Page 155 of No Headlines Please

Even so, thoughts of her loomed large in the back of my mind – and not only because I felt awful she was missing.

She was the reason Maddox was heading to Mackinac Island.

Apparently, Ryder had talked him into a long getaway, telling Maddox that the island was the perfect place to get some peace and quiet while riding out the media storm.

Maddox didn't say which media storm, but it's not like he had to.

Back in Chicago, I'd had barely two hours to get ready. I'd spent those hours tying up loose ends – saying goodbye to Walt, cleaning out my car so it could be stored courtesy of Maddox, and trying to convince myself I hadn't completely lost my mind.

One thing I hadn't had to do was pack. For months now, I'd been living out of two measly suitcases, the same ones I'd lugged to Chicago, back in June.

Okay, technically neither suitcase was small, but I'd been recycling the same handful of outfits ever since leaving West Haven ages ago.

At the rustic cabin, it hadn't seemed like a big deal. Most days, the only person I saw was Walt, who wasn't exactly a fashionista.

And besides, I'd been in full writing mode, camped out in leggings and T-shirts while hammering away at my next book. I'd gotten so much writing done that I was shockingly ahead of schedule.

Now, as the Mackinac Bridge loomed closer and closer, I shifted nervously in my seat. I wouldn't be in the wilderness now. Sure, tourist season was nearly over, but I'd be standing next to Tessa, who always looked like a million bucks.

Absently, I said, "I should've done some shopping."

Maddox said, "So shop while we're there. My treat."

I was touched by the offer, but I couldn't accept. "Why should it be your treat? I'm the one who packed so light. And besides, it's not like they sell a lot of clothes."

"So shop online. Have them delivered."

I bit my lip. "I'm not even sure that's possible in the winter."

"But it's not winter. It's fall. And winter or not, there's always a way."

This made total sense, and I probably should've known this already – even if this was my first visit during the off-season. "You're probably right. But I have my own credit card, so…" I shrugged. "I guess what I really wish is that I had more of my own stuff."

He looked thoughtful. "You mean from that storage place in West Haven?"

I blinked. "You knew about the storage place, too?"

He winked. "I knew everything."

In spite of the wink, I couldn't even tell if he was joking. Still, I had to tease him. "Maybe I know something you don't."

"Oh, yeah? What's that?"

"How about…the number I'm thinking of." I smirked. "You don't know that, do you?"

"Sure I do."

Yeah, right. "Okay, what is it?"

He didn't hesitate. "Two."

I laughed. "Why two?"

"Just tell me. Was I right?"

And now I felt like an idiot. "Well…if you want the truth, I actually didn't think of one."

He laughed. "Good. Then two it is."