Booked to Kill by Danielle M. Haas

Author:Danielle M. Haas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-09-20T13:43:53+00:00

Chapter 15

Driving away from the noise of the city usually lifted Olivia’s burdens from her shoulders. But not this time. As the sun hovered just above the green trees that lined the sprawling mountains, her muscles tensed. A hundred memories of the last time she’d arrived at the quaint town of Cold Spring, New York assaulted her, forcing her to shut her eyes against their crushing blows.

Just over a year ago, she couldn’t get enough of the cute little shops and colorful buildings. The charming red brick sprawled over the walkways and the gazebo that sat in front of the river had made the artist in her sing. Now she couldn’t stomach the sights. Didn’t want to inhale fresh air or remember the last steps she’d walked with her husband before everything in her life changed.

“Are you okay?”

The gentle timbre of Jack’s voice turned her toward him. His broad shoulders took up the seat back as he drove with his hands hung loosely on the steering wheel. His gaze was fixed straight ahead, but she had no doubt he could read her energy in the confining space of his car.

“I’m as fine as I can be. I don’t really know what to expect.” That was true of multiple things. She never expected to be back in the little town nestled in the Hudson River Valley and wasn’t sure what kinds of emotions she’d face during their brief stay.

But there was also a thrill running along the edges of her nerve endings. Excitement over being alone with Jack—away from the city with only each other for company. She had no illusion that this trip was anything beyond professional. A fact-finding mission to put a stop to the mess consuming her life. But she’d be lying if she didn’t acknowledge a part of her tingled with anticipation.

“We’ll make this as fast and painless as possible.” He flicked a quick glance her way. “I promise.”

A hum of agreement purred from her throat.

“We don’t have much daylight left,” he said as he turned off the main street. “We can head to the rooms I booked and get a fresh start in the morning. Or, if there’s something else you’d rather do, let me know. I don’t want to put any pressure on you. Take whatever time you need.”

Her thoughts ping-ponged in her head and made her dizzy. A quiet evening in could be nice. Maybe she’d soak in a bath or try to sketch.

A nagging in her gut told her relaxation would be impossible. Jack would be close, probably down a short hall in his own room, and that knowledge would keep her on edge for all kinds of reasons she didn’t want to examine right now. Then there was anxiety about what tomorrow held. Her mouth went dry, and she ran her tongue over her teeth. Sleep would be hard to find, knowing what waited for her with the sunrise.

Decision made, she blew out a long breath. “Can we go somewhere before we get to the hotel?”

“Sure.

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