FRAUD_A Romantic Suspense Novel by R. C. Stephens

Author:R. C. Stephens [Stephens, R. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780995349988
Published: 2018-12-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Natalia

It was Friday night and I had just gotten back from eating dinner with my agent. We had a good business talk about what the publishers were looking for. Since my book was going strong they wanted me to pitch another book only I didn’t feel like I had another book in me. A Birthday Wish had been about my journey of self-discovery, a way for me to purge what I had buried deep inside for so long. I enjoyed writing, but becoming a veterinarian had always been my passion.

I’d gone back to my room so I could call the kids and check in with Mark. Since learning about his father I felt less comfortable about leaving him home alone with the kids. I tried to rationalize my fears away by thinking how much he truly loved them and despite everything would never do anything to harm them.

After I learned the kids were great and Mark was fine, I went to the hotel bar and had a few drinks. I thought about calling Hayes and maybe heading out for a night on the town, but I was tired after walking around all day sightseeing. Besides Hayes mentioned having classes today and some tutorial job he had working for a professor. I also wanted to look fresh for my first signing that included a meet and greet and an interview at the book store.

The three mojitos at the hotel bar hit me a hard. Once I made my way back to my room, I fell back on the bed and flipped through the television channels. I was restless. What was I going to do about Mark and his constant lying? When I thought of the kids my chest hurt. They seemed happy over the phone. They were laughing as they told me about all the candy they’d been eating. My cell phone lit up on the nightstand beside me. Hayes’s name was bright and bold on the screen, and my heart raced.

Hayes: Hello Beautiful

Hayes’s simple message did things to my insides whether he had intent or not. I took a slow breath.

Me: Hi

Hayes: How are you doing?

Me: I’ve had one too many Mojitos.

I was more than tipsy and probably shouldn’t have answered the message. We had set boundaries for our relationship yesterday. Nothing would happen between us, but that could only be ensured if we stayed away from each other.

Hayes: That is interesting.

His words made my belly flip. No. No. No.

Me: What are you doing?

I had to ask. It was part of my role as friend.

Hayes: Just had to finish up some work. Home now.

Me: Nice. I never went to grad school. Wish I did.

Hayes: It’s never too late.

I sighed.

Hayes: How about fun. Are you up for some?

Me: I haven’t had fun in a long time.

I’d pressed send then read the message. Crap! That came off sounding wrong.

Hayes: Tell me more . . .

Shit! Crap! Shit!

Me: That’s not what I meant. I meant I’m busy with the kids all the time.

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