Page 21 of My Girl
He just wished the call had been good news all round. He’d had to let them know his flight out of Rome was cancelled until further notice. In fact, all movement around the city had been restricted since a potentially lethal virus caused a nationwide lockdown. God, he missed home and his family.
He’d been on the road with the band for so long, it felt like he’d been away for a lifetime instead. The accident that had put Gabriel out of action had taken its toll all round. They’d lost their bassist, Carter Stevens, and one of the crew members, Jesse Newman. Jesse’s wife, Rochelle, had been Jarrod’s assistant. When she’d heard the news of her husband’s passing, Rochelle had quit on the spot and returned home.
Already reeling from the loss of good friends, Jarrod had taken greater strain with Rochelle leaving, too. Until Carter’s fiancée had offered to fill the other woman’s position. With no family to return to, Bailey had been a wreck attempting to deal with Carter’s death. She’d suggested it as a means of hanging on to her sanity. And he was only too grateful for the help.
He was just thankful the tour was finally over, and the band, crew, and support staff had all managed to get away before they’d closed the country down. Well, all except him and Bailey. And right there was the snag.
He’d had feelings for Bailey for a long time, but she’d been with Carter. Now was not the time to be making a move but being locked into a suite with her had him going out of his mind. There was nowhere he could escape her. She was everywhere. Even in his room, he could hear her moving about or smell her perfume that lingered in the air each morning. And she had no idea of his torment. At least he hoped not.
He only prayed he would survive this lockdown.
Sneak Peek
Have you met Kyle and Leila yet? If not, here’s a sneak peek into their story:
Loving Leila
Navy SEAL Kyle “Maverick” Jackson made the biggest mistake of his life walking away from Leila Asherton five years ago. Now he's been sent on a mission to rescue hostages on a luxury cruise liner, and fate seems to be offering him a second chance when Leila turns out to be one of the hostages.
Leila Asherton cannot believe her bad luck when the ship she’s on is hijacked at sea. Things seem dire until the rescue team arrives -- and then they seem bleak. The rescue team includes the man who broke her heart. Surely Lady luck can't really be this cruel.
Kyle is determined to take this second chance at loving Leila. Only thing is, will Leila allow him back into her life?
Chapter 1
Leila
Iswear I’ve studied every detail in this dining room like it’s my job simply to hang onto my sanity. The deep-red drapes, still open so we can appreciate the gorgeous sunset. Round tables, pristine-white tablecloths covered in an array of cutlery and drinking glasses. I’ve even counted the squares on the plush, patterned carpet beneath my feet. Nothing is helping.
If this man doesn’t stop talking, there’s a high likelihood I’m going to need bail money. I’ve yet to figure out why he’s even with us on this cruise. As our CFO, Edgar Mason doesn’t usually accompany the team on incentive trips.
Do they even have holding cells onboard?
I’m so bored I’m sure my eyes must be glazed over like I’m on drugs. Not that I’d know since I don’t do drugs. God, what I wouldn’t give. And it’s not like I can get a word in or talk to anyone else at the table either since he’s monopolizing everyone’s attention as he drones on. Unable to take another word, I excuse myself. Maybe I can hide out in the ladies’ restroom until this godawful dinner is over.
I swear I see envy in the eyes of the sales rep directly opposite me as I rise to my feet. Sorry, buddy, you should have thought of it first then. The men at the table all stand, except for Edgar, his beady little accountant eyes glaring daggers at me across the table. Yeah, Edgar, you can glare all you like. I’m outta here.
I hurry away, intent on making good on my escape, terrified the fiend will think of some reason to prevent me from leaving. As I close the powder room door behind me, I can’t prevent the huge sigh of relief. Blessed silence surrounds me. It seems for the moment I have the facilities to myself.
Pushing away from the door, I take in my opulent surroundings. The bathroom is beautifully appointed, decadent marble counters holding an array of makeup and fragrances. There’s even carpet in here, although it seems the stalls are tiled in the same luxurious marble as the counters. There’s a large bank of windows framing an incredible view of the ocean. The view of the setting sun as it blazes a trail of glorious color across the sky dropping toward the horizon is even more visible here than in the dining room.
And best of all? There’s a sofa nestled up against the windows. Apparently, the universe was listening. I can’t help but feel sorry for the poor suckers stuck at the table with Gasbag Mason as I settle onto the plush cushions. I wonder how long it’ll take them to miss me.
Pulling my cellphone out, I figure I can waste a few minutes scrolling social media. See what everyone’s up to. There’s been so much going on the last few months with a new project at work and now this cruise I feel like it’s been an age since I last spent any quality time with friends and family.
As I’m checking out photos of my sister’s new puppy back home in South Africa, I hear a loud bang. What the hell is that? Surely it’s not – no, it can’t be. I shake my head, sure I’m imagining things. But then I hear it again.
Is that … gunfire?
Jumping up from the sofa, I dash over to the door intending on having a look-see. As I reach the wooden portal, I can hear more clearly. And what I’m hearing is a lot of panicked screaming and foreign voices shouting. I shrink back from the door, wildly searching the room for somewhere to hide.
Neither the toilet stalls nor that comfy sofa offer safe haven. I need somewhere secure to hide. Scanning the room, my eyes land on a possibility. As quickly and quietly as I can, I cross back to a floor-to-ceiling mirror off to the side of the bank of windows.
Maybe there’s a gap behind it I can hide in. When I reach it, I find it flush up against the wall. Disappointment rocks me back on my heels. I lean back against the glass and survey the room again, my heart beating like someone’s using it to play drums.
Stay calm, Leila. Keep it together. Panicking is not an option.
I push away from the mirror to search the room more thoroughly when I hear an almost inaudible click. Swinging around once more, I’m stunned to find the mirror is actually a door. To what I have no idea, but I’m about to find out.
