Chapter 66

Rainey

It took me almost a week to get used to the weather back home. The vacation with Michael was the perfect escape, and I never wanted to go back. Michael remained professional in the office. At least during office hours. It took him until Tuesday at six, when Sandra had left, to christen our relationship over his desk. While I did prefer the comfort of bed, making love with Michael in more public spaces really turned me on.

There was no more hiding, and I could finally be completely honest with him about every aspect of my life. I never did that with Killian. Maybe I thought I did, but after being with him for a while, I started to keep secrets from him. Secrets about how I felt and what I did when he wasn’t around. I opened up to Michael like never before, and that led to a comfort in our relationship that rivaled my feelings toward my flesh and blood family. Michael integrated himself into our family in such a short amount of time. Mom and Tanner loved him. And while Dad tried to be the protective father, Michael had connected with him on their mutual love of old cars, and that softened his resolve a bit.

I no longer worried about any of the issues surrounding Sal Rossi. Michael was upfront with me about any details that came up. And there weren’t any. He assured me I’d be the first to know after him and he promised several times to keep Tanner and me safe no matter what. After opening my heart to him, I had to give him my complete trust as well.

Saturday morning, we headed to the Bronx Zoo. Michael wanted to do something fun with Tanner, and he admitted to not having been to the zoo in years. I teased him about it all week.

When we were there, Michael was just as fascinated by the animals as Tanner. Most of the time, the two of them raced off ahead of me to get to the next exhibit, eager to find more exotic creatures that our concrete jungle could offer.

Michael had done his research on the animals at the zoo. Even though the placards gave tourists a lot of information about the animals, Michael relayed the information in a way that kept Tanner interested. It was hard to believe that Michael didn’t have much interaction with kids. He didn’t speak down to Tanner as most adults would. Michael talked to my son as he would a friend.

I wasn’t sure if he was trying to impress me or not, but I was all the same. I didn’t date much, and I never brought anyone home to meet Tanner, so I was glad I waited for someone as perfect as Michael. Since I did that, Tanner had high expectations for a new person in my life, and Michael was hitting every single one of them out of the park.

When we reached the polar bears, Michael turned around, checking in on me. He allowed Tanner to run ahead even though both of us had one eye on him. It wasn’t particularly packed at the zoo, but that didn’t mean anything. I appreciated how quickly Michael took to Tanner as well.

“I spoke with Natalia yesterday,” he said.

“Oh really?” I asked.

Michael smirked. “About the house. Natalia surprised him with a trip down there to check it out for themselves. They both loved it. I’m drawing up the papers on Monday.”

“That’s great,” I said. I managed to diminish the envy inside of me every time Michael spoke of his super-hot “friend.” It was a good thing that she and his brother were together or I might have been a little worried about their constant contact.

“Maybe we will be invited back soon,” he said.

I glanced over at Tanner. “I’m not sure I can go anywhere too far anytime soon. I’d miss Tanner too much.”

“I know,” he said. “Natalia is putting up the Colorado house on the market. Were you interested in going back there at all before that deal happens?”

I thought about that weekend. It seemed like forever ago, but it hadn’t been that long. It was strange that I took two trips in one month, both beautiful yet differing in temperature. I wasn’t sure which one I liked more since they offered unique experiences on their own.

Though I hoped I’d be able to get back there without our safety in mind like we did the first time, Michael had tried to protect the both of us by creating a ruse for us to leave the city during the weekend of Sal’s death. I tried not to think of that aspect of the trip and focused on our first kiss and massive make-out session by the fire.

“I’d love to go back there,” I said, wondering if we’d be able to recreate that night.

“How about next weekend?” he asked.

That was so soon. “I’m not sure,” I said, glancing over at Tanner. He was pointing to the polar bear and saying something that I couldn’t make out from that distance. “As I’ve said, I’ve already been away from Tanner too long since we just got back.”

Michael chuckled, and I narrowed my eyes.

“What’s so funny?” I asked.

Michael pecked me on the lips. “I want to take Tanner with us.”

“Oh!” I said.

Michael shrugged. “I could take you both skiing, or we can hang out at the lodge. There are some places in town I’m sure he would like.”

“That’s so gracious,” I said. Tanner would love to come, especially since Michael had his own plane. Tanner would be so excited. I wonder if that would ruin him for commercial flights, but to be honest, it ruined me for them already. I didn’t say it aloud, but this reminded me of having a family vacation. A real one. And I could count on Michael to follow through, unlike Killian with his grand plans and no follow through.

“We should go tell him then?” Michael asked.

“I think you should do the honors,” I said. Even though Michael was getting along with Tanner, I wanted him to tell Tanner about the trip. That would help solidify their relationship.

I couldn’t help the giddy feelings from bubbling up inside of me. I hadn’t been on vacation in years, and here I was being shipped off to places I’d never dreamed of, all with the man of my dreams. Could my life get any better?

Michael’s phone rang, and he slowed. I nearly bumped into him but I side-stepped before I did.

“Hey, Rick,” he said into the phone. “Rainey and I were just talking about you.”

I glanced up at him, and his smile fell from his face.

My heart dropped in my chest, making me wheeze slightly. “What’s wrong?” I mouthed. He looked as if someone ran over his dog.

Michael shook his head and held up a finger. He turned and walked away from me. His head lowered as he spoke to his brother.

I went over to Tanner, keeping one eye on Michael, trying to figure out what Frederick was talking to him about. Was it something to do with Sal or Demetri? Or both? Whatever the conversation, it didn’t look good. Were we in danger? What were we going to do?

“Let’s go over to the grizzly bears,” Tanner said, tugging my hand toward the next enclosure.

I plastered on a smile, not wanting to cause anyone to panic. “Sure, sweetie.”

About ten minutes later, Michael came over to us.

He was finishing up his conversation with Frederick. “Tell Natalia I think I have a buyer for the cabin.”

My eyes widened, silently questioning him about what just happened.

“Alright, talk to you soon,” he said then hung up.

Michael smiled. “Everything is fine.”

A breath whooshed out of me. Michael squeezed my hand reassuringly. He waited until Tanner was a safe distance away before he lowered his lips to my ear.

“Rick told me the police are called off the case now,” he said. “The police have who they were looking for, and things are good.”

While I didn’t want to get into the specifics in public, I wondered how Demetri pulled that off. Did he frame someone else for the death of Sal Rossi? I knew I should let it go, but that might take some time. I was naturally curious, but I didn’t want to end up like the cat.

“How did you find a buyer for the cabin so quickly?” I asked, needing to change the subject.

“If Tanner likes the cabin next weekend, I’m going to buy it.”

“What?” I asked.

He slipped a hand around my waist. “We need our private getaway too.”

I snuggled closer to him. “I think I might prefer a warmer weather getaway.” It was probably because we were in the middle of winter and I couldn’t think about being colder. But as long as I had Michael to snuggle up with, then I would be content.

“Don’t worry,” Michael said. “I’ve already got that home away from home covered.”

I gave him a questioning look. He kissed the tip of my nose, and we headed toward Tanner.