Page 90 of Angel

He moves forward and reaches for my case, grasping his leather bag and standing back to allow me into the elevator first.

We take the ride down in silence. He is contemplative. I am a bundle of nerves. It’s as if we are strangers and I’m guessing that, like me, he wonders where this weekend will lead.

It’s possible we will be allocated the same cabin, and I am so ready for that. Now I’ve decided to cut ties with my infatuation for Angel, I’m desperate to move things on with Jason.

If he helps me or not, I want him. Just once in my life I want to be with a man who doesn’t see the actress, but the woman behind the glittering smile. Jason isn’t impressed with fame. He is too rich for that. Not that his money interests me. I have enough. I don’t need any more. But I am poor when it comes to affection, companionship and love. That is worth more to me than any revenge or any thrill from a masked man, and I’m certain Jason can fill those boots and stand tall in them.

We head past the doorman who springs forward to help with the bags, but Jason waves him away.

“I’ve got this.”

I love how he does this. Be normal in a city and a world where reality left town many years ago. That’s not how it works here. Money, fame, prestige, and power are all measured by how many dollars you have in the bank. The houses you own, the cars you drive, and how many jets and chauffeurs you enjoy.

Yet, being with Jason in his kitchen while he makes me pancakes is still the most treasured memory I have. I would happily do that every day for the rest of my life. To grow old with a man like him. To be happy.

Yes, my mind is made up. Jason is the one for me and this weekend is the perfect opportunity to try to make that happen.

“You wanted to talk to me.”

My heart leaps. Why does that sound so familiar? We are sitting in the back of the car, Jason’s driver in charge of getting us to the marina, where we are due to board the boat shortly.

“It’s, well–”

I attempt to breathe. I can do this. Jason deserves the truth.

“The um, stalker.”

Coward.

My inner voice rolls her eyes.

“What about him?”

“They found him.”

He turns his head toward me and his gaze is intense.

“What happened?”

I relay the details Angel told me earlier, and he appears sickened by it all as much as I am.

I almost jump when his hand finds mine, and he squeezes it reassuringly.

“I’m sorry you are going through this, Sophie.”

His voice is husky, almost caring, and I love the comfort of his hand.

“It’s good they caught him.” I laugh a little. “I mean, it doesn’t bear thinking what might have happened if they hadn’t.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I gaze into his eyes and push away the image of bright blue ones staring back at me.

“I appreciate that.”

He sighs, the pressure on my fingers increasing, and he whispers,

“You must be aware of how I feel about you.”