Page 42 of Kidnapped in Dark Waters
“I’m still hurting and frustrated, but I’m also tired of traipsing through the swamp on the off chance we’ll get lucky.”
He took her hand in his, his eyes glittering like bright emeralds. “I promise you we will get justice for your mother and that we’ll find the creep who is after you.”
She squeezed his hand and smiled. “You’re a very nice man, Luke Madison.”
“I try to be,” he replied and then released her hand. He studied her for a long moment. “I guess this means I won’t be seeing as much of you.”
“You can now spend your evenings looking for that special woman you want in your life,” she replied, surprised by a small pang of sadness that resonated inside her. She told herself it was just because he’d been such a big part of her world. Habit. He was a habit that it was time she break.
“Just because we aren’t going into the swamp at night doesn’t mean I can’t occasionally invite you to lunch or dinner at the café,” he replied.
“And I suppose I wouldn’t mind occasionally cooking dinner for you,” she added. There was no reason why she had to go completely cold turkey and never spend any time with him again.
He smiled at her. It was a soft smile that sparkled in the gold shards of his eyes and shot an unexpected warmth into her heart. “Then we’ll still see each other,” he said.
“Since this is kind of our last official night together, do you want to spend the night?” she asked. She stared at him intently, wanting this one last night with him.
He sat back on the sofa, a pained expression on his features. “Dominique, we both know that’s not a good idea.”
“It would just be a final, casual hookup,” she replied, hoping to entice him into staying. “It doesn’t have to mean anything.”
“It’s still not a good idea,” he replied.
Disappointment rushed through her. She had so hoped to have one last time in his arms, but obviously he wasn’t keen about it and she certainly wasn’t going to beg.
“So, what does your work schedule look like for the rest of the week?” he asked.
They small-talked for another half an hour or so, but things suddenly felt awkward between them. She felt as if they were two strangers making nice with each other instead of friends who had spent an inordinate amount of time together. It was almost a relief when he indicated it was time for him to leave.
She walked with him to the door, disappointment mingling with sadness inside her. “Luke, thank you. I’ve truly appreciated everything you’ve done for me,” she said.
“No need to thank me. I’ve enjoyed my time with you,” he replied. “If you ever think about going back out there to follow Pierre, I want you to call me and I’ll come to be your bodyguard.”
She forced a smile and then released a small laugh. “Why do I feel like I’ll never see you again when we live in a little town and I’ll probably see you tomorrow.”
He grinned at her. It was that charming smile that she’d always loved. “You’re right, you’ll probably see me tomorrow. Now that I know you’re working the mid-shift, I intend to eat my lunch in your section. I’ll complain about the food and the service and I’ll leave you a five percent tip,” he said, repeating his fake threats.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “You are such a goofball.”
He reached up as if to cup her cheek, but dropped his hand back to his side and instead opened the door. “Good night, Dominique,” he said as he turned back to her. “You know I’m here for you. As I’ve told you before, if something happens that frightens or concerns you, then call me.”
“I will. Good night, Luke.”
He disappeared out the door and she closed and locked it behind him. She went back to the sofa and collapsed into the corner.
The fact that he’d turned down the offer to stay the night with her, to be intimate again with her made her realize that it was possible she really had only been a job to him.
Sure, they’d been intimate the one time, but maybe he’d only slept with her because he was curious and wanted to explore his physical desire for her. He’d satisfied his curiosity and now he was done with that aspect of their relationship.
A wave of unexpected sadness swept through her. She hadn’t expected it would be so difficult to tell him goodbye. But now it was done and it was time she think about her future.
Maybe it was time she started dating. Maybe it was time for her to agree to go out with some of the men who had invited her out over the past few months. One of them could be the man of her dreams…the one who would give her children and a happily-ever-after.
If she was ever going to find a husband, the only way she could do it was to begin dating again. Would Luke start dating now that his evenings belonged to himself again?
She knew he wanted to find that special woman, the one who would fit into his life of routine and structure. She could only wish him well because more than anything she wanted to see Luke happy.
GUTTED, LUKE SATin his car, not yet ready to drive home. He stared at the swamp entrance, now barely discernable with the darkness of night falling.
