Adam took the floral dress from my hand and walked it into the bedroom, laying it carefully on my bed. “Really,” he began, “it isn’t a problem.”
But I could hear his confidence wavering.
“Stay here. See your mom. I’ll be back before you know it.”
Adam growled, frustrated. “I’m supposed to take care of you. That’s my job.” He caught my gaze and held it. “Who will do your hair?”
I laughed out loud. “I’ll find someone.”
“Miss Cavanaugh?” Isaac asked as he knocked.
“Come in.”
He opened the door and rolled in a suitcase. “The plane will be ready in two hours. There will be a car waiting on the tarmac when you land and I’ve reserved a suite for you at the Boston Plaza. Would you like me to drive you to the airport?”
“No, I’ll drive her,” Adam said.
Isaac glanced at me. I nodded. Adam had given up. He wouldn’t be going with me.
“Very well. Mrs. Dotts is on her way up to assist with the packing.”
“Thank you,” I said with a big sigh of relief. Just because I wanted to do more didn’t mean I could. Packing was out of my league.
The ride to the Salt Lake International Airport was mostly silent. Adam drove the Lykan, his eyes focused on the road. I tried to start a conversation with him a couple different times but it never went anywhere. Finally I gave up and focused on the view. It was early summer, so wildflowers bloomed all along I-15. In the distance were the mountains. Seeing them reminded me of what I’d experienced last night. Hunting and then seeing a werecat or Vaktare and then a werewolf. I found it odd that the Vaktare wanted to kill me while the wolf protected. It seemed like it should’ve been the other way around.
My phone vibrated. It was a text from Will. A wave of guilt washed through my body. He’d been the first to find me but I hadn’t even thanked him. And I’d thrown his present into the pool. I’d been terrible to him since the day we met.
Can I see you? His text read.
I quickly texted back: Can’t. On my way to the airport.
Where to?
I debated whether to tell him.
“Don’t tell anyone where you’re going. Not until you’re sure who you can trust.” Adam watched me from the corner of his eye.
“How can you read my texts and drive?” I glanced away, irritated.
He tapped his eyelid with his finger. “Good eyesight.”
“Huh.” I turned the phone away from Adam’s gaze and texted back: It’s a secret. I sent it, then decided it was better to say something to him via text rather than not at all, especially since I didn’t know when I’d see him again. So I texted: I wanted to apologize for the other day. I shouldn’t have thrown your gift in the pool. It was actually very thoughtful. Thank you, and I’m sorry. Really, really sorry. I hit Send and waited for a response.
Finally one came: Who is this and what have you done with my Bea?
I laughed. She’s here. Just a little changed.
Now I really want to see you.
I’ll text you when I get back.
Adam arrived at the airport. I directed him toward the private airstrip. Our plane was silver and had a red rose blooming on either side. The name Cavanaugh was painted in large black letters over the top.
“Your family doesn’t do anything small, do they?” He parked and glanced over.
“Nope. Some of my dad’s business associates say his slogan should be: Go Cavanaugh or go home.” I smiled.
Adam got out of the car. I met him at the trunk where he pulled out my bags and handed them to a waiting agent.
“Take-off is in twenty minutes,” the guy said.
“Alright, I’ll be there in a moment.”
“Yes, Miss Cavanaugh.” He took the suitcases and went up the stairs. I watched him, nervous about turning back to Adam. Facing him. Saying good-bye. I didn’t want to do that. Part of me wanted to demand he come. I’d promised myself when I first met him that I would make him suffer.
Adam broke the awkward silence. “If you need me, call. Or text. Or send me a text anyway, just so I know you’re all right.”
I smiled, fighting back the tears. “Okay,” I whispered.
He tugged on my chin, forcing me to see him. “I’m going to do something so crazy, like freak-out crazy. So if you need to freak out, it’s fine.”
“What?” I asked, searching his eyes.
“This.” Adam leaned down and kissed me right smack on the lips.
A surge of emotion rushed through my heart and into my throat. Fireworks exploded over and over in my stomach. My pulse raced. His lips were firm but tender. I sensed he wanted to give me only a quick kiss, but I wasn’t ready to let him go. I dropped my purse and flung my arms around his neck. He responded by pushing my mouth open, taking our kiss deeper.
He ran his tongue over my teeth. I met him with mine. We kissed and kissed and kissed and kissed. His hands grabbed my waist and pulled me against him. Then they roamed up my back to my shoulders and into my hair. I felt him remove the tie. Tenderly he undid the braid with his fingers. In that moment or in those minutes, everything but Adam and me disappeared. There was only us. We were no longer on an airport runway, but in a forest, my back pressed against a tree. Wildflowers grew all around us, perfuming the air as birds sang us their love song.
All I could do was cling to him. My body was alive with so many amazing feelings and emotions that I thought I would die from the glorious pain.
The agent cleared his throat.
We reluctantly let each other go. Adam’s eyes held mine though and for a moment I felt like he was still kissing me. He touched my bottom lip with his thumb, caressing it.
I was shaking all over with needs and desires and wants I’d never had before.
“The pilot is ready to take off, Miss Cavanaugh.”
“Right. I’m coming,” I said, keeping my focus on Adam. “Why did you do that?” I whispered. For some reason I had to know. I didn’t mind. In fact, I loved it so much I wanted to do it again.
A mischievous twinkle lit his eyes. “I’ll tell you when you get back.” He bent over and picked up my purse and phone and then took me by the arm and led me over to the stairs. I was so glad he did. My body had forgotten how to move and needed his encouragement. “Hold on to the rail,” he said, as he handed me my stuff.
I did, climbing the steps carefully. When I reached the top I turned back. He was still at the bottom. “Go on. I’ll see you soon.”
I nodded. I wanted to say good-bye, but the words wouldn’t come, so I raised my hand and waved.
“Miss Cavanaugh. We need to get you buckled in. Genevieve has prepared you a steak per Isaac’s instructions and once we’re in the air she’ll bring it to you.”
I allowed him to lead me inside and to my seat. After buckling up, I peered out the window. Adam was by the driver’s side door of the Lykan. He waved once and then got inside and drove away. I watched until I couldn’t see the car anymore.
Genevieve came over. “We are about to take off. Can I get you a drink?”
“No. Thank you.”
She nodded and left the main cabin, I guessed to buckle herself in. The airplane lurched forward and we sped down the runway. When the plane lifted off, I had the oddest sensation that my life would never be the same again.
Twelve
In Total Darkness
I called Adam Henry as soon as I landed. He gave me an address for Salem, Massachusetts, which I then gave to the driver. Then I texted my Adam just to let him know I’d arrived.