Page 47 of Forever Fascinating

“They had better be dead, because I have an alibi, do you? ‘Cause you’re going down, buster…” she said in a flat monotone voice, expecting whoever it was to hang up.

“I wasn’t near the area or even in the country,” a voice said. “My alibi is tight. Are you certain yours is? Because I’m hoping you are very much alone right now, Jana.”

“Matthew?” she balked, her voice squeaking almost immediately as she heard his chuckle.

“That was certainly an interesting way to say hello…” he uttered. “Is that every phone call or just mine?”

“It’s any phone call after ten pm,” she whispered, mortified. “I’m so sorry. I just…”

“It’s okay. I’m sorry for calling so late but I wanted to hear your voice because I hadn’t heard back from my last email and was a little nervous.”

“I’m actually reading it right now. I was showing houses all day long to some seriously needy people who need a swift reality check between what they want – and what they can afford…” she muttered and heard him laugh, closing her eyes and picturing his smile.

“I like your laugh.”

“I really like that you can make me laugh,” he admitted.

“I’m surprised you called,” she said softly. “I wasn’t sure you would actually be able to and sure couldn’t ask anyone I knew.”

“No, I imagine you couldn’t,” he chuckled. “So, let’s talk about dates. Are you flexible as to when we can go? I’m going to turn in a request for time off and once it’s approved, we can start making flight and hotel arrangements.”

“Yes, I can be flexible. I just need a few weeks to make sure to schedule around it.”

“Done,” Matthew said easily. “And where would you like to go – since I’m assuming you stopped reading my email to take this phone call, because I’m innocent of whatever alibi was needed a moment ago.”

Jana smiled, fighting back a laugh, and feeling embarrassed once again.

“Hello?” he hesitated. “Are you there? I only have a few minutes and I’m not sure if we lost the…”

“I’m here. I’m sorry. I was just thinking. Honestly, I haven’t read your email yet, not past the first paragraph, so I’m not sure what places you said.”

“Iceland, Greece, Alaska, Peru, Cairo were a few places I mentioned and…”

“Can we narrow that down to Greece, Iceland, or Cairo?”

“Absolutely,” he said softly. “What appeals to you about those three?”

“Cairo… pyramids, duh,” she chuckled. “I want to ride a camel, see a bazaar, and of course the pyramids.”

“Same for me… and Iceland?”

“The black diamond beaches,” she whispered. “They look so mystical, and I heard there are hot springs in several places. There’s the blue lagoon where you can…”

“Tempting,” he replied, interrupting. “Bikini or one piece?”

“One piece,” she admitted. “I don’t do bikini’s because I like a little modesty.”

Matthew sighed heavily on the other end of the line, causing her to start.

“I’m sorry, but I just hang out of a bikini in certain places, and they never fit right. I’m not going to be comfortable wearing something like…”

“I’m not mad,” he whispered softly. “I love a one-piece swimsuit on a girl because you are absolutely right. There should be something hidden away, and I’d rather see your curves than skin.”

“Oh!” she squeaked, her face instantly turning red. “You like modest girls?”

“Very much so.”

“What if I said there was a skirt on there to hide my bum?” she laughed nervously, only to hear him groan audibly.

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