21. The Escape
21
THE ESCAPE
ODETTE
I stared at Wyatt, obsessive thoughts running through my mind. He liked me. We’d manage to do this thing together this weekend. But did he like me? And how the hell was I going to walk away like this without more words said?
“Do you… want to get coffee? I know you’re probably busy,” Wyatt looked down. “I just… I know you like coffee and I could use some.”
The words were like music to my ears.
Beaming ear-to-ear, I announced, “Yes!”
Irritated with the change in plans, my security detail acquiesced to a quick walk across the square to a quiet cafe. His hand brushed mine as we waited for our orders, sending a shiver down my spine. I wanted to link my fingers with his and squeeze his hand tight.
Whenever we went anywhere together, I was desperate for more time—more words, laughs, and smiles. He had the best smile.
“We make a decent team,” Wyatt said.
“It’s exciting,” I admitted. “And now we will learn more at the conference.”
“I don’t know how exciting that will be, Odette,” Wyatt chuckled. “It’s not a big party. It’s more of a business meeting.”
“Well, I like to learn. That’s my favourite thing. ”
“You are very resourceful.” Wyatt grinned boyishly. “I nearly died when you pulled out those stats. You kicked ass. Can I say that?”
“You can say that,” I said.
The barista called our order, and we sat at a table in the corner. Wyatt took off his jacket. I tried not to marvel at the outline of his shoulders. What he lacked in height, he more than made up for in shoulders. Oh, mon dieu!
“How is the kiddo?” I asked.
“He is very exuberant. As per usual.”
“I adore that little guy. He’s such a sweetheart, Wyatt. You’ve done a great job with him.”
Wyatt stared at his coffee.
“It’s okay to admit you are good at parenting that kid,” I said. “Promise. I know it’s true.”
“Sometimes…” Wyatt said, “It doesn’t feel so much like that. It’s a slog. And I constantly wonder if Isla would be proud of the job I’ve done or shudder in horror.”
“She’d love that boy,” I said, confident. “And she’d love to watch the two of you together. It’s incredibly sweet. You’re his safe place to land. You’re everything. I know parenting is hard, but you’re doing a great job.”
I couldn’t help but grab his hand as I said it. I fully expected Wyatt to pull back. I shouldn’t do this in public. We weren’t together. I had a crush, right? Instead, Wyatt smiled sweetly.
“Thanks, Odie. That means a lot.”
I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing him relax made me so happy. Then, I spotted people gathering over his shoulder. Out the window, two people pointed at me. I pulled back, my smile fading.
“What?” Wyatt asked.
“I’ve been spotted. I’m going to have to go. But now… well, shit!”
Wyatt looked over his shoulder, then stood. He rushed over to the barista. Confused, I followed.
“Is there a back way out of here?” He asked in nervous French.
The barista shrugged.
“Through the kitchen, maybe?”
“ Ouais . ”
Wyatt turned. “You should go out that way.”
I knew this trick, but he didn’t ask me. He just took charge and remembered our escape from weeks before. After ages of hoping for a sign that he cared about me, Wyatt took over. I was torn between freaking out over a crowd that grew by the minute and swooning over a man who rushed into action when I needed him.
A man from my detail approached.
“Bring the car around to the alley,” I whispered. “There is a way out.”
He nodded affirmatively.
I grabbed Wyatt’s hand, then dropped it.
“It’s okay,” Wyatt said. “I’ll see you soon. Just go. Get out and be free.”
“Where will you go?” I asked.
“Same place. Out the back. I’ll take a nice walk to the office. We’ll catch up soon.”
I wanted so badly to kiss him goodbye but refrained. It got more complicated every time.