Page 103 of The Image of You

“Be sure to stay clear of Sarah. That woman is capable of more than we realized.”

“I know, and I intend to.”

“Be gentle with her, Adam. Alex is very fragile.”

“I will. But today is the last day she’s ever going to be without me again. She belongs with me.”

Emma squeezed my hand. “Yes, she does.”

“I made too many mistakes. I should have told Sean I wasn’t going to Africa. I never should have left without her—then I should have stayed and fought when I got back. I should have given the PI company more time. My head said she left here because of me, even when my heart said she would never leave me the way she did. I let Sarah fuck with my head when she taunted me. Every time I thought I was doing the right thing, it was wrong. It was all wrong.” I shook my head. “But not this time. Help me get my girl back, Emma.” My voice caught. “I need her.”

“She needs you too.”

Deep down, I already knew that.

CHAPTER TWENTY

I waited anxiously in the park where I’d arranged to “bump into” Emma and Ally. Although it was only a few blocks away from Sarah and Ronald’s place, I knew we’d be safe there. Ally told me once Sarah didn’t like to walk anywhere, so she’d never go for a stroll. Limos were her choice of transportation. Bradley had returned to Calgary this morning, so we were safe.

The day was overcast and the park deserted. I prayed the rain stayed away long enough that I could pull this off. My camera hung around my neck as a prop once again—an excuse to be in the park. I paced up and down the path, too tense to sit. When I heard the murmur of voices, I ducked behind the trees. Emma and Ally came into view. My breath caught at the sight of her. She was beyond tiny—far too thin, in my opinion—which gave her the air of being fragile. Her steps were slow, the limp evident. Her hair was loose today, cut shorter, barely brushing her shoulders. She looked weary as she spoke with Emma, the two of them walking arm in arm.

She was still the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, though. They sat down on the bench, and I slipped farther into the trees, coming out onto the path around the bend. I took in a deep breath and paused, aiming my camera blindly at the tree line.

“Adam?”

Showtime.

I lowered my camera and turned with a surprised expression. “Hey, Emma.”

She came over, giving me a hug. “What are you doing here?”

I held up the camera. “Just taking some shots. I like the muted light today.” Glancing over, I saw Ally watching us, her brow furrowed.

I smiled, trying to keep it polite and easy. “Hello, Alex,” I swallowed as I spoke, the name sounding so wrong when I said it. “How nice to see you again.” I extended my hand. She hesitated, then placed her palm in my hand.

“Hello,” she murmured, her eyes showing her uncertainty.

My fingers closed around hers, my heart soaring at the contact, then skipping a beat when I realized she was wearing the earrings I had sent her. “You look lovely today.” I paused, drinking in the sight of her, trying not to appear too anxious. “Your earrings are very pretty.”

Instantly, color flooded her cheeks, and it took everything in me not to stroke the soft skin. I had missed her blush.

She withdrew her hand, touching her ear. “Thank you. They’re my favorite pair. I’m not sure where I got them, but I love them.”

Her favorite pair. I liked that. Even if she didn’t know I gave them to her, they still meant something to her. It was a start.

Emma made a frustrated sound and pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Excuse me, I have to take this.” She walked away, muttering into the phone. I hid my grin, knowing it was Alan on the line as we had arranged.

I indicated the bench. “May I sit?”

“Oh yes, please do.”

I tried not to let her formality bother me. I tilted my head in Emma’s direction. “Business, no doubt.”

“You know Emma well?”

“Well enough.”

She crossed her legs, her pants riding up. On her ankle was my band. My determination grew. “Nice anklet.”