Page 99 of Perfection

“You won’t be able to help Brianna if you’re exhausted,” York said. “The computer won’t work any faster just because you’re watching it. We’ll return later.”

* * *

At the hotel, they grabbed a quick bite for a late lunch, and then he thought he’d use some smooth talking and teasing to persuade her to try something different. The case had him tense, Kindra had him tense, and he was wound so tight he was ready to spring. He wanted to lead her into a different world, if only for a few hours. The case wasn’t going anywhere.

“How about we do a holographic relaxation experience?” he offered. “It might help.”

“I don’t think so,” she said. “It’s not really me.”

He took her hand and gave her a tug. “Come on.”

She shook her head.

“How about a unity session, then?”

Her face lit at the idea. It felt good to see her pleased. “Okay.” If that’s what would make her happy, he was all in.

She asked one of the hotel staff and got directions to the unity room. It seemed all the high-end accommodations offered a room on every floor. Who knew?

Kindra led the way into the unity room, closed the door, and took a position on the floor. He did the same. He counted it as something that brought them together, a way for him to be part of her GEI world.

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, relaxing, feeling more connected to her than he ever had before.

* * *

An hour later, York gazed out the window. Freezing rain covered all of London. There was no way they were going outside until they had to. And, call him selfish, but he wanted more time alone with Kindra before they returned to the demanding world ill children. York messaged Kindra that they would order dinner in her room. Tucking a bottle of wine in the crook of his arm and holding two glasses, he knocked on her hotel room door with his free hand.

She opened it. “Mmm. I could use that.” She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, then took the glasses from him.

He kicked the door closed with his foot. She looked beautiful this evening, although anxious. Full of anticipation.

“After dinner we’ll head back to Kings for the results. I admit I’m nervous. Dad hasn’t called. If a vaccine was found, I would have heard from him. What if itcan’tbe found?”

York felt her uncertainty. He pushed a remote control to start the fireplace to take the chill out of the room. The hotel room was old-fashioned or he would have commanded the increased temperature by computer. The fake, manufactured wood logs came to life. The room warmed in minutes. He placed an order for two of Prime Rib, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, and more wine with the InstaCafé and waited.

“It will get warm in a few minutes. The room is small enough that the fireplace will heat it quickly.”

When York turned, Kindra hadn’t moved. She stared into the fire, appearing to be deep in thought. Her eyebrows were pinched together. Whatever she was thinking didn’t make her happy.

“Is there anything else I can do?”

Her tongue slipped quickly over her lips to moisten them. She glanced at him. “I just want this to be over.”

He met her gaze, hoping she would repeat the action, but it didn’t happen. He wanted to capture her mouth with his and play a dangerous duel with her pink tongue. And keep her safe. And perhaps deepen whatever was happening between them. Yes, he’d like that. But first, they needed to put this case behind them.

He moved closer to her, and she retreated. The corner of his mouth edged up. “There’s no need to race away, Kindra. We have hours before our flight home. And that’s if we don’t have to reschedule.”

She moved a chair closer to the fireplace and stood beside it. Her chin lifted. “What I want and what will transpire are not necessarily the same.”

“Have a seat. I’ll bring dinner to you,” he said.

He fixed an end table next to her so she would be comfortable and set her plate and wine there. An aching silence filled the room as they ate.

When they had finished eating, he handed her a second glass of wine, then lightly trailed his fingers over her cheek. “There is no reason to rush the feelings between us.”

She moved away from his touch. “I’m glad you see it that way.”

He frowned. “Let’s go find your father and get this finished, rescue the children, and put the suspect behind bars.”