Tempo (23 page)

“You’ve lost weight Karlie, you need to eat. Come sit with me please.” Worry is etched into his eyes. He guides me to the couch. Shaking my head, I back away from his reach.

“I can’t. I thought I could do this, but I can’t.” I pick up my purse and turn to leave. He is there, in front of me pulling me into his arms. This is where I didn’t want to be. I can’t think when he touches me. I can only feel and what I feel is warm and safe and lovely. Giving into my weakness, I sink against his body. He lifts me and carries me to the couch. He sits first and then effortlessly maneuvers me into his lap. My head falls against his shoulder and my tears begin to flow. Feeling the dampness on my cheek, I lift my head and see that I have saturated his t-shirt with my tears.

“I’m sorry,
” I say.

“You are sorry about the tears that I made you shed? I will pay for every one of those tears for the rest of my life Karlie.”

My voice sounds little and weak, “I need to know why.”

Moving me to sit beside him he looks into my eyes. His hands reach forward to grab mine
, but I pull away. I can see the hurt this causes him.

“Do you remember the last night we were together?”

“Yes. How could I possibly forget?”

You may recall that on our trip to Denver, I had told you that I sent a security team in advance. I also told you that they had found everything in order. That was not entirely true. Someone had been there before us. On your kitchen table were black irises and a note telling you to get me to Arizona or else. My team removed the evidence and secured your apartment before our arrival. They also checked out your car and it showed some signs of tampering, which was why I wanted to walk to the grocery store. I knew who was behind these threats and I thought I could get it under control. No harm was done and really as far as mob threats go, they were being quite nice. I got a phone call from Lloyd as we were waiting to board the plane. A meeting was set up to take care of this thing once and for all. We landed in Las Vegas where I had extra security waiting for you. I thought that things would be okay.” His hands are in his hair, pulling at the roots. I reach up and take hold of one of his hands and place it in both of mine. His other hand cups my cheek.

“The meeting didn’t go like I had hoped it would. I have been trying to use reason with these people for years. I don’t know why I thought it would work. We met in the backroom of a bar on the old strip. When I entered the room I was escorted to a table. On the table were at least a hundred pictures of you. They had pictures of you walking to work, having coffee, at our hotel, and at Tempo. He had people everywhere and right then I knew I couldn’t protect you. I realized that if we were together you would never be safe. Trying to gain some control of the situation, I laughed at the photos and pushed them off the table. I told him he was too late to threaten me with you. We had already ended our relationship and I had moved on. He said he had to see it to believe it. I asked him if he had ever seen me have a long-term relationship with anyone? To make it believable I had to remove everything that would make people think we were together.”

Interrupting him, I ask. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I needed a realistic reaction from you that day in the lobby. I needed everyone to believe that I had moved on, especially you. During our last night together, I tried to pour all of my love into you. I told you to never forget how much I love you and I meant every word. I love you Karlie and my actions came from a place of love. I am so sorry I hurt you.”

“Doesn’t being here put me in harm
’s way again?”

“I have men everywhere, including in front of Chuck’s. It’s the holidays and I am hoping that family time trumps revenge. I couldn’t stay away any longer. I see you melting away and I see the sorrow in your eyes. I spend my days watching the security cameras just to get a glimpse of you.”

That explains why I always feel like I’m being watched.

“That day in the hallway nearly killed me, your eyes were sunken and your skin was pale. I wanted to grab you then and hold you forever.”

“I saw in your eyes that you still loved me,” I say. I can see the glint of moisture in the corner of his eyes.

“Can I hold you again Karlie? I want to feel you in my arms again.”

“I wish you would.” His arms encircle my body and we remain in that position for hours. Sometime later my tummy begins to grumble and we look at each other and laugh.

“When was the last time you ate a real meal?”

Thinking back I respond. “About two weeks ago, in our hotel room. I ate a hamburger and fries waiting for you to come home.”

“I am so upset. I could just shake you, but as frail as you look, you may break. Let me cook for you.”

Fifteen minutes later I am seated at the table with a cheese omelet, fried potatoes and a glass of milk in front of me. Trying to lighten the mood, I redirect the conversation.

“What a great cabin. Can I have a tour later?”

“I would love to give you a tour, what’s mine is yours Karlie.”

“That’s great, but I need you to know that my heart can’t take the pain of this again. If we move forward it will be at a slower pace. I can’t think when you’re near me. My body craves your touch. When we make love, I think with my parts and not with my head. I would like to stay the night if that’s okay
, but I am not sleeping with you.”

I can see the disappointment in his eyes
, but surely he understands that I have to protect myself.

“It disappoints me that I can’t show you how much I love you
, but I understand. Shall I grab your bag when we finish dinner?”

I nod my head. “What happens on Friday?” I am curious to know how I am expected to behave now that I know the truth.

Michael proceeds to explain that we have to continue as if we are not together. That means that both of us need to be seen out on the town. Michael is working with the authorities, who believe they are closer to arresting Chuck. Michael is adamant that I disregard anything I see or read. We can’t text or call unless it’s business related.

“This is such crap Michael.”

“I don’t like it either, I want you back in my life; back in my bed.”

My heart beats wildly at the thought of being in his bed
, but I have to be true to myself.

“I have to be honest with you Michael, when you said that I didn’t really fit in with the tempo of your life, there was some truth to that. I live in Denver; you live wherever you live. You’re incredibly wealthy and I am just comfortable. I just don’t know how this can possibly work out.”

“Please don’t leave. Let me prove to you that I can be what you need. I never want to hear you tell me again that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I will prove to you that I am a good man and worthy of your love. I just got you back and I can’t lose you again.”

“You haven’t got me back Michael, but I am willing to entertain the possibilities. Can you show me my room?”

The little room at the end of the hallway is cozy with its Americana quilt and pine furniture. Hanging on the walls are various pictures of a little boy. His brown hair is falling over his brown eyes. On the nightstand is the picture of a beautiful woman. I can only assume she is Michael’s mother. He has her eyes. This is his room and he didn’t put me here by accident. As I climb into bed, I think of the little boy who became the beautiful man down the hallway.

I wake up to the smell of coffee. Opening my eyes I am greeted with a big smile and a cup of steaming brew.

“This place beats my last hotel. Never once did a handsome man deliver me coffee in bed.”

“You should complain to the management. This is standard service here at the Michael Scarpetti Inn. You’v
e been cheated,” Michael teases.

“I think I will call when I get back. They need to step up their game.”

“I better not hear of you getting fresh coffee in bed from anyone but me.”

“Jealous?”

“Absolutely.”

“What’s for dinner? It’s Thanksgiving.”

“Luckily for you, I have a security team that knows how to shop. I believe we have all the fixings for a feast. The only problem is that I have no idea how to cook it. Do you know how to cook? If not, Tony has volunteered to come in and cook for us.”

“Tony is here? I thought he had been let go.” I am so excited that Tony is still around.

“He is still assigned to you along with the other half dozen agents. They have just been out of sight. If you were really looking for them, you might have recognized them as workers at Tempo or tourists on the strip. Do you think I would leave you unprotected?”

“They are really here? I actually kind of missed Tony and Lloyd.”

“They will be happy to hear that. Happier if you know how to cook.”

Six hours later, Michael and me, plus ten agents sit down to a Thanksgiving dinner that Michael and I prepared. We take turns saying what we are thankful for. Most of the agents say they are thankful for their families, and some say their health. Michael’s contribution to the conversation surprises me. He says he is thankful for his ability to breathe again. His eyes stare into mine as he says the words. I in turn tell him I am thankful to be his oxygen.

After dinner, Michael and I take a walk while several of the agents clean up. The rest of the staff follows at a distance keeping out of sight. Michael shows me the vineyard and teaches me about the grafting of vines and the harvesting of the grapes. Apparently there is a perfect time to pick a grape to get the best result. It’s really a science combined with art. Holding hands we walk back to the cabin. The darkening of the sky reminds me that tomorrow my life won’t be as bright. Michael will be gone from my life again.

“Karlie, please don’t make me sleep alone tonight. I want to hold you in my arms. I don’t expect anything to happen. I just want to hold you. Will you sleep with me tonight?”

My heart just melted. Looking at me is the little boy who needs love and I can’t resist him. I would have expected the smart girl to pipe in, but she has been quiet lately.

“Yes, I will sleep next to you.”

He was true to his word; he never tried anything. He spooned behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. Occasionally, I could hear him breathe in the scent of my hair. I leaned back against him and slept peacefully all night. The morning came too soon and saying goodbye to Michael was nearly unbearable. The only consolation was that this time I was fully aware of why our separation was required.

I arrived back at work Friday morning. While everyone was shopping the black Friday sales I was on an early morning flight to Las Vegas. The crews were off yesterday, so there is nothing to inspect. The furnishings will start to arrive this week. I am a bit concerned about the textiles. I have not heard anything in regards to their delivery date.

The ensuing days
blend together. Every once in a while I would catch myself looking up at the security cameras and smiling. It is my hope that Michael will be watching at exactly that moment. I have not seen him since meeting him in California and I miss him.

There has been no news concerning Chuck
. I am hopeful that an arrest is coming soon, so I can get my life back. As part of the ruse, I am supposed to dress up tonight and hit some of the local clubs. Michael will be doing the same. The thought of flirting with another man terrifies me.

The decision to go to the
clubs at Mandalay Bay is easy. I want to stay close to the hotel and its location fits the bill. I dress in the same outfit that I wore when Tina, Michael and I had dinner. Entering Eyecandy, I walk up to the bar and order a club soda with lime. It’s late and the dance floor is full of bodies. It doesn’t take long for someone to hit on me. On the dance floor the man gets too close for my comfort and I try to walk away. His arm reaches out and grabs mine. In an instant I have been released and the man is being shown to the door. I don’t recognize my savior, but I am certain that Michael has sent him. A few minutes later another man approaches me and asks me to dance. I decline, but he insists. Leaning forward he tells me he is one of my keepers. We head to the dance floor. To the untrained eye we look like a couple having fun. The flash goes off in my face, making spots dance before my eyes. My partner walks me back to the bar so that my eyes can adjust to the dim light of the room again. Then it dawns on me. The paparazzi was tipped off that I would be here. The picture will only confirm that Michael and I are a thing of the past. Looking at my dance partner, I ask him, “Is my work done here?”

“Yes, Ms. McKenna, I will walk you to your door.” He reaches down to hold my hand and in his palm I feel the note that he is passing to me. I am overjoyed. I know it’s a message from Michael.

I couldn’t get back to my room quickly enough; in my hand is the first communication I have had from him in a week. I get settled on my bed, and open the note.

Karlie, I love you and I miss you. I can’t wait to hold you again. Keep smiling up at me.

Love M

He knows my smiles are for him. Thinking about the night and the photographer, I Google The Dish to see if anything new has been posted. I will give them credit; they are quick. My picture with my dance partner is front-page news. I look mildly entertained. The caption reads: