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“Good luck. And Chloe?”
“Yes?”
“Just remember, no matter what Marta has told the press, she can’t hurt you anymore.”
After ending the call, Chloe went and had a long shower. Under the hot water she gave herself a serious pep talk. It was the sort of conversation she hadn’t had with herself in many years.
I can do this, I am Chloe. I have survived the streets, and betrayal. I am Chloe.
A short time later, dressed in fresh clothes, and carrying one of her oversized totes, Chloe headed downstairs and to the parking garage. Jordan’s Land Rover Defender sat in its usual spot. After all these years of being told what to do by others, she was finally back to trusting her own instincts.
When the news broke this morning, she wanted to be as far away from the Royal Resorts hotel as possible. Her days of being a prisoner of her fame and hiding away in seclusion while the press circled her like hungry vultures were over.
Forty minutes later, Chloe turned the SUV off Red Rock Canyon Road and down the sandy track which led to the desert house. This house was far from town, and it was her secret refuge. A place of calm and safety, which Jordan had gifted to her.
Once inside the house, Chloe moved with care to close all the curtains, and check that the doors and windows were securely locked. She flicked on the TV and turned toGood Morning America, leaving the show to play quietly in the background while she fixed herself some breakfast. Jordan, bless that beautiful man, had made sure the refrigerator was well stocked.
With a plate of scrambled eggs on toast and a cup of orange juice in hand, Chloe took up a comfy spot on the couch and settled in to watch the start of the day’s grubby events as they unfolded.
Marta did not disappoint.
CHAPTERFIFTY-FIVE
A hire car was waiting for Jordan when the Royal Resorts jet landed in Vegas midafternoon. He drove slowly out of the airport and onto the highway. Once he was out on the open road, he put his foot hard on the gas and brought the car up to the speed limit.
He’d given up on trying to reach Chloe, figuring she’d wisely gone to ground. Instead Jordan had spent the entire trip back from Colorado reading and watching every news item which concerned today’s unfolding story about Chloe. By the time he stepped off the plane, he had a folder full of notes, and an endless hatred for Marta.
She’d done a real number on her old boss. Painted Chloe as a vindictive, narcissistic woman who didn’t give a damn about anyone, including her fans. The first two accusations Chloe could easily brush off, but he knew that last part would hurt.
The twenty odd miles from the airport to the desert house felt like an eternity. Jordan let out a sigh of relief when the sign post for Red Rock Canyon came into view. His heart was thumping hard in his chest as he slowed the BMW and turned off the highway and onto the dirt road.
He took his time, glancing at his rearview mirror to make sure he hadn’t been followed. His gaze checked the undergrowth left and right for any signs of paparazzi. Though considering how small the bushes were out here, he figured the only press who could successfully hide would have to be no bigger than garden gnomes.
Ok, no one is here. Good.
As he rounded the back of the garage, he whispered, “Thank you, lord.”
His SUV was parked exactly where he hoped it would be, out of sight of the road. He locked the car and headed toward the house. He had to hope that Chloe was ready to trust him once more. Allow him to be the man he should have been for her in the first place.I will never fail her again.
* * *
From behind the living room curtains, Chloe watched as a dark blue BMW slowly approached the house. She glanced at the car keys which sat on the kitchen table. The idea of trying to make a run for it if the driver of the other car turned out to be a member of the press was only fleeting.
The desert house was secure. She had a phone. Worst case, she would have to call the security team from Royal Resorts to come and rescue her and hunker down until they arrived.
Her heart began to race as the car disappeared behind the garage. She moved toward the front door. Listening.
When the knock came, she jumped.
“Chloe,” came a familiar voice.
Grabbing her phone, she turned it on and dialed Jordan’s number.
“Is that you at the door?”
“Yeah, I figured it might be smarter to knock first.”
“Good idea, I would hate to have to shoot you.”
