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She pouted. “I thought we could have breakfast together.”
“I already had coffee. I could bring you a cup.”
She nodded. “That sounds lovely. Would you?”
“Sure. There are towels in the cabinet next to the shower. Why don’t you get ready and I can drop you off on my way to the office?”
“Want to join me?” Her long legs slid from the sheets and she strutted in front of me, naked and proud of her physique.
“I’ll get the coffee, Savannah.”
“Want to have dinner at my place tonight?” she asked. Her fingertips rested against the doorframe. “I think it might be hard to top what we did last night, but I’d like to try. Are you up for the challenge?”
I shook my head. I didn’t date. I didn’t see women more than once. I had a rule about getting attached, or letting anyone into our lives.
“I’m afraid not. My daughter will be here bright and early tomorrow. I don’t do sleepovers, Savannah. Enjoy the shower.”
I turned for the kitchen, pausing for a second. Wondering if I should go into greater detail about my situation with Avajean. Questioning my tactics. I realized when I talked to women about Avajean, they had one of two reactions: complete adoration for the single dad burden I carried, or fear that they were going to be trapped in an insta-family. I couldn’t tell what type of woman Savannah was, and it didn’t matter. The one-night rule kept me from having to worry about it.
As I strolled through the living room to retrieve her cup of coffee my eyes fell to the TV. I caught a glimpse of the breaking news banner flashing on the screen. There was a special report. I took another step toward the kitchen, but stopped.
I reached for the remote, increasing the volume. I tried to listen to each word. Confused. Numb
ed with shock. The buzzing that had started in my ears muffled the sound of the anchors’ voices.
I saw the pictures. The chaos. Flashing lights and sirens blaring. First responders were running back and forth behind the reporter on the scene. I stood there, watching it unfold.
“Actress Journey Tessier has been rushed to L.A.’s Saint Simmons Medical Center. Authorities say her attacker is still on the loose and should be considered armed and dangerous. We are waiting for Tessier’s spokesperson to update us on her condition. We can confirm she was shot this morning as she exited her gym in Hollywood. Witnesses at the scene say there was blood, and the beloved actress was unconscious.
“There is a second victim in the attack. We’re awaiting details while this story develops. Miss Tessier was recently nominated as Best Actress for her role in Under Water Love. We will bring you news of her condition as soon as our reporter at the scene has more information.”
I blinked, scanning the news scroll. I saw her name. I saw the blood splatters on the sidewalk. I heard what they said, but putting the words and the scenes together was like trying to make the opposite ends of magnets meet. Everything in me wanted to reject them.
“Ash, baby. I forgot to get the towel.” I heard Savannah call for me from the bathroom. Her voice felt far away as if she were in a tunnel.
I swallowed hard. My chest tightened. I picked up my phone and pressed for Mickey’s number.
“Sir? Did I forget something?”
I pressed the phone to my ear. The buzzing hadn’t stopped. The sick feeling had gotten worse. It felt like I was being poisoned with every passing second.
“Mickey, there has been an emergency. I need you to call the Westbrook Securities pilot. Journey—” I stopped myself from going into detail and wasting seconds. “I’m headed to the airport immediately. We leave for L.A. as soon as he can get us in the air.”
“Sir? I don’t understand. Is it Avajean? Is she all right?”
“She’s fine. She’s fine. Just call the pilot.” My voice already sounded horse.
“You just said not to make any changes to your—”
“Do it,” I gritted my teeth, unable to look away from the images of Journey on TV. They alternated between the crime scene at the gym, and pictures of her smiling on the red carpet.
“Please,” I added. “Do this, Mickey.”
“And your schedule?” she eked.
“Cancel it. All of it.”
“Yes sir. I will handle it. It will be taken care of. Anything you need.” The confidence in her voice was reassuring.
