Deeper than the Night - By Amanda Ashley Page 0,29

to your place?"

"We should be there by tomorrow night."

"I've never been up to Eagle Flats. I hear it's pretty."

"Yes."

Kara stared out the restaurant window. They had left Moulton Bay three hours ago, and her apprehension about running away had increased with every mile that passed. Gail and Nana must be worried sick. She had to call home, had to tell them she was all right.

When the waitress arrived, Kara ordered a Caesar salad and a glass of 7-Up, then excused herself to go to the rest room.

Heart pounding, she stepped into the phone booth near the rest rooms and dialed the operator. Moments later, Gail answered the phone. Kara's fingers tapped nervously on the wall asshe waited for Gail to say she would accept the charges.

"Gail, I don't have time to talk or explain. I just want you to know I'm okay. Tell Nana not to worry."

"Kara, where are you? Two men from the hospital came here looking for you. They said you've got some contagious disease."

"It isn't true, honey, don't worry. Listen, I've got to go. I'll call you again as soon as I get a chance. "

"Kara . . ."

"I love you, Gail. Bye."

Kara hung up the phone, then pressed her forehead against the wall. Men were looking for her. Maybe she really was sick. Maybe just being out in public was putting innocent lives in danger . . . .

"Kara."

Startled by his voice, she turned around.

"You called home, didn't you?"

She felt a shiver of trepidation at the accusation in his eyes. "I had to."

"It was a stupid thing to do."

She started to argue, then changed her mind. He was right. It had been stupid. Whoever was looking for her might have managed to bug Nana's phone. Perhaps, even now, Dale Barrett or someone like him was speeding down the highway toward the restaurant.

"You're right, it was stupid. I'm sorry."

"We'd better go."

"But . . . what about our food?"

"We'll get something on the road."

Alexander left some money on the table and they left the restaurant.

Kara sat huddled in her seat as Alex turned the key in the ignition. The engine hummed to life and Alex pulled out of the parking lot. Kara glanced over her shoulder, her gaze sweeping the parking lot and the road behind them. Were they being followed, even now? Why hadn't she listened to Alex? Why was she with Alex? Maybe he was in on it. Maybe she'd jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire . . . .

She slid a glance in his direction. He was staring straight ahead, watching the road, but she had the distinct impression that he knew her every thought.

How could she keep him from reading her mind? If she wanted to get away from him, how could she do it if he knew what shewas thinking, feeling?

Forty-five minutes later, he pulled into a McDonald's drive-through and ordered burgers and fries and two large cups of coffee.

She couldn't stifle a feeling of relief when she saw Alex bite into the hamburger. After all, one bite of a banana didn't really prove anything, and no matter what she'd said to the contrary, she hadn't been able to shake the feeling that there was something inhuman about Alexander Claybourne. Now, watching him eat something as mundane as a Big Mac and fries made her realize how ludicrous such thoughts had been.

The darkness and the motion of the car made her sleepy. Leaning her head back against the seat, she closed her eyes.

Kara came awake slowly. Keeping her eyes closed, she turned over, thinking she'd just sleep for another ten minutes, and then she'd get up and go to work . . . .

And then she remembered. She wasn't going to work today, perhaps not for a long time. With a start, her eyelids flew open and she found herself staring into Alexander's face, which was only inches from her own.

He was lying on his side, asleep. In her bed. She glanced around the room. A motel, obviously, judging from the ugly picture bolted to the wall and the pay TV. She peeked under the covers, felt her cheeks grow hot when she saw that she wore only her bra and underpants. He'd undressed her while she slept.

Her gaze flew back to Alex's face. He was still sleeping. It wasn't right for a man to be so beautiful, she thought. His lips were full and perfect. His nose was straight. His lashes were thick and dark. His skin was