Page 150 of One Wrong Move
She sat on the edge of the bed as he answered.
He listened for a bit, and then said, “You’re kidding. Sure.” He handed her the phone. “He wants to talk to you.”
He sat beside her on the bed, his heart leaping in his chest for her and the news.
“What? Really?” Tears streamed down her face. “I appreciate it. Thank you, Deckard.” She disconnected the call and hung her head as more tears fell.
“He did it. He proved you were right. There was a setup.”
She looked up at him, tears flowing down her face. “I was starting to think it would never happen.”
He rubbed her back. “It’s not over quite yet. They’re going to get Mitch to confess.”
“How on earth does he plan to do that?”
“Deckard’s furious Mitch conned him. He’ll find a way.”
“But he can’t go back to jail. Double jeopardy.”
“Deck said they’ve got another way.”
“How?” She furrowed her brow.
“He didn’t say, but if Deck’s got a way, they’ll get him.”
She shook her head. “I just can’t believe they proved the setup. That I’m innocent.”
“Well, I can, but this calls for some celebrating.”
She looked up at him and blinked.
He swiped her tears with the pad of his thumb. “I saw some dresses in the lobby shop that would look beautiful on you. Go pick one out and charge it to the room. We’re going to have our first date.”
“What?” She laughed.
“I’m serious. I’ll see you back here in an hour?”
“Okay.” She nodded with a smile.
“Just don’t leave the hotel.” Ethan was off his rocker. Christian feared what he’d do if he got his hands on Andi or any of his loved ones.
SIXTY-FOUR
WAITING TO SEEwhere Ethan and Cyrus would strike next, knowing it was coming but not being able to stop it, was excruciating. Greyson and Riley had alerted all the galleries on their list, and Christian prayed that would help, but the galleries were, in reality, sitting ducks—even with beefed-up security. Police were on alert, and an APB had gone out on both Cyrus Timal and Ethan Poppin. Maybe they’d be lucky and a squad car would pick them up before they could strike, but he doubted this was over.
He slid his shirt on and buttoned it up. It seemed wrong in one sense to be having a date with Andi while Ethan and Cyrus were out there, but short of literally combing all the streets and searching every building in town, there wasn’t any more that they could do. And she deserved one good night in the midst of all this mess. She deserved the best.
He’d always believed—or hoped—he’d fall in love one day. But he could never picture it, couldn’t imagine what it would be like, after having grown up in a home without love. Now he had a loving family with Deck and Riley—Greyson too—a solid profession, and a home with roots. All that had been missing was meeting a wonderful woman he’d fall for. Now she was getting ready in the next room. It was new and just at the beginning, but falling he most definitely was.
I pray,Lord,that you’ll bless us with a wonderful night and that you’dprevent Ethan and Cyrus from striking again. Let them becaught before they can do any more damage. I loveyou,Lord. Amen.
He moved through his room, grabbing the flowers he’d had brought up, and strode to the connecting door. Taking a steadying breath—it was amazing how she set him tingling with anticipation when it’d been less than an hour since he’d seen her—he smoothed his shirt, cleared his throat, and knocked on the door.
¦¦¦
Andi moved for the door at the sound of the knock, taking a moment to adjust the dress she’d bought. Excitement shot through her, sparking in her limbs as she strode to the door, the soft blue A-line dress with layered skirt swishing about her legs.
“Just a sec,” she said, pausing to put on the gold heels and then smoothing the gold sash across her waist.
