Page 25 of The Dare

As if the idea of another man or even boys being anywhere near me drives him nuts.

He even growled at the steward when he asks if we needed anything, making the man give a shocked look as he apologized for disturbing us.

I think to ask him about that, but figure I must be imagining things.

We’ve just met, and are getting to know each other, why would he be so protective?

I try to pick Michael’s brain about himself. What he does and where he lives, but he seems to calmly brush it aside whenever I ask a question about him, turning everything back to me again.

There’s a look he gives me though. A knowing look that says I’ll find out everything I want to know in good time.

But how much time do we have?

I can see now what mom was probably warning me about. About not getting too hopeful when it comes to men.

Assuming they won’t follow through no matter how shiny the wrapper is.

But that’s my mom’s experience. Her relationship with my dad doesn’t have to be my future, does it?

Doesn’t it?

We’re quiet for a while, outside the window, the landscape shows the glowing oranges and purples of a spectacular sunset, just out of view over some low mountains.

“I hope I’m not boring you,” Michael says, looking at his watch, observing how close it is to dinner already.

“I don’t think we even had lunch,” he says, looking over to me and apologizing.

“It doesn’t matter,” I shrug. “I could afford to lose a few pounds,” I say. “Missing a meal won’t kill me.”

Michael frowns, giving me another look but he doesn’t say anything about it.

Another buzz at the door makes me think it’s the steward again, but it’s my mom.

Michael throws the door open, ready to give the steward a piece of his mind, but his expression flips as soon as he sees who it is.

How embarrassing.

For me I mean.

I want to tell my mom a hundred things, none of them nice, but Michael’s nothing but friendly. Commenting only how fast time flies.

“I just wanted to borrow Natasha for a moment,” Mom says meekly, already knowing from the look I’m giving her that I’m not happy to see her.

Not right this minute anyhow.

Michael holds the door open for me and gives me a look as I join my mom outside.

Don’t be long,his eyes say.

“Mom, what the heck are you doing?” I hiss under my breath. Trying to keep quiet.

“I just came to see if you were alright, is that a crime?” she asks, glancing at me sidelong. Making it crystal clear there’s no real reason for her to be interrupting us.

“Not a crime. Just a pain in the butt,” I grumble, trying to keep my voice down.

“It’s just… I have to go soon, Natasha, and I’m not sure I feel comfortable leaving you on the train with...” she trails off.

“I mean,” she pauses. “What about Suze? It’s great you’re meeting new people, but she’ll be down there all alone.”