Chapter Twelve– Intruding

Ramon watched as Jeanette pushed the food around on her plate, barely having anything to eat. He couldn't understand the change when she was talking about how hungry she was before they came, nor could he understand how she could be this quiet. The meals they had shared over the last few days have always been lively and full of discussions, and yet, she was giving one word responses. What, in God's name, could have happened when he was away? He was only gone for a few moments.

      Did someone approach her? He looked around, but saw no one he knew so he wouldn't have known who spoke to her, or even when. And even if they left before he got back, it's not like any of his ex lovers would talk to a woman he was with, they were better than that.

      "Come, cara mia, you have barely eaten, are you okay?" He watched as her teeth clenched and he knew something had happened, but was dumb founded as to what, and that was a feeling he did not like.

      "I'm fine." And that was the first time she had lied to him.

      "You have hardly touched your food; do you want to go back to your room?"

      "Yes, maybe I'm just tired, a lot….happened today." That did it. He knew something happened, that word gave at least that much away, but he also knew that she wouldn't speak about it, so it was up to him to try and end this wonderful day on a good note. He signaled for the check and laid his card on the table and helped her up, but this time, there was no blush to stain her cheeks. He wanted his Jeanette back, he didn't like this one; she was cold and indifferent and he knew that was not like her at all.

      Half way through the drive, he finally heard her sigh and he glanced at her; that was the first noise she had made from the restaurant and he was afraid the trip would be in silence. He reached over for her hand and she allowed him to take it, offering him a small smile.

      "I'm sorry Ramon, I guess the day had finally caught up with me and I was just tired. I didn't mean for it to end badly."

      "You did not end it badly. I am sorry, maybe I planned too much for you today."

      "Not at all, I loved it. It might have a part to do with the heat, but all in all, I was overjoyed with the day." She leaned over and kissed his cheek lightly, causing him to smile. He was glad he told her to kiss him whenever and he hoped she would keep on.

      He walked her to the door after he pulled up to the hotel and watched as she dug out her key card and smiled at him. He wanted to believe it was the heat, but he knew better. 

      "Thank you for today." He nodded and gave her a soft kiss.

      "Good night, cara mia, I'll be here at 9."

      "At least I can sleep in." They chuckled and she walked into her room. Well, not the way he was expecting the night to end but better than the one he imagined at dinner.

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      Ramon opened her door and she climbed in the following morning, giving him a soft smile. She had spent the night going over everything in her mind and had finally decided that she couldn't, no wouldn't, let Sapphire take away what she was enjoying. Even if it was a fling, it was her's. And, who was it to say it was nothing more than two friends running into each other? She was going to make the most of today, and every day.

      She glanced over at him as his phone went off and he took the phone call before starting the car. Although, over the next two minutes and his booming voice yelling quickly in Italian, she had wished she had left.

      "Ramon, is everything okay?"

      "Do you mind coming to my work for a little bit, dolcezza? It seems something important requires my attention right away."

      "If you are sure because I can also stay in my room…"

      "No, no, where I want to take you is close by my bank." He smiled as he took her hand and drove to his bank.

      Jeanette couldn't help but notice all the stares as she followed him, really thinking that him bringing anyone to work was highly unusual. After all, he really was the type to not bring someone to work. She let out a soft sigh as they went up to his level and into his office.

      "You can sit, cara mia, this should not take too long. Do you want or need anything?"

      "A tablet or a laptop?"

      "You can use mine." Ramon grabbed it and set her up at the small table in his office. "What are you doing?"

      "Uh," Jeanette glanced over her shoulder as she looked at him, "outlying a story." Ramon laughed as he let her be and walked over to his, quickly placing a few phone calls.

      45 minutes later, Jeanette felt someone over her shoulder and tilted her head back to look at Ramon, who was reading what she was working on.

      "The sound of the keys caught my interest. I tried calling you, but you seemed so lost in your world that you did not hear me."

      "Yeah, I do that a lot. Get so wrapped up in a story that I can blank everything out. There was even one time, my editor told me, that I was so wrapped up, I hadn't eaten, or even showered, in three days. I was really a walking zombie and she had to force me to take care of myself. When I say my mind doesn't stop, it doesn't."

      "Not always a bad thing." He gazed down at her and lowered his head, brushing his lips over hers before capturing her lips softly, and for her, if he didn't have her heart before that, he sure as hell did now.

      "Oh, I sure hope I am not intruding."