A Billionaire in Disguise #1 : Forbidden Disclosure(21)

"We can talk in the lobby of the motel. If you even do one thing out of line, I'll scream. You got it?"

"Deal," said Daniel. "I'll do whatever you want me to do. I'll carry your things."

"Fine, let's go and get this over with." Katherine started to walk to the elevator. Daniel stayed outside in the hall.

"Are you coming or what?" Katherine spat.

"I don't want you to feel like you're in harm's way. I'll take the next elevator. Just don't run off on me."

Without saying a word, Katherine hit the down button, then walked in the lobby and sat on one of the sofas.

Daniel stepped out of the elevator and approached Katherine, who sat glaring at him with her arms crossed in front of her.

"I'll be right back." Daniel walked over to the desk and asked that all the food from room service be delivered down to the lobby instead.

"Katherine, why are you leaving town?" Daniel asked as he sat in the chair that was facing her.

"Look, I ran out of money, I couldn't find a model, and I couldn't pay rent. I got thrown out today and I had to quit school. Why do you care?"

"If I didn't care, I wouldn't have flown out here, and I wouldn't have gone to such extremes to find you."

Room service arrived with two carts. Daniel moved the coffee table between them. "Thank you, that'll be all," said Daniel as he gave the two young men a nice tip.

Katherine's eyes lit up as the plates were uncovered. Prime rib, turkey, two kinds of salad, steamed vegetables, potatoes, and all the works.

"If you'd like something different, let me know and I'll order it for you," said Daniel as he lifted a plate for her and filled it with some of everything.

In his entire life, he had never seen a woman eat like she was eating. Katherine saw him watching her and slowed down her chewing.

"What?" Katherine's cheeks blushed.

Daniel's heart melted. "Katherine, when was the last time you ate? You look much thinner to me."

"I'm not sure."

"We can fight if you want, but you're not living like this anymore. I'm even willing to fly you to Tennessee if that's where you want to go. But this is done!" Daniel was so angry. Not at Katherine, but at himself. He should have done more to find her right away. I should have acted better than I did to begin with.

The silence between them was much appreciated by Katherine. She was afraid of the situation, but even more afraid of having to live on the streets.


 

 

 

"Daniel, I appreciate all of this, and yes, I do get hungry, but I'm not your problem."

"No, because you're not a problem. I'm doing this because I care about you. Do you want to go back to Tennessee? I can't stomach going back there for a while, some horrible things happened at Rosie's Farm.

"I drove by the farm and saw the barn burned to the ground. I was so worried that you had gotten hurt."

"Really?"

"Well, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I didn't get harmed, and Rosie and her horses are safe. Rosie lives with me and my father now."

"Rosie Montoose?"

"I had gotten quite close to her. She became like a mother to me. The farm meant a lot, as it helped me to stop being a selfish prick. I owe her so much and I couldn't stand the thought of letting her lose her farm or being lonely and possibly harmed."

"I didn't go back to Tennessee until Thanksgiving. So I wasn't there when the fire happened."

"I know, I looked for you. I even went up to the bar. When your uncle told me you left, I felt like my heart was ripped out. I called there a few times just to get information so I could find you. All I wanted to do was have the opportunity to tell you I was sorry. I called three times and hung up. I heard you singing in the background on Thanksgiving and I tried like hell to get there. The family jet was down for the weekend and all regular flights were booked. Don't tell Andy that it was me." Daniel chuckled some and Katherine finally let herself smile.

"You knew it was me singing?"

"Katherine, I could pick out that beautiful voice of yours even in a crowded concert."

Katherine felt her cheeks beginning to blush. "I'm so full. Thank you for the meal, Daniel." Katherine stood up and put her hand out. She had to get out of there because she was beginning to feel like she did that night in the meadow. She would figure out a place to stay.

"Are you leaving?" Daniel got very worried. "Please, don't leave … "

"I have to go and figure stuff out. Everything in my life just got turned upside down. I can't go back to Tennessee. I'd feel like an even bigger failure. It's the second time I've left school."

"You can stay here, Katherine. You have your own suite. I promise not to even knock on your door. But you aren't sleeping on the streets and going without food. It's not happening as long as I'm alive. On this issue, I won't take no for an answer." Daniel picked up her boxes and suitcase and held the elevator door for her. "Do you feel safe enough being on an elevator with me?" 

Katherine nodded and stepped inside. Daniel made sure he kept his body facing the doors. When the door opened, Daniel walked to the suite, opened the door, and set her things just inside. He immediately stepped back into the hall.

"You know where my room is, or you can leave a message at the desk if you need to reach me. Do you still have my cell phone number?"

"Yes and thank you. I'll make sure I'm out by eleven tomorrow morning. Is that check out time?" Katherine looked around to find a sign with something posted.

"Check out time is when it happens. But you aren't living outside. I won't budge on this, Katherine." Daniel looked into her eyes with his brow furrowed and his eyes full of worry.

"Okay, but I want to pay you back for the room and everything. Do you think we can work something out?"

"Yep, I know exactly what I want for repayment."

"Are you kidding me?!" Katherine instantly became furious.

"I want you to sing for me. I'll let you know when and where." Daniel winked and closed her door.

As he walked to his room, a thought occurred to him. She wasn't even dressed for this weather. He headed down to the lobby. Giving the manager a hundred dollar bill, the man behind the desk looked suspiciously at Daniel.

"Sir?"

"If the woman I was with, Katherine O'Brian, leaves the hotel with her belongings, I'm to be notified immediately. I'm going shopping and should be back in a couple of hours."

Chapter 12

Daniel found the mall in Ann Arbor and, with the help of a sales clerk about the height and size of Katherine, he was able to pick out several items that would provide warmth for this girl who had occupied his heart and thoughts for so long. He purchased nothing that even hinted that he could have ulterior motives. He bought her new luggage and even some warm winter boots. He picked up some candles and bubble bath from another store and would have those delivered as a complimentary package from the motel. Daniel wanted to do so much more for her, but was at a loss. Although he didn't know how to help her with her classes, he was certain that he had to find a way. But, if she'd already dropped out … then it hit him.

Digging out his cell phone, he called Carl.

"Daniel! It's a pleasure to hear from you. Did you find Katherine?"

"I found her. I'm surprised she even let me speak to her, but so far so good. I need you to do me a favor. I want you to find the top school for fashion and design in New York. I need that information as quick as you can get it, and I need the use of a recording studio."

"Very well, Daniel. But I have heard you sing, Sir, and no offense but-"

Daniel laughed and hung up the phone. He definitely didn't need to wait for those comments to come out of anyone's mouth.

Rosie rode in the back of the limo with Francesco to go to the trainer's home. She was so excited to see Patches and Daisy that she smiled for the entire drive.

"Rosie, see? I told you there were other horses here in this area. A couple of them have race horses, very expensive ones."

"Francesco, I can't wait for you to meet my girls. You're going to love them. Maybe they aren't the cream of the crop in some people's eyes, but they're my babies."

Francesco only smiled. He didn't want to make his feelings slip out. I'll love them because I love you.

The trainer, Amos, met them in the driveway and shook Francesco's hand, and tipped his hat to Rosie. "You have two of the best mannered horses."

"Thank you, Amos. Are you sure they're okay? They didn't get burned did they?"



 

 

 
"No, I have a groomer on staff, and the horses were cleaned up well and there weren't any burns on them. The vet's report said their lungs are in good condition as well. Are you ready to see the ladies? I know they're ready to see you."

"Oh there they are!" Rosie spotted the horses out in the pasture."

"If you wait right here I'll go get them for you." Amos headed for the fence but Rosie ran in front and went through the gate. With her loud whistle, the two horses' heads went up and their ears were open and wide. They came running for her. The love between them was clearly evident to both Amos and Francesco.

"Francesco, come and say hello!" Rosie was grinning from ear to ear. Each horse was given kisses, pats, and hugs.

"Rosie, they are so beautiful," Francesco said as he stepped inside the gate and enjoyed their presence. "I can't wait to get them home! It shouldn't be more than a few days, Rosie. Then you can see your babies anytime, day or night."