Three Thousand Miles (27 page)

“I know that you love him and I know that you would never do anything with Michael. It is his actions that I fear.” Katharine looks sad and I feel awful I wish I
could have a magic wand to wipe away all this mixed up feelings about Michael. However this is the real world and there is no magic, so I will just have to settle for reality. And the reality is, I am in love with Adrian but I need Michael too. My friend loves Michael and she cannot fully be with him because he loves me. My life is too complicated and I feel like crying every time
that
I think of this of situation.

After a long day of relaxing on the beach Katharine and I finally decide that, it is time we went back to the hotel. I quickly get up from the leather sun lounger and begin t
o pack up my stuff. As I throw
my sun cream into my bag, I hear my white Blackberry buzzing.

“Hello baby, how is it going over there?” Adrian asks as I answer his call.

“The beach is stunning but it is getting colder now. We are just about to head back to the hotel. Are you still at the meeting?”

“No I am actually on Chris’s yacht, the meeting finished early and he invited everyone back for drinks. I shouldn’t be long as our flight is at eight.”

“Okay, Adrian I will let you get back to your colleagues.”

“Alanna,”

“Yes,”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes I am fine, why?”

“No reason, don’t talk to anyone strange
,
okay?” His words alert me and I loose grip on whatever I was holding in my hand. My heart is racing as I think back on the shooting.

“Adrian, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing baby, but you can never be too careful. Just be aware of anyone strange, do you understand?”

“Yes, but I thought all that was over?”

“Alanna
,
it will never be over as long as you are with me. I promise that I will keep you safe don’t worry but please
,
be aware.” I breathe a sigh of relief and I quickly compose myself around Katharine.

“Sweetie, I will talk to you soon, I love you
Adrian
.”

“I know
that
you do.”

Adrian hangs up and I quickly turn to Katharine.

“Was that Adrian?” Katharine asks and I feel that is a silly question but I answer her anyway.

“Yes, they aren’t back the hotel yet.”

“Where are they?” Katharine says rather nervously. 

“You that know that guy Chris?”

“Yeah I met him briefly last night.”

“Adrian and Michael are having drinks with him on his yacht. Adrian said he won’t be long but I am not sure about Michael.” I say. Katharine immediately checks her phone and I can tell that she is disappointed that Michael has not called her. I shake off this concerned feeling and I quickly begin to pack up
my
things once again.

We arrive back at the hotel and as soon as I am in through the door, I rush to the shower. I quickly wash and then I begin to rummage through the closet for an outfit.

“Is this all your clothes?” Katharine says as he strides into the closet wearing a plush white bathrobe and
a
towel around her hair. I glance up at her as I s
it amongst the piles of clothes -
which is scattered all over the floor.

“I can’t find an outfit, help
,
please.” Katharine lets out a giggle as she begins to pick through the designer threads. I watch as her face lights
up
at the sight of the clothes.

“How about this,
” Katharine holds up a soft pink Dior dress and I can tell that she adores this dress. I smile at her and I say.

“That dress would look amazing on you.”

“Alanna I couldn’t,” she says quietly.

“Yes you can, take it.” I smile at her and I watch her look over the dress.

“It’s a stunning dress but I what would Adrian say?” I narrow my eyes at her.

“Katharine don’t worry about him, he won’t have anything to say. And if he does then I will put him in his place.” I giggle at my words and I catch Katharine smiling as she strokes the dress.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Oh for heaven’s sake, take the dress and help me find something to wear.” I insist. Katharine gently lays down the dress as he begins again to rummage through the clothes. She finally chooses me a dress and I smile at her choice. Katharine bolts out the room and I begin to get dressed. I carefully slip on the white, figure hugging, Oscar de la
Renta
dress that Katharine chose for me. I quickly blow dry my hair and I apply some light makeup. I gaze at myself in mirror as I slip on my gold Rolex. As I take in my reflection, I notice that some freckles have appeared on my face and that I am slightly sunburned. I switch off the light and I walk back into the room. I slip on my black Jimmy Choos and then I head out into the hallway. I walk into the lounge and I gasp as I clap eyes on Katharine. She looks stunning and that dress is gorgeous against her tanned skin. Her hair is up in a high bun and I notice that she is wearing huge diamond earrings. I walk over to her and I say.

“Katharine you look amazing. That dress is stunning on you I could ne
ver have carried it off in the way that you have
.” She smiles at me and I begin to walk over to the built in bar.

“Would you like a drink?” I ask.

“Yes I am gasping.” I laugh at her as I pour two glasses of champagne. We take a seat in the lounge as we wait for Adrian and Michael.

The door bursts open and in walks Adrian. He immediately walks over and sits down next to me. He takes my hand and softly kisses it. I place my other hand
onto his cheek as he leans in and kisses me. It is not until Adrian pulls back that I remember that we have company. I shyly smile at Katharine as she stares at us.

“How was your day?” Adrian asks as he walks over the bar.

“Amazing and yours,” Adrian takes a sip of water as he makes his way back over to me.

“Baby I won’t bore you with business, but the meeting went well.” I watch Katharine as she shifts around nervou
sly. I can tell that something is
bothering her and I have a feeling
that
I know what it is.

“Where is Michael?” I ask Adrian. Katharine immediately turns to face Adrian and I notice that looks a little worried.

“I don’t know I thought that he would be back by now. He left ages before me hasn’t he called you?” Adrian says. Katharine shakes her head and I begin to get worried.  However, I try to reassure Katharine that everything is okay.

“I am sure
that
he just got held up somewhere, don’t worry.” Katharine presses a smile from her lips and I can tell that she is worried. I quickly glance at Adrian and I think that he feels sorry for Katharine. He rolls his eyes as he runs his fingers through his hair.  Everything is silent as we wait for Michael.

I jump as I hear door burst open. Adrian lets out a husky laugh at my reaction and I playfully slap his leg.

“I am sorry
that
I took so long.” Michael says as he makes his way over to Katharine. She looks loving
ly
up at him and she reaches out for a kiss. However, Michael ignores her and I watch as Katharine’s heart sinks.

“You look amazing Alanna,” Michael says and I feel very uneasy at his words. I don’t really know how to respond to him and it looks as if Katharine is an inch from tears. I try to compose myself as glare wickedly over at him.

“Thanks, but look how amazing Katharine looks.” I say a little bitterly. Michael narrows his eyes at me and then he turns to Katharine. He stares at her and he finally says.

“You look wonderful babe.” Katharine’s face lights up at his comment and I feel even more uneasy that she forgave him so easily. Adrian shakes his head at Michael and then he turns to me.

“Baby, it is nearly
time
to go
,
have you packed?”

“Yes, I am ready when you are.” Adrian quickly gets up from the seat and he makes his way into the bedroom. I quickly follow him and he instructs me to close the door. I walk further in the room and Adrian glides towards to me.

“That was awkward,” I say as Adrian pulls me close. He has a wicked smirk on his face as he begins to kiss me. I feel his hand slipping further down my waist and now it is caressing my hip. I gently pull his h
a
nd away he gazes wide eyed at me.

“Too far Adrian,” I say smugly. He again smiles at me as he buries his head onto my shoulder. He gently kisses along my neck as he begins to talk.

“Baby I am sorry but you are too sexy in that dress. I cannot help myself you are irresistible to me.”

We arrive back in New York and back to the freezing cold. Adrian walks me briskly into the dorm and he escorts me back to my room.

“Now this is where we say our goodbyes.” He says as he opens the door for me. I sigh as I stare at him and I wish that he did not have to leave.

“Adrian do you have to go so soon?”
He smiles at me as he takes me in his arms.

“Yes baby, you have classes in the morning and I have a ton of paperwork.” I slightly roll my eyes at him and he bursts out laughing.

“What’s funny?” I say bitterly. His laugh increases and my fury with him
,
begins to grow.

“Don’t be smug, Adrian,” he quickly straightens his face as he pulls me closer to him. I gaze up into his glowing green eyes as he gently strokes my face.

“What do you see in me, Alanna?” I roll my eyes at his comment and he begins to laugh again.

“Baby, seriously what do you see in me?” He asks again.

“I see the man
that
I love.” Adrian quickly and passionately kisses me on my lips and I feel lost in his presence. He grips my head as his kiss becomes firmer and I slide my hand onto his back. After what seems like forever, we finally break free and I watch him as he walks away.                             
             

Thirteen

As I sit in Mr Hopkins class the next day, I am constantly thinking of Adrian. I am physically in class but my mind is back in Miami with Adrian. I am sitting in his white Bentley as he drives too fast around the heated streets. A gentle smile comes to my face as I remember his laugh. I close my eyes for a second and there is a sudden flash of his green eyes in my mind. I lightly stroke my lip as I remember his kiss.

“Miss Hart, is there something
that
you would like to share with the class?” My eyes instantly open to see Mr Hopkins standing over me. I quickly smile at him as my face flushes hot in embarrassment. I adjust myself in the chair as I think of a way to respond.

“Sorry,” is all I manage to say. Mr Hopkins briefly smiles at me as he strides over to his desk.

“Right now that everyone is present
and
in the moment; there is something
that
I would like to discuss with the group.” The assertiveness in his voice alerts me to sit up and take notice of his words.

“Here at Columbia we strive to be supportive of our city’s people. As many of you already know, our local community centres desperately need some volunteers. If anyone would like to help, it would be much appreciated. Times are tough right now and help is needed.” I feel instantly drawn to his words and without hesitation I lunge my hand into the air.

“Yes Miss
H
art?” The teacher says as he raises his eyebrows at me.

“I would like to help.” I say proudly. Mr Hopkins smiles at me as he writes in his notepad.

The bell rings to signal the end of class and as I make my way out door, Mr Hopkins calls me back. I walk over to him and he quickly rises from his seat.

“Miss Hart, I can’t thank you enough for volunteering. I will arrange for you drop by the community centre tomorrow is that
,
okay?” I smile at him and I agree to his words.

I quickly walk along the hallway until I am
at
my room. I open the door and Sophie greets me.

“Hey, how was Miami?” She asks as I flop down onto my bed.

“Miami was amazing, Sophie did Adrian stop by today?” I ask as check my phone. Sophie slightly rolls her eyes as she responds.

“No I haven’t seen him.” I sigh at her words and then I sit up straight. I gaze over at Sophie as I am about to a
sk her about spending two weeks in
London.

“Sophie
,
I have something that I will like to ask you?” Sophie widens her eyes as she replies.

“Okay…”

“I am going to spend two weeks over summer in London with Adrian. But business will take up a lot of his time and I was wondering if you wanted to
come wi
th me. We could spend time
together in London the most beautiful city in the world.” I gush. I watch as Sophie’s face lights up and she cannot hold back her smile.