I’m about to agree, and then the image the FBI agent showed me and the memory of the elevator girls materialize in my brain. I’ve vowed to be more confident and assertive, so I resistthe feeling that rises to say yes without speaking my mind and voicing my concerns to him.
“I have to know first...was I just one in a long line of flings? There were these girls talking in your building, and I saw photos of you in this club with this gorgeous blonde, and it’s not like I would blame you for it since you look like you look and you have all that money, but I just don’t want to constantly be worried about—” I could ramble on forever if he didn’t interrupt me, but thankfully, he does.
“Kate, do you have any idea how long I waited before I met you? I’ve done nothing but hunt for evidence for two years. I literally haven’t dated, haven’t seen anyone that entire time. You were my only exception.”
My heart leaps at his gut-spilling speech.
He glances around us. “I can explain the photo in LA, but I need privacy first. I know of a place we can talk, if you’re willing to let me take you there.”
I’ve finally accepted that I’m hopelessly in love with him, so I agree, hugging my father good-bye even though he doesn’t know who I am. He chuckles, returning the hug as he gives Jerry awhateverlook. Luke shakes his hand before we turn to leave.
He leads me out the side gate and up to his car. I slide in after he opens the door, butterflies fluttering inside me.
He just wants to talk—that’s it. He’s going to explain everything.
He climbs in and starts to drive us through the city lights. The nursing home staff won’t mind if my car is left overnight—but what if I don’t make it back in the morning? My heart rate is thundering, and I’m unable to calm my pulse.
“Were you, um, able to find another assistant?”
He looks over at me before slowly shaking his head. His dark hair is styled back, as usual, soft waves begging to be touched. “I didn’t, no.”
“Oh,” is all I say out loud.Why not?
He reads my mind. “Replacing you isn’t exactly something I want to do.”
I stare out the window, afraid to turn to see his face. My pulse is betraying me, jumping higher with each passing moment. A horn honks, causing me to jolt.
He reaches over to grab my hand, and I grip his much tighter than necessary.
It’s okay. It’s okay. This doesn’t necessarily mean anything.
The car finally pulls into a dark parking lot I don’t recognize.
“Do you mind if we leave our phones in the car?” he asks.
I nod, a little confused by the request.
I crawl out of the leather seat, looking around to see if I recognize anything about the area. Luke walks around the car, placing his hand on the small of my back. His touch sends shivers through me, but I realize that I’ve been missing it...a lot.
As we approach the building, I stop in my tracks.
“What are we doing here?”
He turns to face me. “I have something to show you.”
“But isn’t it . . . closed?”
“I have a key.”
My feet slowly begin moving again.
“How do you have a key to the Dallas Sea Life Aquarium?”
“I . . . know the owner.”
My brow furrows as I consider who might own it. I’ve always wanted to come here but never found the time. He places his hand back where it was as we continue walking.
“Who owns it?”
