Chapter 23

The guys were given fifteen minutes after breakfast to collect their things from their rooms before meeting in the lobby to go to the photo shoot.

As soon as Rick and Abigail were safely in their hotel room, Abigail turned on him.

“Rick, how could you do that?” she fumed.

“Do what?” his expression was innocent.

“Sit there and say nothing while they fired away all those questions at me!” she told him, “You could have said something! Changed the topic! Instead you just sat there and waited for my response!” her hands were on her hips and she was glaring at him. He thought she looked absolutely beautiful, she thought he was crazy.

“I didn’t know what to say!” he protested, “Besides, why didn’t you tell me you were from Florida, and Tampa nonetheless?!”

She narrowed her eyes.

“What does it matter? This is about you, not me.” She told him.

“I’m from Tampa!” he told her, “I grew up there, that’s why.”

“Oh.” She grew silent, “That’s why they assumed we met there.”

“Yes.”

“But we didn’t.”

“No.”

“I’m sorry.” She said with a shrug, “If I’d known I’d-“

“You’d what?”

She looked at him.

“Not answered at all.”

Rick sighed.

“You see why we should tell them the truth?” he asked her, “If things keep up like this, we’re going to get caught.”

“I see your point Rick.” She answered, “But this isn’t exactly a good time right now. We don’t really have a lead.”

“Then I suggest we get one.” Rick stated.

Abigail cocked an eyebrow and folded her arms.

“And how do you propose we do that?”

Rick shook his head.

“I’m not sure. But we better think of something fast.”

“I agree.”

Rick looked at her and smiled.

“Can’t wait to be rid of me huh?”

She smiled back.

“You have no idea.”

“Why?” he asked, moving towards her.

“Because I want my vacation.” She said firmly standing her ground. She watched as he walked towards her. So tall, and proud and gorgeous. He knew the effect he had on women, and she wasn’t surprised that he was using it on her.

“When this is done, I could take you on a vacation you would never forget.” He promised, his voice low, she actually shivered in response.

“That, um, won’t be necessary.” She told him swallowing hard, “Jason already promised me a month's vacation when I’m done with this case.”

He stood directly in front of her now putting his fingers under her chin to make her look at him.

“Is that all I am to you, a case?” he asked softly, his eyes looking into hers. She felt as if he were looking into her very soul and afraid that he might see the truth, she looked away quickly, pushing his hand away.

He decided to let the topic drop for now.

“And what do you plan to do on this month long vacation of yours?” he asked her.

“Spend some time with my family.” She said matter-of-factly, “I don’t see them as often as I like and my sister is really happy to have me when I’m not working.”

“And what makes you happy, Abby?” he asked.

“Being with them?” she replied.

“Is that it?” Rick stepped closer to her so that their bodies were merely inches apart. He put his hands on her shoulders and started running his fingers down her bare arms tantalizingly slow while his forehead dropped to hers, “You’re very beautiful Abby. I’m very curious to know why you don’t have a boyfriend.”

Abigail could feel her heart racing as his fingers made goose bumps appear on her skin. She was also finding it a bit difficult to breathe.

“What makes you think I don’t have a boyfriend?” she asked.

He chuckled.

“You’ve never mentioned him before.”

“That’s because it’s none of your business.” She told him.

“You see, that’s where you’re wrong.” He whispered his breath warm against her face.

“Rick…”

“What’s wrong?” he mocked her, “Am I scaring you?”

He bent his head and kissed her cheek, before trailing his lips to her ear where he started nibbling on her earlobe.

Abigail moaned and put her hands around his shoulders to steady herself. It was then she noticed that the phone was ringing.

“Rick.. the phone.” She gasped as he caught her ear between his teeth.

“Ignore it.” He told her, moving down her neck.

“We can’t…” she pushed him away then and he walked over and literally ripped the receiver from its cradle.

“Rick, everyone’s downstairs waiting on you.” He heard his manager say.

“We’ll be right down.” He replied. He hung up the phone and looked at Abigail, who looked slightly flushed. He had an overwhelming urge to pick her up and throw her on his bed, but let out a deep sigh instead.

“We’ve got to go. Everyone’s waiting on us.” He told her.

Abigail turned red just thinking about the others must be thinking. Damnit, how could he make her lose her mind like that? She was supposed to have her head on at all times! She was supposed to be in control! Damn him for getting under her skin like that.