough she could feel his warm breath against her cheek. Her eyes fluttered and her heart drummed against her chest. He was going to kiss her. And heaven help her, she wanted him to.
“Good night,” he whispered, lifting his head before their lips could touch.
Disappointment heated her. “Good night.”
Shaky, she fumbled for the key in her pocket, then unlocked the door. Jack didn’t leave until she’d gone inside and locked the deadbolt. Padding her way to the bed, she dropped her original clothes on the tv stand. She flopped backward on the bed.
“Why, why, why?” she cried out to the walls. “I’m so weak.”
Had she even tried not to fall for him again? She hadn’t. For all she’d said she wouldn’t, she had eagerly gone along with his plans, spent the time with him, and gotten to know him on a deeper level in weeks than she had in years.
She was an idiot.
She heard a knock. Dragging herself to her feet, she went to the door and looked out the peephole.
He’d come back.
Hurriedly, she smoothed her hair and the sweatshirt she wore before opening the door.
They stared at each other for the space of several seconds.
