Rescue Me (a quirky romance novel about secrets, forgiveness and falling in love) by Allan Sydney

Author:Allan, Sydney [Allan, Sydney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Novel Mind Books
Published: 2011-02-26T13:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Rainer pulled into the nearest parking lot and turned off the car. Today had been one heck of a day. He'd experienced more confusion in the past twelve hours than he had in years.

Last night's episode had been the source of many of them--a horde of conflicting emotions he'd struggled to hide all day. And Hailey's angry outburst after visiting with Heidi was giving rise to worry for both sisters. But none of that compared to what he was feeling at this moment as he waited for Hailey to explain what that last comment meant.

He was terrified.

"Please. Tell me the truth," he said, hoping she was capable of honesty without the benefit of half a bottle of wine.

"I think she's in love with you."

"No." His heart slid to his toes.

"Oh, yes she is."

"But we talked about our friendship. I asked her."

"And she denied it?"

"Yes."

Hailey's brows huddled together, and she screwed her face into a pretty picture of bafflement. "I don't understand. She's always been a straight shooter."

"She told me we were friends."

"Maybe she doesn't realize it herself," Hailey suggested with a shrug. "Those things happen."

"Your sister has always known her mind."

"But maybe not her heart. It's different."

Their gazes locked, and Rainer felt a deep connection with Hailey. A connection of spirit and soul, shared sadness and frustration. And he realized with sudden clarity how much he longed to explore that connection. To explore the woman she was, the woman he knew she could become. Yet, they also shared something else. A respect for Heidi's feelings.

"I'm leaving in thirty-six hours."

He nodded, not feeling any better after that declaration.

"You can work it out with her after I've left. I won't get between you. I can't. Especially after...after everything."

Was she reading his mind? "You're right." How would he explain his feelings about Hailey to Heidi? He couldn't. Heidi was sick. She needed him. No matter what he wanted.

"I promise, I'll stay away from the wine tonight."

"You have to, anyway. You can't eat or drink anything after midnight."

"Good." She turned from him, seeming to study her hands as she played with the hem of her shirt.

He put the car into gear and turned onto the road. "Well, time for our celebration, before I drop you off and go back to work." He didn’t feel like celebrating.

"Yeah. Sure. Celebration."

It was clear, from the lack of enthusiasm in her voice, she wasn't in the mood either.

He drove to his favorite restaurant, which wasn't far from home, parked and, with Hailey at his side, went inside. The smell of food, spicy seafood dishes, steak and fresh baked bread tickled his nose and made his mouth water. He took off his sunglasses, momentarily blind in the dim and cozy interior, and greeted the hostess standing at the podium in front of the entry. "Table for two, please. A booth if you have one."

The young woman, a blonde with a bright smile, led them to the back of the restaurant. Rainer followed Hailey and tried to ignore the sway of her hips as she walked, the sexy curve of her neck where it met her shoulders.

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