What He Didn't Say Read Online Free PDF Page B

phone into her purse and hurried forward. She noted the clerk’s name tag as she slid her key card across the counter. “Good morning, Trevor. I’m all set.” Within short order she completed the check-out process.
    Holt gestured toward the door. “I need to pick up my bag from the bell captain and we can be on our way.”
    She nodded and threaded her way through the growing crowd checking out. After only a few moments’ delay Holt had his duffel bag and they went outside. She inhaled a deep breath of the crisp spring air. Only a few wisps of clouds drifted across the blue sky. What a glorious day for driving. She led the way to the parking lot.
    â€œYou didn’t valet?” Holt asked as he walked beside her.
    â€œNot when I can avoid it. A good car deserves respect that many kids don’t have.” She halted by the vintage, fire-engine-red Mustang and ran a loving hand over the fender. “This is Baby. The first car I bought with my own money.”
    Holt cocked an eyebrow. “You named your car?”
    â€œOf course.” She popped the trunk and he placed their bags inside. After she closed the lid, she turned. Holt stood with his hand out.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œCan I drive?”
    In mock horror she clutched them close to her chest. “Oh, no. I don’t know you well enough to allow that familiarity.”
    He grinned and leaned against the car. He didn’t budge when she glared at him. “So who’s allowed to drive Baby?”
    She strode past him and opened the driver’s door. “Myparents, my sisters and my best friend.” She wanted to feel the wind in her hair, so she rolled the window down. When it was time to retire Baby…not that that would be for a long time, she patted the dashboard in reassurance…her next car would be a convertible.
    Holt caught the door handle and shut it for her. He rounded the front and got in the passenger side. After buckling his belt, he studied her. “What about boyfriends? Any of them ever drive her?”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œGood.” Holt adjusted the seat, settled back and actually closed his eyes.
    Men. She placed her phone beside her, started the engine, smiled with pleasure at the smooth purr of the engine, and eased out of the space. She carefully drove along the narrow graveled road from the hotel and only relaxed when she pulled onto the paved highway.
    Quickly the miles peeled away as they rode in silence. Occasionally, she stole a look at Holt. Although he appeared to be dozing, she was acutely aware of his presence in the cramped space. Despite the open windows, the warm musk of his scent toyed with her nose.
    â€œSo who’s this friend you’re going to see in Charlotte?” When she glanced over, his head was turned and he was watching her intently.
    She cleared her throat. “My best friend, Sandy. She’s the one I jumped for yesterday.”
    â€œShe has cancer?”
    â€œYes. The first time she was diagnosed was when we were in college. She kept up with her classes despite the chemotherapy. We thought she had beaten it, but she recently had a relapse.”
    â€œI’m sorry to hear that.”
    Sorry didn’t begin to cover Emma-Lee’s reaction whenSandy had told her the heartbreaking news. She balled her right hand in her lap. “She’ll beat it again, she’s strong.”
    Holt reached out and squeezed her hand. “They’ve come a long way with the research, Emma-Lee.”
    She bit her lip and nodded. “I know.”
    The phone beside her erupted in a song heavy with bass and drum. She smiled. “Speak of the devil.” She reached for it, but Holt grabbed the phone first.
    â€œHey!”
    â€œYou’re driving,” he chided, opening the phone. Her face turned warm as he stared at his photo on the screen. Slowly his mouth curved with satisfaction.
    â€œDon’t let your ego get the wrong