Secret Wish

by Victoria Pinder

  "It's not a problem." She wrapped her fingers into his and relished how complete she felt. For this one moment, she was perfect. "It's okay we're talking about family. They do shape how we grew up. I never met your family in college. What are they like?"

  "You met my sister and brother."

  "Yes, I remember them vaguely, but I only ever spoke to them over the internet and the few times they came to visit on a weekend. The other day you mentioned your mom, so you must have found her."

  "I did, but you don't want to talk about that story."

  She tapped her fingers on the car door. "Luke Marshall, you can't hide them from me forever."

  "Turns out my father kidnapped my mother and left her in Argentina. My siblings and I were shipped off to boarding school and never knew why Mom was so silent. My family was not normal."

  Bells rang in her ears, though she ignored the sense she knew this story. "That sounds awful."

  "I didn't even know any of this until a few weeks ago, so my head is still spinning."

  She'd ask about that later and followed her gut. Right now it was probably easier on him if they changed the topic. "Are any of them in Miami?"

  He turned the car off the highway and headed into midtown. She relaxed in her seat as he maneuvered his way through the small buildup of traffic.

  "Liz is, but she's in the middle of a crisis."

  "That must be a nightmare to always be worried about other people."

  "I like helping people. It's part of why I became a doctor."

  "Still, though." He turned into a restaurant parking lot as she said, "That had to be a lot of pain."

  "Enough about me. In college we never talked about our families. You never really mentioned your brother or mother."

  "Like you, I was trying to avoid them, but we should have talked, Luke. I should have been more aware of a lot of things. My mother might have made me realize you were better for me than Jose ever could be."

  She couldn't quite tell him that she was a fool for not taking a huge chance with him years ago. She'd been so blind. His kiss goodbye at the library had sent her into orbit, and she'd never returned.

  She swallowed and stared at his profile. "Never mind all that. I can see you're worried about something."

  "How?"

  "It's the etches around your eyes. It's how you look when worried."

  "You're right."

  "So tell me."

  "I'm surprised you remember that detail about me."

  "No stalling, Luke. Of course I remember you."

  As he flipped off the engine, he turned and took his hand away. Her fingers ached for his touch again, though she pulled her hand into her lap as he said, "My family is going through a lot. My sister's son was kidnapped. She believes Christmas will bring her some miracle, but I think it's setting her up for more heartbreak." He took a deep breath and pressed his lips together. "It's one thing after another, but I don't want to weigh you down with all that stuff when tonight, I want to show you a good time and be relaxed."

  He slipped out of the car and then opened her door as she still gathered her wits. She stepped out and brushed against his arm, which sent a pleasant shockwave through her. She swayed and pretended she was fine.

  "A good time includes sharing for both of us, but I won't press you. If you want to share, I'm here for you."

  "Thanks, Caro. You have no idea how I missed you."

  "I missed you too." She swallowed and realized she couldn't say that she had made a huge mistake the night he kissed her. It was too soon. She lowered her gaze. "Why did you move back to Miami? LA and Boston are both great places."

  "They are, but Miami was the closest thing to a home I had, and I wanted to put my feet up in a place where I felt at home. Why aren't you married with children yet, Caro?"

  Because you never asked me, and then you left.

  He offered her his arm. She stared at his bicep under his white button-down shirt. As she reached forward, she felt the hard muscle underneath. Her heartbeat raced through her, though she pretended she was fine.

  "I haven't found the right guy, plus I do have career goals."

  "Both are important. I just always thought a girl like you would have guys lined up around the block waiting for their opportunity."

  Perhaps she rejected men for the simple fact they weren't Luke, though she couldn’t say that either. She curled her hands tighter around his arm. This time she'd not send him away.

  "Most guys I see aren't worth a second date, never mind a lifetime."

  They followed a waiter, and he held out her seat for her until she sat. With his help, she scooted in and waited for Luke. He dropped his napkin on his lap as he joined her. She leaned forward to listen.

  "Then I have to ensure you have fun tonight. I'd like that second date or a third. You were the one that got away."

  Likewise only he was the one that ran to the other end of the country and deleted his social media. She had been blind once. She wasn't now.

  She lowered her gaze. "I've been right here."

  He licked his lips, and she wondered if he'd kiss her, but then he sat straighter. "So what is it you do for a day job? You mentioned you are working toward fashion design, but that can’t be all you do right now."

  A maid for the House of Morgan wasn't exactly something to discuss. No, it was better they discussed how she missed him. She scooted away for a second and caught her breath as the waiter poured them water.

  "I don't want to talk about that. With luck, tomorrow my fashion career takes off, and I can work on quitting my boring day job to do what I want to do."

  He narrowed his gaze. It felt like a star burst inside her, and he could see every piece of her soul. "Is something happening tomorrow?"

  A voice whispered in her head she could trust Luke. She hoped she would finally have her big chance to speak to Victoria Morgan and at least try for a new job. Everyone was nice at weddings.

  She bit her lower lip. "One of my dresses is being worn at a big social event and should get a mention in all the fashion news."

  A huge grin grew on his face. He reached out and placed his hand on hers. "Wow, that's awesome. Let's order champagne to celebrate."

  Luke raised his hand, and the waiter came over. He ordered their drinks and returned to stare into her eyes. His blue eyes mesmerized her, and her heart hammered. This time she'd not mess up everything with saying the wrong thing.

  She fixed her hair again. "I'm nervous."

  He leaned closer. His voice seemed like it floated on the wind. "Why?"

  His warm breaths near her were intoxicating. "You make me blush."

  "I do?" His hand brushed against her skin and electricity that made her feel alive followed his every move.

  Her lips puckered as she lowered her eyelids. "Yeah, Luke, with you I'm telling you my hopes I'm not telling most people. I don't trust people not to crush my dreams."

  He squeezed her hand, and she opened her eyes to stare into the blue abyss that made her feel safe. "But you trust me?"

  She nodded her head. "Yeah, I do."

  "Good." He scooted closer, and his hand closed around her shoulder. The closeness was like a warm blanket as he said, "I remember at the frat house you always had a few books to study with you."

  "I was there on scholarship. I couldn't mess up." Every cell begged for his kiss. Her eyelids drifted shut on their own accord as her lips curled. "My business degree will be helpful."

  He was so close. His breath mixed with hers as he stroked her hair. "I get a sense of calmness near you that makes me and everything around me go into slow motion, so I get to pay more attention."

  "May I take your order?" The voice pierced through her, and she scooted away. Her vision went black for a second as she wasn't prepared for the interruption.

  This time she'd not lose her senses and keep her brain working, at least a little.

  Luke picked up the menus and ordered something in French for them both. She had eaten with hi
m countless times that year in school, so he'd make a good choice. The waiter finished writing.

  Her body ached for Luke’s touch on hers. They were so close. She was silent, though she did hear him say champagne as the waiter left.

  Her heart hammered in her chest the moment they were alone. She dropped her hand to his knee and brushed her hair behind her ears again.

  "I'm glad you asked me out, Luke. Now what did you just order?"

  "Lamb stew." He reached out and his hands massaged her arm. "I'm not sure actually. I was staring at you because you're beautiful."

  Wow, no one had ever said that to her and made her skin feel like warm silk. Her eyes were wide open until she fluttered them closed.

  "Really? That's awfully sweet of you to say."

  "I don't know why you're still here. I keep saying dumb, unsophisticated things when I’m around you."

  "It reminds me of you and college."

  "Where you only wanted to be friends? As I hear myself, I understand why."

  "No, don't change who you are with me. I was blind until you kissed me. At that point, I wanted only you, and you disappeared."

  "I won't leave you ever again."

  Her lips puckered. He leaned closer again, as her mouth ached. He seemed steady as her arms wrapped around his hard chest. A second later, his lips met hers and everything around them disappeared into a sweet oblivion. His kiss was more heavenly than chocolate or any sweet she'd ever had.

  Someone nearby dropped a plate and it shattered.

  The sound jarred them both.

  As he pulled away, her mind was numb. He stared deep into her eyes, and she swore he saw through her.

  Her lips opened as she said, "Wow."

  His face curled into a smile. "You taste like peaches, too."

  "Peaches are good."

  "Please forgive me for acting like a boy on his first date."

  She reached over and ran her hands through his short but thick hair. "Don't get a filter or become jaded, Luke. I like you. Since you kissed me years ago, I could only ever think of you."

  "I wish I had known."

  She reached out and let her fingers trail down his chin. He was here. This was all real. "I wished you'd called."

  "I will, from now on."

  For once she lived in a fairy tale, and for tonight, she'd forget everything else.

  Chapter 5

  With Caro, Luke had a sense of normalcy in the world. She was even more beautiful in person than he remembered, and he'd been a lovesick fool beside her. Her smile had a way of calming him. As they ate the horrible sauce-covered meat that might be lamb underneath, she smiled. He gritted his teeth as he tried to chew and stared at the Christmas candles that lit the table. Then he almost choked as he saw how her smile never faltered despite the food quality. Her eyes held a secret laughter.

  He elbowed her lightly to get her attention. "Tasty and delicious, no?"

  The twinkle in her eye was the same. She used her napkin to cover her face as she choked on a laugh or perhaps the lamb. As she dropped it on her lap a moment later, he knew the answer.

  "You're never ordering for me again."

  He winked. A sense of humor was good too. He then pushed her glass closer to her. "Drink more champagne then to wash down the sauce."

  She sipped and swished the liquid around her lips until she swallowed. "I think I'm done with the food. Next time, I'm cooking for you."

  His eyes widened. He had a chance. He didn't believe in Christmas miracles, but Caro in his life again meant happiness was possible. His heartbeat grew louder in his chest. He'd not ruin this opportunity.

  He scooted closer. "We'll save that for the third date. I'd rather you join me at the Venetian Pool on Sunday."

  Her head tilted toward him. "What?"

  Her skin was flawless, and his lips still tingled from the taste of her kiss. His skin must be flushed, but she didn't say anything.

  "I have never gone, and it's on the list of must see Miami attractions."

  She tapped her fingers on the table. "Okay. I'd love to go, but that's Christmas morning."

  "So you're busy?"

  With a laugh, her mouth opened. "My mom will murder me if I don't show up."

  He shrugged and sat backwards in his chair. "Monday I'm working a twelve-hour shift."

  She sucked her bottom lip in as she thought. He stayed silent as he waited for her pronouncement. In college, she had made the same face hundreds of time. Then she released her lips and nodded. "How about Sunday we can meet for coffee?"

  "So I can have an hour?"

  "Perhaps one and a half, if we're lucky."

  As he leaned forward, he placed his hand on hers. "Perfect."

  A blush stained her cheeks, but she didn't pull away. "Let's say ten o'clock, so we can find a quiet spot?"

  Christmas was a season for family, but seeing her lifted his spirits far more than any hymns. His knee pressed against her.

  "If that's the best time for you, then great."

  "Your mom must be planning something special. She has her children with her again."

  He shrugged. "My mother will be happy that I show up to say Merry Christmas. She's worried about my sister."

  "Of course."

  She flipped her dark hair as she kept one hand in his. "I'll text you directions to a coffee shop."

  He squeezed her soft hand and then simply stayed with her. "It's your city. I'll trust you to know what's open."

  "We'll have to go to the Jewish part of the beach."

  She pressed her lips together, and her body shook. Then she took her hand away from him and stood. He followed.

  "Excuse me for a moment. I have to go to the restroom."

  "Okay. I'll wait here."

  He waited for her to leave the table, though he watched the sway of her hips. As he sat, he hoped he hadn't seemed desperate.

  Caro was the woman that left her mark inside him. No one else had made him feel anything other than momentary lust with faceless long-forgotten names. Luke swallowed and refused to wonder if he’d screwed up their date. This time, he had to do everything he could to win her heart. So as he waited, he checked his phone messages. Nothing was pressing.

  A shadow moved into the seat next to him, so he pocketed it. His eyes widened as he stared into a strange blonde woman's blue eyes.

  "Mr. Morgan?"

  A chill raced through him as he sat straighter. "Yeah, who are you?"

  She slipped him an envelope across the table and placed it in his hand near his glass of water. "This is for you."

  His fingers curled around the white envelope. "What is it?"

  She shrugged as she picked up her cell phone. She snapped his picture. "I don't know. I work for a messenger service. I don't know what's in the letters or who sends them."

  He unsealed the flap as his muscles quivered. Then he glanced at the rip he had made in the envelope.

  "Why would you tell me that?"

  "'Cause it's Christmas, I guess." She slipped her phone away. "It was nice chatting with you."

  "Excuse me. You're in my seat."

  The blonde woman jumped out of her chair and left without another word.

  Both of them stared at her and then Caro sat. The air near his ears hissed with Caro's disapproval. His lips tingled to kiss her again, though she pouted at him.

  "Who was that?"

  He shrugged. "I have no idea."

  Clearly she didn't believe him as she crossed her arms. "Why did she sit in my seat?"

  "She tracked me down." His heart beat wildly in his chest as he stared into Caro's eyes. Who knew what she thought. He lifted his hand and showed her the half-opened envelope. "To give me this."

  She dropped her hands to the side and tilted her head. "What is it?"

  He glanced at the folded envelope. "I've no idea."

  She placed her hand on his arm, and butterflies could be flying all around his body as she said, "Open it then."

  "Okay."
/>   His fingers slipped under the glue and ripped the rest. A moment later, he took the paper out of the plain white envelope and read the letter. His eyes grew wider, and he shook his head. Then he crumpled the paper as he thought of his sister. This was more heartache for his family. Brandon was still missing and whoever kidnapped him must like to torture his family.

  He handed it over without reacting. He had lost the fight long ago against the faceless monsters who had ripped apart his sister's heart, though he'd murder anyone if he found out who they actually were. Shadows drove him crazy.

  "Read it."

  Her hand flew to cover her mouth as she read the letter. He had memorized the short phrase on the paper. Leave Miami. She then slammed the paper on the table and their water glasses shifted.

  "What the...? Please ignore this."

  Someone had his nephew out there. He'd have to bring this to a detective to be sure they searched every fiber for a clue. He pressed his lips together and gazed into her brown eyes.

  Caro had no idea, and his cheeks flushed. "What exactly happened to your sister?"

  First dates should not be spoiled with too much information, too soon. He averted his focus to the table. She tapped her fingers to his palm. He grimaced. "I don't want to talk about it and ruin our evening."

  "Clearly, someone else doesn't have that same respect for you." She pushed her hair behind her ears as she held his hand. "I don't want to push you, but I would love to help, in any way."

  If only it was that easy, and she somehow knew how to locate missing kidnapped children. Designing fashion wasn't exactly crime fighting abilities, even if Caro's peach smell made him somehow believe she had magical powers that no one truly had.

  He sighed. "You can't, not unless you are secretly a detective that can solve cold baby napping cases."

  Her entire body stilled as her face went white. It was the same expression so many people had and why he kept his mouth shot. A fraction of a second later, her brown eyes became like shiny jewels.

  "No, but I am related to a good one. Can I speak to my brother about helping you? He's the best detective on the Miami police, and he might see something in your case that no one else has."

  “We already have a case worker.”