Free The Cover Model by Cheyenne Meadows Page A

smelling pheromones."
    "No. It wasn't like that. I can't tell you why, but she's someone I've been watching for. I couldn't waste the golden opportunity presented when we were stuck in that elevator."
    She stepped off the machine and walked to a nearby bench, plopping down while patting her perspiring forehead. "You're not helping your cause any."
    He followed, sitting down beside her. "Let's just say I was approached by people in power, wanting me to make contact with that particular woman." She swiveled to look at him. Counting that for a positive, he continued. "I can't give details since it was just contact and she's a free woman, but I needed to meet her, find out where she's staying."
    "Okay. Suppose what you're saying is true. Couldn't you have slipped her your room number or phone number? Heck, you could have tracked her down at the party after we arrived."
    Cringing at her abrupt tone and clear insight, he released a long suffering sigh. "I'll admit, I didn't think. It was a shock to recognize her, and I couldn't come up with any other way to fulfill my requirements. What seemed like a good idea at the time now shows some holes."
    "Some holes? Swiss cheese is more like it."
    Refraining from debating her analysis, he shifted gears. "I spoke the truth when I said that I really wanted to spend the evening with you."
    Fancy blinked, studied him for a long moment, then shook her head. "I'm sorry. I'm not buying that." Standing up, she settled the towel around her neck. "While I do believe you didn't set out to hurt my feelings, I can't go along with the idea that you picked me out of the hundreds of women here to be with. I don't know if I was just convenient, you felt guilty, or perhaps I was just a challenge. It doesn't matter. What does matter is that I've been fooled once and won't be again."
    "You're different and you've grown on me," he blurted out in honesty, treading water in this debate, fearing he was slowly sinking underwater.
    "That doesn't a relationship make," she tartly pointed out.
    "But it's a start. Look, I'm sorry. I wish I had come up with another solution. I didn't. My fault. I wish I could tell you the whole story. I'm sworn to secrecy and can't. I'm sorry about that, too." He stood up, taking one of her hands in his. "I really do want to spend time with you, learn more, banter with you, see the smile light up your eyes. Yes, I'm asking a lot for you to give me one more chance. But I promise, if you do, you won't regret it." His thumb lightly caressed her hand as he hardly dared to breathe, waiting on her decision. When she remained mute, he whispered, "You fascinate me, interest me, and amaze me with your spunk and fortitude. At least, give it a try. Just one more time. If I do anything wrong, you can kick my ass because heaven knows I'll do the same."
    Her hazel eyes locked on his as she chewed on her bottom lip. She inhaled deeply. "I can't believe I'm saying this, and I'll surely kick myself later, but okay. I'll give you one more chance."
    He grinned widely, lifting her hand to brush a kiss across her knuckles. "You won't regret it. I promise." Curiosity nagged at him. "Why did you follow us to her room?"
    She blushed slightly and looked away. "I still couldn't believe you'd abandon me like you did. For a moment, I thought there had to be something fishy going on." She shrugged. "I guess I needed to see for myself that you were two-timing me." Her face pinched. "I couldn't think of another reason to get inside the room, to find out what was going on. Pretty lame, but it's all I had at the moment."
    Mitch grinned as he felt his heart tug. "Not at all. First of all, thank you for rescuing me. Secondly, I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes even the best minds tend to stutter."
    "Even yours?"
    He nodded. "Especially mine." Kissing her hand once more, he sighed. "She won't interfere with us again. You have my word."

Chapter 14
    "Where are we going exactly?"
    After giving her time to shower and