Chapter Fifteen

There are eight dirty brown stairs. I count each one as I make my way to the top. “What a climb,” I puff.

“There’s not that many steps.” Daniel brushes off my lagging fitness.

“No, not too many at all. Honestly, I would have preferred thirteen of these thick, high suckers.” There’s sarcasm in my tone.

Daniel doesn’t reply.

“This is where I leave you, Dr Grant.” Conrad’s voice travels from behind me. I twist on my heel to find my suitcase held at arm’s length.

“Thank you,” I pant when I take my belongings from his grip.

“You’re welcome. Have fun.”

“I’ll try to.”

“Excellent.” He gifts me a reassuring nod.

“Thank you, Conny,” Daniel adds, as if they’re great mates.

Again, Conrad bobs his head, then he turns and races down the incline we just took, missing every second step as he goes. Shit! I’m unfit.

“Welcome to paradise. Welcome to Heart Key, Ms Grant.” Daniel’s voice projects the superb infomercial tone. His hand shifts slowly across the vision laid out in front of me.

Baby Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. I’ve stepped into a dream.

“This is where you’ll be staying.” His hand stops roaming the lush green scenery and stills on a crisp white house.

I crane my neck back as my eyes travel into the blue abyss of the sky above. “Talk about a mansion. It's huge. For two people? This home is all for two people?”

“Yes.”

“Wowzer. Well, I never.” I drop my suitcase at my feet. I slowly lower my chin, taking in the cute navy shutters and the flowerpots residing under every single window … there are a lot of windows. The house is huge, slightly old-fashioned, yet magnificent. This would be my dream home if I could ever afford it.

“It’s one hell of a beauty, isn’t it?” Daniel asks.

“It really is. Not your modern-day mansion, but a mansion nevertheless.”

“This way.” Daniel points towards the front door. I return my vision to the house stretching four stories high. It looks more like a resort than living quarters for two people.

“Come along.” Daniel strides in front of me as we move onto a grey-stoned path. The noise of my suitcase wheels bumping and jumping against the small stones interrupts the sound of crashing waves.

That can’t be good for the wheels.

“This is the most beautiful place on Earth.” Daniel doesn’t slow down or peek back over his shoulder at me. It’s like he’s talking to someone who’s keeping up with him.

I’m not keeping up. In fact, I’m lagging farther behind. I quicken my pace. Not quite a jog, but not a walk either.

Suddenly, Daniel flings out his arm, almost barrelling me over. My knees buckle. I manage to stop without falling, but my hair whips my face, and my breath catches in my throat.

There’s a settled silence.

Brushing my hair from my eyes, I catch the opening of the front door. My heart pounds. My teeth clamp together.

He’s wearing a black suit. It’s all I can tell while his face stays in the shadows.

One step, two steps, three steps. The sun catches something metal because beams of light spread like a rainbow after a storm in front of him. He’s angelic as he takes another step, and I squint to see more of him.

Black suit. Tall. Muscular. A white rose is attached to his lapel. I follow his silhouette upwards.

I gasp. I gasp so loud it could scatter chirping birds from their homes.

“Oh, hell no,” I screech. “Are you kidding me? Nope. Nope. Nope. Not a chance.” I drop my hand from the suitcase handle, leaving it where it stands. I turn abruptly, and I stomp in a fury back the way I came. Well, until I halt due to a video camera shoved in my face.

I dip my chin and put my hands in front of my head to offer myself shelter. Brown hair. Big white teeth inside a broad smile. Those eyes, familiar, kind, unique …

He never called.

He made me want him, and then he never called.

I can’t spend three weeks with him.

Not now, not ever.