Page 104 of Rescuing You

“Probably.”

“Has it been the adventure you hoped?”

He grinned. “The last week has provided all the adventure I’ll ever need.” His grin faded. “I like what I do, but I am tired of the secrets. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth about myself. Can you forgive me?”

“What is your real last name?”

“I’m doing everything in my power to protect you. You know that, right?” When she nodded, he said, “Telling you that could put my family in danger.”

“You will tell me eventually?”

“When we’re on US soil.”

She could accept that. “Is there anything else?”

He licked his lips. “I did grow up near the ocean. My family does have property on an island off the coast. The things I told you about them are true. I have five brothers. My father is a physician. My mother teaches Bible studies at our church, volunteers at the food bank, and takes care of the house. Just like I told you.”

She could feel it coming, so she prompted him with, “But?”

“But we didn’t grow up in Maryland. I’m from New England.”

Oh. She pictured a map of the US. New England was in the top right corner. Not a state but a group of states. “Where exactly?”

“I’ll tell you, I promise.”

But not now.

“It is cold there?”

“Not so different from Munich. It’s beautiful. You’re going to love it.”

“I will see it? We will go there?”

“That’s the goal. I’ll tell you everything about my past, and anything I don’t share, I’m sure my brothers and parents will fill in when we get home.” The thought seemed to amuse him because he smiled.

The idea that she was going to meet his family had her nerves zinging. Would they like her?

Of all the things to fear, that seemed like the smallest. If this relationship with Michael was meant to be more, then it would be. She wouldn’t allow herself to worry about what she couldn’t control.

Michael’s smile faded. “Now that we’ve covered my secrets, it’s time to talk about yours.”

And all the other fears rose again.

Leila braced herself for Michael’s questions.

“Secrets are a part of my job,” he said. “I’ve told you things about myself and my past that aren’t true, and I’ve explained why. You can forgive me or not forgive me. I’m just telling you that I had reasons for being dishonest about my history. I was trying to protect my family. You understand that, right?”

“Yes.”

“You lied to me about your family as well. Can you tell me why?”

She had a feeling he was expecting a much more interesting answer than she was about to give, but that was an easy question. “Before you asked me out, I had not dated.”

He stood and grabbed a wig—short brown-and-gray curly hair. “Since you arrived in Germany?”

“Not ever.”

His eyebrows hiked. “Ever?”