Forbidden Disclosure(44)

“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?”