When Darkness Falls(48)

At Devon’s insistence, Haley ate a few bites of her sandwich and finished her coleslaw, but said she couldn’t eat the rest. The circles under her eyes and the way her collarbone showed worried Devon. He wondered how much weight she’d lost because of him. He paid and walked her back to the hotel, still keeping a few feet between them. They paused at the steps that led two flights up to the walkway in front of her room. The wind rustled the leaves of the palm trees in front of the hotel.

“When will I see you again?” Haley said.

How odd it was to be asked that, as if they were dating again instead of husband and wife.

“I don’t know.”

She hugged him, and he kept his arms at his sides.

“You’re angry I came here,” Haley said.

“No. Of course not.”

“You were angry this morning.”

“I didn’t want you near Lydia, that’s all. She’s dangerous. But I’m glad you care enough to follow me across the country.”

“You know I’d follow you anywhere.”

Devon jerked away. “Don’t say that.”

“Why not?”

“Just don’t.”

“But it’s true.” Haley kissed him, pressed against him. Her lips, slightly open, felt warm and firm. Without planning to, he slid his arms around her waist.

“I’ve missed you,” she said, mouth against his neck.

“Oh, God, Haley, don’t.”

She kissed him again, pressed closer. He ached to move his hands over her body, tear her clothes from her, feel her naked against him. His hands were in her hair, on her shoulders, at her breasts, making her nipples harden.

She put her hands under his T-shirt, scratched her fingernails down his back. He felt the sting and the cool desert breeze, heard the sounds of cars driving by. They stood on the edge of the parking lot where anyone could see them. He could do anything now, here, in the open, and she would let him, not caring who saw or what anyone thought. He shoved aside her jacket and tank top, baring her right shoulder. He bit and sucked at her skin, then lowered his mouth to her breast while his other hand moved along her inner thigh.

Haley surprised Devon and pushed him away. “Inside.” She took his hand and led him up the stairs.

Devon followed, watching the way she moved, anticipating how her body would feel beneath him. Haley looked over her shoulder at him, and she smiled the way she’d smiled the first night they’d met, when he’d asked to see her again. A smile full of hope and excitement.

The lock mechanism clanged as it unlocked, and the door swung open. Haley paused a few feet beyond the threshold. Turned and looked at Devon.

He stepped back, took hold of the door handle.

“Goodnight, Haley.”

He shut the door and launched himself into the night.

? ? ?

Haley stood in the dark, arms wrapped around herself, shivering. She stared out the window that led to the front walkway, feeling as if she’d never be warm again. She watched Devon nearly run across the parking lot, illuminated by the streetlights.

Rushing to get away from me.

Her brain couldn’t take in the idea of Devon pushing her away as he had. She’d felt so sure that if she could get him in the room with her, could hold him again, make love with him, he couldn’t possibly leave. He’d see it was better to go home with her, to face this together. That nothing could be gained from staying here.

The question Haley needed to ask herself, the possibility she needed to consider, was whether Devon could be in love with Lydia. Haley couldn’t believe it, though she knew her friends probably would tell her she was fooling herself. But Devon wouldn’t need some bizarre, elaborate story to explain that, he would leave her. Divorce her. Clearly he could have Lydia any time he wanted. No, he believed the things he’d said tonight. And seemed to have lost all concept that they were incredible.

Which meant Devon had lost his mind. Literally. No other answer existed. To believe the things Lydia told him, to think he’d turned into some kind of monster, he must have. Yet, he had seemed so sane, so calm and rational when explaining it. That it all made sense to him frightened her the most.

Haley shut the blinds, undressed, and lay down. The hotel room felt too warm, but she pulled the sheet around herself anyway, staying on what would be her side of the bed if Devon were here. Devon was confused, afraid, and sick. He believed he might hurt her. He was trying to do what was best for her by staying away. She believed that. But where did that leave her?

She rolled onto her back, running through the events of the last few days despite her exhaustion, as if she’d find the key to what to do next. Instead, she found herself replaying their wedding, their first time making love, and their first meeting. As if somehow, somewhere, she would find answers, discover the wrong turn they’d taken, or perhaps that she had taken.

But there were no answers, and the night dragged on.





Chapter Twenty-Four


A quarter mile before Devon reached Lydia’s home, he shut off the headlights. As soon as he pulled into the long driveway, he cut the engine and coasted to a stop, hoping to keep from warning her of his approach. He couldn’t tell if she was home or not. The lights in the front of the house were out.

Devon walked around back by the pool. From the gate, he saw her and Eric in the guest bedroom. The window was shut, but the gauzy white curtains were nearly transparent. Candles flickered on the dresser, casting shadows and creating silhouettes on the walls.