Her final reasoning clinched it. Being seen in her company, could put his life in danger or…
Melanie clasped her hand over her mouth to still the alarm that escaped as another scenario presented itself. What if meeting him had not been a chance encounter? He was pushing the supper idea a bit too earnestly for her liking. Melanie did not entertain the illusion that she was the drop-dead gorgeous type, able to stop men in their tracks. She scolded herself for letting her guard down, feeling as gullible as a schoolgirl.
“Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he said.
“Goodbye, Mr. Alexander.”
Melanie nodded to the cab driver to load her bags, jumped into the backseat, and slammed the door shut. She fumbled through her purse, pretending to be absorbed, searching for something within. She didn’t raise her eyes until she felt the jerk of the car pulling away from the curb.
She risked a glance out the back window to see him jumping into another cab. The taxi pulled into traffic a few vehicles behind the one she was riding in. Her heart pounded. Was he following her? Had he followed her from South Carolina? Questions buzzed in her head like a nest of busy bees. The meeting on the plane had seemed innocent, like an everyday occurrence, but how could she be sure?
Suddenly, the whole world became possible suspects. Desperate loneliness fell over her, accompanied by a new level of fear she hadn’t experienced in her short career as a law enforcer. Melanie did not like the feeling at all.
Rebuke the enemy and press forward to victory!
Chapter 10
Before the driver pulled the car into the Chanter Hotel’s drop-off entrance, she checked the traffic. Stephen Alexander’s cab was nowhere in sight. She sighed with relief, disembarked, paid the fare, and smiled politely at the bellboy who rushed over to fetch her bags. He waited while she registered at the desk, took the key, and led the way to room 1407. Melanie tipped him, and he left. Finally, she was alone. The bed appeared soft and inviting, but sleep would have to wait.
After showering, she debated calling room service or heading for the hotel diner. Cozying up alone to watch a chick-flick won the debate. She ordered a salmon sandwich, Greek salad, a slice of banana-cream pie, and coffee. The evening was the peaceful escape she desperately needed before entering round two of her mission.
The next morning, she changed into clothes more suitable for visiting Knight Manor. It was like stepping back a few years to the rebel girl she’d left behind, but surprisingly enough, she found the transition easy and more pleasant than expected.
She stepped from the elevator on the main level, noticed the sign for the hotel’s restaurant, and could deny her morning tummy-grumbles no longer.
As she sipped the last of her coffee, she gazed through the huge windows, feeling more relaxed than she had in two days. Even so, she still jumped at the voice that brought her back to reality.
“Miss Decanis? What a pleasant surprise.”
She stared into the liquid green eyes and felt at a loss for words.
“Cat got your tongue? Or maybe you thought you lost me in traffic last night.”
“Mr. Alexander, whatever do you mean? I’ve barely given our encounter a second thought.” She cleared the lump forming in her throat. “I suppose I assumed you lived in the city, but I gather that is not the case since you’re here, loitering in a motel this early in the day.”
“Business trip,” was all he offered.
“Likewise,” she said.
“And what business are you in?” he asked.
“Mr. Alexander, I did tell you I had a full schedule. Now that I’ve ticked breakfast off the list, I must be off.” Melanie got to her feet.
“Maybe I can give you a lift. I’ve rented some very cool wheels.”
“Tempting, but no, thanks.”
“Right. I can see life is all business for you. Perhaps I can persuade you to dine with me tonight, now that I see you actually do eat.”
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.” Or if I’ll ever return, she thought – but he didn’t need to know that. Checking out became difficult with this stalker breathing over her shoulder. She’d leave for the Manor and speak to Trevor about her belongings still upstairs. Hopefully, Trevor would still want her as a house guest.
She picked up her purse. “I must decline your offer for dinner.”
“You’re acting very polite and proper, Miss Decanis,” he said with a pout.
“I’m always polite, when the company I keep merits it.”
“Nice to know I’ve moved up a notch on your merit list.”
Melanie sighed from the drained energy this type of conversation required. “I don’t play these games well. I suggest you look elsewhere for your entertainment.”
The man didn’t budge as she moved to pass him. He turned abruptly, landing her face to face with him, just a breath away which frayed her nerves to the bone. When she attempted to squeeze past him, their bodies touched. Even though she was wearing high heels, he stood taller than her by three inches; his posture was straight, and every movement revealed the practice of proper upbringing. His physique was lean, and he wore his expensive suit with comfortable ease. But it was his face that had hypnotized her, and she was momentarily lost in his laughing green eyes. They awoke every magical feature he possessed, and it spread like a fire out of control to consume those caught within its blaze. His entire being screamed hot and available and his grin suggested he knew it.
Melanie shook free of the spell he had cast
