Free Cajun Vacation by Mindi Winters

“You’re right. I’m sure you have a busy day. I should let you get to it.” She started wiggling out of his arms again.
    He held onto her and spun her so they were face to face. “No, that’s not what I meant,” he said.
    Erica had her roll in the sheets with him. Now it was time for him to let her have a graceful exit. But he wasn’t that willing to give up, and if there was even the slightest chance he could have more time with her, then he intended to take it. “I meant that I know you have to get going. But, I would really like it, if I could see some more of you today. I have to attend a charity event this afternoon. It’s usually a lot of fun, and I’d love it if you came with me as my guest. Then maybe we could have an early dinner somewhere in the city.”
    He saw the conflict in her eyes. She was struggling with an answer.
    Probably trying to figure how to cut me loose without a scene, he thought. He kept his gaze on her until the stress in her face subsided. She didn’t answer. “What kind of charity event?” she asked. “Is it some sort of environmental group?”
    Keep her talking and maybe he could win her over for one more day. He smiled. “No and yes,” he said. “It’s the tenth annual Environmental Celebration lunch. It functions as an umbrella event for several charities in the area that focus on the Louisiana and Gulf area. So some people come from parts of Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama too. Individual charities will set up tables, but the event is set in the park. Lots of activities and an excellent BBQ. I have to go because of all the work I do for many of the groups.” He paused and waited while she digested what he said. Then he had an idea. “It might even help your story,” he said.
    Erica cocked her head. “How so?” she asked.
    He had to think quickly. “Well, I can’t be there to run the camera, but the heads of several local charities, and the regional directors of a few nationals will all be on hand. I’m sure they’d love to speak with a New York reporter and maybe offer a quote. Reporters from stations in New Orleans, Houston, and Birmingham will be there. But your station is by far the biggest, and most of your stories go national, so I’d imagine people would be more interested in talking with you.”
    The more he said, the worse his reasoning sounded. He had just gave her the perfect excuse to go to the event and spend all her time working, instead of with him.
    Erica expression darkened and he held his breath waiting for the rejection. “I’d be happy to go with you,” she said. “What should I wear?”
    “Business casual,” he said. He had another afternoon with her, and later tonight, if she went to the dinner he promised. The start to what promised to be a bad day of saying an early goodbye had suddenly turned better.
    “I do have to head back to the hotel before going,” she said. “I want to get my own clothes, and I have to apologize to my sisters for abandoning them this entire weekend.”
    “How much time do you need? I should pick you up by 11AM.”
    “I should get going now. I have some shopping to do. A few calls to make. And sisters to appease,” she said while untangling herself from his arms and out of bed.
    He laughed. “I understand. I know how family can be,” he said.
    “How so?” she asked.
    “I’m the youngest of three. Two older sisters. God help me if I ever let them down on a promise,” he said, and then reached for her hand. She stepped away and raised her finger.
    “If you want me to go with you then I have to get cleaned up. We’ll have time again later,” she said, a weak smile crossed her face. His stomach twisted up with desire watching her stand next to his bed naked. She rushed out the door to the bathroom before he had a chance to pull her to him again.
    “I need to shower,” she said, and then she locked the door.
     
     
    She slipped a note under Sara’s door, and then headed back to the elevator.