“Miss Harris,” Rachelle heard her name as the elevator doors opened.
“Yes,” she answered it hesitantly.
“I’m Dustin Warren from security. I’m supposed to see you to the security desk and wait with you until it’s safe.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” she tried to decline as people began to flow from the stairs.
“Mr. Clairbourne called down and insisted. If you’ll come this way.” He led her out of the crowd.
“That’s some cold you have,” she commented for something to say.
“Not a cold, allergies.”
“Sounds bad.”
“I’ve had them about two weeks. The medicine the doctor gave me makes me drowsy so I can’t take it while I’m on duty. Why don’t you have a seat here?”
“Thank you. Do you know what’s happening upstairs?”
“No, but there shouldn’t be anything to worry about, you’re safe down here.”
Rachelle felt a shiver ripple through her. “I don’t feel safe. I wish this would end.”
“I’m sure it will soon.”
“I hope so.” Rachelle fell silent, waiting anxiously as the minutes ticked by. She was so locked in her thoughts she jumped out of her seat when she finally heard Britt say her name.
“It’s all right,” he murmured into her ear as his arms encompassed her. “The bomb squad has removed the bomb safely. They’re checking the building over again, but it looks like it’s over. I’m sending everyone home. I just have to talk to the detectives a minute then I’ll take you home.” He let his hand slide down her arm, taking her hand.
“May I stay with you?” She held tightly.
After a second, he pressed his lips to her cheek. “Right by my side?”
“Yes.”
His lips slid over her mouth. “Let’s go.”
****
It felt good to be back in familiar territory when Britt walked her down the hall toward her apartment.
“Looks like you have a delivery,” Britt said, as they approached her door. “Are you expecting something?”
“No, who’s it from?”
“Matthew Harris.”
“Oh, that’s my dad.” She reached for the package.
“I have it.”
Inside the apartment, Rachelle turned on the light for him then followed him into the kitchen. “I wonder what it could be. My parents just left to go to a cousin’s wedding.”
Britt slit the tough tape and watched as Rachelle pulled back the packing. She started to reach inside, when he caught her fingers, pulling them back.
“Britt?”
“Don’t touch it, Rachelle.”
“What’s wrong? What is it?”
“It’s just broken and I don’t want you to get cut on the sharp edges.”
“What is it? Britt!” She stressed when he didn’t answer.
“I don’t think it’s from your parents.”
“What is it?” she repeated.
“A figurine.” He paused then sighed. “It’s broken.”
“You don’t think it was broken by accident?” Waiting for the answer, Rachelle got a sinking feeling.
“It’s a porcelain angel.”
“Oh, I’ll call the police station and see about getting it picked up.” There was a slight tremor in her voice, but it was nothing compared to the trembling that ran through Britt as he looked down at the broken angel, smeared with red stuff that he sincerely hoped was not blood. The message was clear. Rachelle was on his marked list.
Thirty minutes later, the package had been sent to the lab. Detective Adams reentered the apartment after questioning people in the building that might have seen something. “No luck.”
Rachelle sat on the couch holding a flower stem with three bright pink blossoms on it. Britt’s arm encircled her.
“We know the package was placed there before noon. One of your neighbors noticed it there then,” the detective continued.
“So not long after the newspaper came out and the phone call.”
“No, if he does work at Clairbourne Industries, he probably did it on his lunch break. It would only take him about twenty-five to thirty minutes to get here and back.”
“He knows her address and her father’s name,” Britt said.
“He possibly has access to her file. It may help cut down the suspects, but if he’s good enough with computers, he could access it from anywhere.”
Britt nodded, “I still don’t like it.”
“We’ll have extra watches in the neighborhood tonight,” the detective assured.
“Good idea. I don’t like that the guy’s anger is focused on her.”
“I agree. We’ll do all we can to keep her safe.” With that he said good-bye. Britt saw him out. He returned to find Rachelle in the kitchen with a frown on her face.
“What’s wrong?” He came up, sliding his arm around her.
“I was trying to decide what to fix for supper. With everything happening, I forgot to call in a grocery order.”
“It’s all right. I was planning on taking you out.” He pressed his lips to her temple. “I think we need an evening out.”
“But−”
He cut her off, placing a finger over her lips. “You’re not going to say you can’t go. We’ve already proved your fine by going out with pizza and lunch today.”
She still looked like she would object, and then smiled brightly. “Do I need to change?”
“Well, I think you look gorgeous, but if you have some sexy evening gown you want to put on for me, I won’t object.”
“I don’t know about sexy but …”
“If it’s on you, it will be sexy.” He didn’t hold back the wicked tone from his voice.
****
A few minutes later, when Rachelle stepped shyly back into the room she did feel sexy like she never had before. She heard Britt’s intake of air.
“Beautiful.”
The word made her shiver.
The black dress with metallic thread was a simple trim cut. It belled three quarters of the way to her ankle. Her shoes were higher than anything she’d worn since the accident, afraid of catching a heel in some unseen crack and falling, but she trusted Britt to watch out for her.
“You look so beautiful I hate to take you out where I have to share you with other people.”
“We can just stay here.”
His chuckle sounded a bit forced, and his breath seemed to be coming too fast. “No, you don’t, you’re not getting out of this. We’re going out.” She heard him walk toward her. There were only a couple inches between them when he stopped. She could feel his presence surround her, and when she tilted her face up to him, one hand came up to cradle her face.
“You are so beautiful.” His voice almost growled, but she felt no fear. Her heart leapt with pleasure when she heard the truth in his words. He found her beautiful and desirable. Then she lost all thought as his lips settled on hers. She leaned into the kiss just as he pulled back.
“We’d better get going.” His lips grazed her cheek, before he took her hand to lead her out the door.
Her nerves almost got the better of her when they came to a stop and the valet opened the door welcoming her to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.
“Britt,” she let out in panic.
“I’m here,” he said, taking her hand.
“I don’t know about this,” she whispered.
“I do.” He came back with no uncertainty.
“What if I knock something over or spill something?”
“I’m sure it won’t be the first time it’s happened here.”
“Yes, but I probably have a better track record than most people. A couple months ago I couldn’t eat anything without spilling,” she confessed.
“You’ve come a long way. I’m not concerned.”
“I am,” she came back. “Do I look all right?”
“You look incredible.”
“I don’
t wear makeup anymore. Not being able to see what I’m doing, I’m afraid I’d end up looking like a clown.”
“You don’t need makeup. You have wonderful skin.” His finger brushed her cheek, “and the most beautiful eyes.” He pressed his lips above them.
He flinched as a camera flash blinded him.
“Britt?” she said as he pulled back.
“Let’s go inside.” He placed her arm on his, tucking her to his side.
“Mr. Clairbourne, your table is ready.” The maitre d’ greeted them making Rachelle realize Britt had planned to bring her here all along.
This time, when she moved to shift behind him, he stopped her motion, keeping her to his side. “It’ll be okay, trust me,” he said, moving her with him.
Rachelle forced herself to relax and move with him. She found it was becoming easier to put her faith in him.
“Here you are,” the maitre d’ again spoke. Britt moved her in to position to be seated so fluidly that Rachelle figured no one probably noticed she was blind.
“You know we should go dancing together sometime. We move pretty well together.”
“I like to dance. When I was in college, I took a couple of classes.” Rachelle smiled.
“We definitely need to do some dancing then.”
The conversation turned to other things after Britt ordered for them. Time, with the dinner, disappeared. Side by side again, they made their way out when someone called Britt’s name.
“Darrell,” he greeted his executive assistant at the top of the cement steps. “Having a night out?”
“Yes, I treat myself here at least once a month. And with all that was happening, I thought tonight was a good time.”
“We thought the same thing,” Britt agreed.
“Did you enjoy yourself, Miss Harris?”
“Yes, I did. Thank you.” Rachelle had met the man on several occasions and could remember what he looked like from before her accident. Darrell Mason was equal to Britt in height, but rail thin, with black rim glasses that looked good on him, instead of nerdy. He was an extremely competent man, with outstanding people and organizational skills. He was who she was used to dealing with when there was need of contact with Britt’s office. “Still having problems with your allergies?” she asked the man.
“Yes. Mr. Reese and I are both having bouts with allergies.”
“I didn’t know Carlton had allergies,” Britt commented, referring to his brother-in-law.
“Yeah, he came in yesterday all stuffed up, blaming it on the ventilation system, wanting you to do something about it.”
“Figures,” Britt said. He didn’t think much of his brother-in-law but had been pretty much forced into hiring him. At least he did a passable job most of the time.
“Right,” the man agreed. “I left the list the police asked for on your desk before we evacuated the building.”
“Thanks.”
The man nodded as his car stopped in front and the valet got out. “Well, have a good night.”
“You too,” Britt returned.
“Goodnight,” Rachelle added.
“Still in the mood for dancing?” Britt asked, turning his attention back to her.
“Would you mind if I asked for a rain check?”
“Not at all. I wanted to ask you about attending a party with me this weekend.” He didn’t get a chance to hear her answer. Distracted with the roar of an engine, Britt looked down the street in time to see the headlights come on the car racing down the road. The high beams flooded the street, spotlighting Darrell as he came around his car.
Britt called a warning, alerting the man, but Darrell wasn’t quite able to get out of the way before the car clipped him, sending him flying.
“Britt what?” Rachelle cried as people screamed and tires squealed.
“Stay right here. I’ll be back. Darrell just got hit by a car.”
“No.” She dug her fingers into Britt’s arm.
“Stay here,” he repeated, then was gone.
Britt reached his assistant the same time the valet did.
“Robbie went to call an ambulance,” the young man said.
“Darrell, can you hear me?” Britt leaned over him, checking for bleeding but careful not to move him.
“My leg,” the man groaned.
“Lay still. Looks like you have a broken leg.”
The man groaned again. Britt slid off his suit coat, putting it over him. He started to ask about other pains, trying to keep him alert. He paused only long enough to glance up to make sure Rachelle was fine.
A minute later both the ambulance and the police arrived. “I’ll follow you to the hospital.” Britt patted his shoulder.
“That’s not necessary.” Darrell protested, his pain lessening now that he was given a pain killer. “You need to take Miss Harris home.”
Britt glanced again up at Rachelle. She was still by the doorway, one hand rested on the granite wall. She looked frightened and confused. “I’ll check with the hospital and get there as soon as I can. You know my number, so use it if you need anything.”
“Yes, sir.”
Britt left him to return to Rachelle. She jerked when he said her name.
“Is Darrell all right?” she asked anxiously.
“He has a broken leg, luckily that appears to be it. It could have been much worse. They’re taking him to the hospital now.”
“Did you want to go to the hospital with him? I could get a cab home or go to the hospital with you.”
“You wouldn’t mind if we swing by the hospital? I’d really like to see him settled.”
“Not at all.”
His hands framed her face. “Have I told you how terrific you are?” He pressed a kiss on her nose, then her lips, leaving her too breathless to answer.
****
Britt nodded to the security guard as they passed him in the hall outside Rachelle’s apartment. It seemed like an eternity ago they left, and their mood had altered completely. Rachelle was quiet, fear showed on her face, as she clung to him. He could feel a tremor run through her body though she fought to hide it. He didn’t feel much calmer. Neither said anything, but both suspected the incident was no accident.
Once inside the apartment, he turned on the light and left her at the door to check the apartment. “It’s clear,” he said, returning to her. “But I don’t like leaving you here alone.”
“I’ll be fine.” Her smile was forced.
“I could still get a room for you at The Towers.”
“No, I’d rather stay here. This is where I feel comfortable.”
He wanted to object, but was learning he needed to respect her wishes, no matter how his protective instincts wanted to over-rule. “If you need me, call.” He reached up cupping her face.
“You’re not going to try to change my mind about staying?”
“No, I don’t want to start a fight with you. Just call.”
“I will,” her promise was whispered.
“Goodnight.” He tilted her chin up to align their lips. Kissing her was becoming an addiction. He couldn’t get enough of her and doubted he could if he had a lifetime. He was willing to see, and wondered what Rachelle would do if he asked her to marry him right then. No, not tonight, not after everything bad that had happened that day.
He broke the kiss. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He almost groaned when her tongue came out to lick her lips.
“I’ll be ready anytime around seven. If you’d like breakfast, that’s about six-thirty.”
“I may take you up on that. What are you serving?”
“Cereal and orange juice or, if you’re really nice and ask, I might be talked into making my special waffles.”
“Waffles, I’ll see you at six-thirty.” Unable to stop himself, he dipped his head, to sneak one more kiss. “Sleep well.” He forced himself out the door.
He waited in the hall until he heard the lock on her door click. He turned to the guard. “Warren, you on guard tonigh
t?”
“Yes, sir, until two.”
Britt nodded. “Thanks, I hope you have a nice night.”
“You too, sir,” the man returned.
Britt was almost to his car when he realized he never got to finish asking her about attending the party this weekend at his family’s estate. He knew it could wait until morning, but he wanted to give her more time to think, so he would have more time to argue her objections and talk her in to it.
He headed back upstairs, hurrying down the hall, missing the security guard. When he reached Rachelle’s door she answered within a few seconds of his knock.
“Who is it?”
When he answered, the door opened immediately. “What’s wrong?” She asked anxiously.
“Nothing, I just never got a chance to finish asking you to a party this weekend. It’s a charity social at my family’s estate. It’s a yearly event my grandmother started. Anyway, I have to be there, and I was wondering if you’d be willing to accompany me?”
“A charity,” she sounded stunned. “It sounds big.”
“It’s kind of, but you have nothing to fear. Everyone will adore you, and after tonight you proved you can handle yourself beautifully.”
“Tonight was a test?” She sounded hurt.
“No, I just wanted to prove to you your first objection was ungrounded.”
“What if I had spilled everything on the table?” Her face tilted to the ground.
“I’d still want you with me. Nothing is going to change that. I know it’s too soon to say this, but I think I’m in love with you.”
Her head shot up, her eyes searching as if trying to see him. “Britt.”
“It’s all right. We’ll talk about that another time. I guess that wasn’t fair of me to throw that at you right now, so back to the party. I’ll be at your side. It will be fine. Just trust me.”
“You’re right, it’s not fair to say something like you love me and then make me decide,” she groaned, overwhelmed.
“Is that a yes?”
“It’s a … I will think about it.”
“Thank you. That’s all I ask.”
“I don’t think you know what you’re asking. I’ve never been to anything like that. I don’t know what to expect or how to act.”
Blind Witness Page 10