Page 54 of Don’t Open Your Eyes

When Annabelle got to the restaurant, Chase was waiting at a table. She took a seat across from him. “Good morning,” she said.

“Morning. How’d you sleep?”

“Tossed and turned a bit, and—”

“Still worried about Scarlett?”

She raised her eyebrows. “Guilty.”

“I wish I’d known; I wouldn’t have asked you to come. I feel really bad.”

“No, no. It’s okay. Let’s focus on you. I’m going to Facebook Live your talk—I cleared it with the conference head, and she’s fine with it.”

“I’m more comfortable behind the mic than the camera,” Chase said, grimacing.

“Trust me, folks are not going to be disappointed when they see how good-looking you are.” She put her hand to her mouth and felt the heat rise to her face. “Did I really say that out loud?”

He was staring at her, those blue eyes twinkling, the dimple by his smile drawing her eyes to it. “Um, thank you?” He chuckled.

“What can I say? Social media is a visual medium, it’s my business to know what’s going to sell. It can’t be news to you that you’re good-looking.” What was wrong with her? She was trying to recover, but only digging herself a deeper hole. She had never behaved this way with a client before.

“Well, thank you, Annabelle. And if I may, I’d like to return the compliment.”

She put a hand up. “Not necessary. We’d better finish breakfast and get a move on.” She took a deep breath, trying to effect a professional air. But when she looked at him, her thoughts were anything but.

Annabelle

It was their last night in California. Yesterday had been jam-packed, between Chase’s sessions, her meetings with the California team, and then the conference cocktail party and dinner. She enjoyed socializing, but a twelve-hour day with nonstop smiling and small talk was exhausting. She’d been checking in at home sporadically and was relieved to hear that everything was fine. Scarlett had survived her first day of skiing, with no broken bones.

Chase had finished his last panel, and they were in an Uber now, heading back to the hotel. A group from the conference were all meeting up for dinner, and Annabelle could have kissed Chase when he demurred, saying the two of them had to finalize a report.

“I hope you don’t mind my bagging out of the group dinner, but I can’t fake-laugh anymore today,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Feel free to go if you want, but—”

“No, I was so relieved to hear you say that.”

“So, listen, if you want to chill on your own, I get it, but if you’re up for it, I was thinking maybe we could grab a pier burger, do the whole tourist thing. Unless you think that’s too corny.”

“I think it sounds perfect. I can’t wait to change these heels for sneakers.”

An hour later, they were sitting across from each other at a table by the window. Annabelle scanned the menu.

“What are you thinking?” Chase asked.

“Maybe the veggie burger.”

Chase put his menu down and stared at her in mock outrage. “You’re not serious? You know you want a juicy cheeseburger with fries on the side.”

He was right. She was starving, and a juicy burger sounded great. It was James’s voice in her head warning her of clogged arteries and trans fats that had influenced her first choice. “Twist my arm,” she said.

When they got their food, they both dug in, and Annabelle was surprised that she actually finished all her fries. She dipped the last one into the ketchup on her plate and popped it in her mouth. She must have been even hungrier than she thought. “Shall we walk around the pier a bit?” she asked.

“Yeah. Then maybe a ride on the Ferris wheel?”

“Okay, but only after my food has digested.” She was squeamish about heights, but it was a gorgeous night, and she bet the view from the Ferris wheel was spectacular. They walked in companionable silence for a bit, taking in the sights.

“Any word on your daughter?” he asked.

“Having a great time, and no broken bones, thank goodness.” Although she wouldn’t completely relax until Scarlett was home safe and sound tomorrow night.