Distraction (Club Destiny #8)(54)

“It’s not as lonely as it sounds,” she admitted. “I’ve traveled by myself. Had a good time, in fact.”

“What places have you visited?”

Sarah wrapped her hands around her coffee cup. “I went to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Last year, I went to Washington, DC. I’ve been to Florida and California because, you know, Disney.” Most of the places she’d gone, Sarah had gone by herself. Safe places. Family friendly. Nothing too adventurous like Vegas or even New York.

“One of these days, we’re going to head out somewhere.”

Sarah felt her heart leap. She liked the idea of a vacation with Dylan. Some time alone, just the two of them.

She knew she needed to keep the conversation going, so she asked, “What about work?”

Dylan glanced down at his hands. “CISS is in the final stages of the merger with Sniper 1 Security.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize it was a done deal. I figured it would take awhile.”

“It’s been in the works for a long time. It’s almost over. As I said, I’ve agreed to stay on to help Alex for as long as he needs me. There’s nothing for me to do though. I think he’s afraid to let me go, not wanting to send me spiraling. Truth is, I’m ready.”

“But you don’t have another job lined up?” She knew she sounded incredulous, but she couldn’t help herself.

Dylan’s lips curved up. “I’ve got plenty of money, Sarah. And I’m looking into other opportunities.”

“The thing with Trent Ramsey. I remember.” Sarah shook her head, then held up a hand. “And before you get defensive, you have to forgive me. I’m in no position to ask questions like that. I quit my teaching job almost three years ago and I’ve been temping ever since. I make decent money and the jobs pay the bills. I’ve got my savings, too. When you spend so much time at home alone, there isn’t much to spend money on.” She smiled. “But I don’t know what I want to do yet, so I haven’t committed to anything. I know where you’re coming from.”

When Sarah met his eyes again, she noticed his smile was wicked.

“Let’s go somewhere, Sarah. A few days. Let’s get away from everyone and everything.”

Was this his way of escaping reality for a while? Was that what she was? An escape?

Darn it. She did not want to think like that. It didn’t matter. They were having fun.

“Tell me you don’t think about it from time to time,” he urged.

“I do, sure,” she admitted.

Could she really do this? Other than her cats, she didn’t have anything pressing to take care of. She knew she could take Smokey and Blue to her mother’s house and Jillian would take care of them while she was out of town. She always had Jake to help out, but she didn’t like the idea of burdening him. He was young, needed to live his life to the fullest and not worry about taking care of her.

“Say yes, Sarah,” Dylan whispered, leaning in close.

She studied him for a minute. Being with him last night, here in the hotel… It felt like they were in their own little world. Was that what he was hoping for? To avoid real life for a while longer? Sure, the idea sounded intriguing, but she knew that the real world would eventually intrude once again. When they got back, would he disappear?

“Forget I asked,” he said, leaning back and taking a sip of his coffee, the light in his eyes dimming.

“No,” she blurted. “I’d…” Sarah sighed. “I’d like to go somewhere with you. I’m not saying no. I just think … maybe we need to take it slow.”

Sarah watched Dylan’s throat move as he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing slowly several times. He was obviously conjuring up something, but for the life of her, she didn’t know what.

“I’ve missed you,” he said, almost too low for her to hear over the muted sounds from the others in the coffee shop.

But she had heard him. And she couldn’t believe her ears.

“Excuse me?” she asked as she leaned forward, trying to get his attention. His eyes lifted to meet hers, and she was the one who swallowed hard.

“I wanted to tell you that before last night,” he stated softly. “Making love to you… It wasn’t as spontaneous as it might’ve seemed. I’ve thought about it for a long damn time.” He paused, staring down at his coffee, then lifting his gaze to meet hers. “I was serious when I said I wanted to start over with you, Sarah,” Dylan whispered, his eyes intent. “I’m not good at this. I’m rusty in the dating department. It’s been a long time since…” He paused, swallowed. “I want to spend time with you.”

God, how could she say no to that? Even if she still doubted his intentions, Sarah didn’t want to say no.

“That’s it?” she asked, wanting to lighten the mood. “Just spend time with me?” She pretended to be appalled by the idea. “Oh, please don’t tell me you’re gonna talk me to death.”

Dylan laughed, the sound rusty—like his dating skills—as though he didn’t do much of it. “If I recall, you’re the one who suggested we talk.”

“True.”

The harsh lines on his face softened. “I promise to do a whole lot more than talk.”