“Is there a problem?”
“Could you come back inside for a moment, please?”
“Why?” But she followed the woman into the store again.
“I don’t know why. I got a call from the manager.”
April’s stomach clenched. Were they going to confiscate her packages? Tell her she couldn’t put them on Quinn’s bill?
But that didn’t make sense.
Unless Quinn had changed his mind.
Her head started spinning, but she knew Quinn wouldn’t do that. She was just gun-shy from the way the manager had treated her on Saturday.
The woman led her to a pair of comfy chairs, and April sat down, her stomach fluttering. She set her bags down on the floor beside her.
“Ms. Smith, I’m glad I caught up with you.”
She turned to see Mr. Gunter, the hotel manager walking toward her. She cringed inside.
She felt conspicuous with the many shopping bags around her, sure he believed she was a gold digger taking advantage of yet another wealthy man.
“I needed some clothes,” she babbled as he stopped in front of her, knowing she shouldn’t be trying to justify her actions.
“Of course, Ms. Smith. I hope enjoy your purchases.”
“I’m sure I will.”
He sat down in the chair beside her. “The reason I wanted to find you is that Mr. Dubois called me. He asked if I knew where you were, and I told him you’re still in the hotel.”
Her heart stammered, her chest was so tight. “What does he want now? Does he think I’m still holding something back from him? Because your staff already went through my luggage—”
“No, nothing like that, Ms. Smith.”
Now that he was sitting beside her, she realized he seemed a little nervous, and she saw the look of deference in his expression.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded sheet of paper. “He asked me to give you this message.”
She frowned. “Why didn’t he just email me? Or call?”
“He told me he didn’t think you’d take his call after all that happened. And he very much wants you to read this.”
Anger surged through her, and she stood up. She snatched the paper from his hand and tore it in two, then handed it back to him.
“Well, Mr. Dubois doesn’t always get what he wants.”
Then she stormed from the store.
* * *
When April entered the suite, Quinn glanced up from his book. Her heart raced as his heated gaze glided over her. It was very clear he liked her new dress.
And she was sure he was wondering what she wore under it.
“That dress looks lovely on you,” he said.
“I second that,” Austin said with an appreciative smile.
“Thank you,” she said. But she couldn’t muster a smile. She was still unnerved by Maurice’s attempt to contact her.
She took off her new shoes and put them in the closet, then walked into the sitting area and sank into an armchair.
“Did your shopping trip go well?” Quinn asked.
“Uh … yes. I bought three dresses, a pair of shoes, and a nice assortment of lingerie. They’re sending the packages up.”
After she’d hurried from the store, she’d realized she’d left them behind. Not wanting to go back, she’d called the store on a hotel phone, and they assured her they’d handle getting the packages safely to her suite. Then she’d taken a long walk outside to clear her head.
“They already arrived,” Austin said. “I put them in the bedroom.”
“Thank you.” She felt stiff and distracted. Not quite sure what to do with herself.
The fact that Maurice had tried to contact her had shaken her more than she would have thought. She was over him, but the pain of his betrayal still left her devastated.
“April, is there something wrong?” Austin asked.
“No, nothing. I’m just … tired.”
Her phone chimed, and she opened her purse and pulled it out. She felt the blood drain from her face when she saw that it was Maurice calling her. She ended the call with a jab of her finger and shoved the phone back in her purse.
“Who was that?” Austin asked.
Nervously, she glanced at Austin’s concerned expression. She did not want to tell them about Maurice trying to contact her. They’d want to talk about it, and she just wanted to put it behind her.
“No one. Just one of those spam calls.”
Quinn leaned forward, his midnight-blue gaze locking on her.
“You’re sure there’s nothing wrong? Did something happen while you were out?”
“I’m fine. Really.” She stood up. “As I said, just tired. I think I’ll take a nap before dinner.”
* * *
April sipped her drink, waiting for Quinn and Austin. They’d been