Her cheeks flamed. She and Gil had kissed on the far side of the truck. Chance couldn’t have seen much. But it was still embarrassing. “Yes. I rode with him to Midland to pick up Cade.”
“Cute kid.”
“Yes.”
“I hope you haven’t planted doubts in Gil’s head about me.”
What could she say to that? “Gil makes his own decisions. And he’s very loyal to his friends.”
“Yes, he is. But men can do irrational things when a woman is involved.”
Here was her opportunity. She dropped her tote on the floor and leaned against a post. “Is that what you did, Chance? To be with Cara?”
The smile faded from his face. “Things aren’t always what they seem, Bailey. To be honest, I had no idea I was still on your list.”
“She’s not wearing her engagement ring anymore, is she? I like you, Chance. But it’s hard to overlook the fact that she’s been hanging around here instead of helping her fiancé regain his memory. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
He stood in one fluid motion and faced her, topping her by several inches. His move could have been threatening. But in her gut she knew it wasn’t. “You’ve already questioned me, Bailey. Twice, if I remember correctly. And I told you everything I know about Alex’s disappearance. Which is pretty much zero.”
“And was everything you told me about Cara the truth? Did you perhaps leave out some pertinent details?”
“I did not. There’s nothing more to tell.”
“That tête-à-tête I interrupted a few minutes ago didn’t look like nothing. Why don’t you tell me what you were talking about? Why was she crying? Was it because the man she thought she loved doesn’t even know who she is? Is that it?”
He folded his arms across his chest, his expression grim. “Cara’s business is her own. If you want answers, you’ll have to ask her.”
“She didn’t look like she wanted to talk to me.”
“Perhaps not.”
“I’m not the bad guy in this equation. Unless of course you really are guilty. In which case, you’re out of luck. Because I never give up until I solve a case.” She winced inwardly, because technically, that wasn’t true. Not this time. Thanks to her boss, she was not going to have the satisfaction of finishing this investigation.
“At the risk of looking guilty when I change the subject, I’d like to give you some advice.”
“Okay. I’ll bite. What is it?”
“Gil Addison is a hell of a nice guy. And he’s had some rough knocks. He deserves to be happy more than most anyone I know.”
“And this concerns me how?”
“Don’t let your passion for the truth hurt him. If you’re not serious about a relationship, then walk away.”
* * *
She pondered Chance’s pointed remarks as she climbed the staircase to the second floor where her room was located. Was she giving up too easily? Did Gil believe he and Bailey had a deeper connection than she was giving them credit for?
Tossing her tote and sweater on the bed, she pulled her phone from her pocket and saw that she had a text from the man who filled her thoughts so completely.
Is it possible for u to meet me at the club in the morning...11:00 a.m....so I can hand over my rambunctious son??
She frowned as she curled up on the window seat. Under the circumstances, she would rather not see Gil again until she’d had time to process her emotions. But she had made a promise, and she couldn’t disappoint the child caught in the middle of an adult conflict.
No problem. 11 it is. What will he want for lunch?
Gil’s reply was swift.
Anything that ends with ice cream.
She tapped the keys.
So the diner would be good?
Definitely.
Resisting the urge to ask him what he meant earlier when he said everything would be okay, she added one last note.
See you then...
She set the cell phone on the bedside table and began changing out of her dress and leggings. Moments later, the text alert dinged again. Curious, she glanced at the screen.
My bed looks empty without you...
Torn between caution and excitement, she debated answering. Perhaps he would think she was in the shower if she didn’t respond.
A second ding heralded another message.
I know you’re reading this. I can feel your anxiety all the way over here. Quit worrying.
Easy for him to say. Since she couldn’t think of an appropriate answer, she stood there staring at the prompt...
What we have is more than good sex, and you know it.
Her lips curled in a reluctant smile. How long would he carry on a one-sided conversation?