“Sir?”
“If the woman I was with, Katherine O’Brian, leaves the hotel with her belongings, I’m to be notified immediately. I’m going shopping and should be back in a couple of hours.”
Chapter 12
Daniel found the mall in Ann Arbor and, with the help of a sales clerk about the height and size of Katherine, he was able to pick out several items that would provide warmth for this girl who had occupied his heart and thoughts for so long. He purchased nothing that even hinted that he could have ulterior motives. He bought her new luggage and even some warm winter boots. He picked up some candles and bubble bath from another store and would have those delivered as a complimentary package from the motel. Daniel wanted to do so much more for her, but was at a loss. Although he didn’t know how to help her with her classes, he was certain that he had to find a way. But, if she’d already dropped out…then it hit him.
Digging out his cell phone, he called Carl.
“Daniel! It’s a pleasure to hear from you. Did you find Katherine?”
“I found her. I’m surprised she even let me speak to her, but so far so good. I need you to do me a favor. I want you to find the top school for fashion and design in New York. I need that information as quick as you can get it, and I need the use of a recording studio.”
“Very well, Daniel. But I have heard you sing, Sir, and no offense but—“
Daniel laughed and hung up the phone. He definitely didn’t need to wait for those comments to come out of anyone’s mouth.
Rosie rode in the back of the limo with Francesco to go to the trainer’s home. She was so excited to see Patches and Daisy that she smiled for the entire drive.
“Rosie, see? I told you there were other horses here in this area. A couple of them have race horses, very expensive ones.”
“Francesco, I can’t wait for you to meet my girls. You’re going to love them. Maybe they aren’t the cream of the crop in some people’s eyes, but they’re my babies.”
Francesco only smiled. He didn’t want to make his feelings slip out. I’ll love them because I love you.
The trainer, Amos, met them in the driveway and shook Francesco’s hand, and tipped his hat to Rosie. “You have two of the best mannered horses.”
“Thank you, Amos. Are you sure they’re okay? They didn’t get burned did they?”
“No, I have a groomer on staff, and the horses were cleaned up well and there weren’t any burns on them. The vet's report said their lungs are in good condition as well. Are you ready to see the ladies? I know they’re ready to see you.”
“Oh there they are!” Rosie spotted the horses out in the pasture.”
“If you wait right here I’ll go get them for you.” Amos headed for the fence but Rosie ran in front and went through the gate. With her loud whistle, the two horses’ heads went up and their ears were open and wide. They came running for her. The love between them was clearly evident to both Amos and Francesco.
“Francesco, come and say hello!” Rosie was grinning from ear to ear. Each horse was given kisses, pats, and hugs.
“Rosie, they are so beautiful,” Francesco said as he stepped inside the gate and enjoyed their presence. “I can’t wait to get them home! It shouldn’t be more than a few days, Rosie. Then you can see your babies anytime, day or night.”
There was some small talk between Francesco, Rosie, and Amos. The horses had been washed and well groomed; their coats were shiny in the sun. Francesco saw Rosie shiver and had to get her out of the cold.
“Let’s get the horses in the barn. I don’t like you standing in the cold.”
“The horses like it out here, Francesco, and I’m okay.” Rosie gave him her best smile. When she did, he looked into her beautiful blue eyes.
“Rosie, I know I’m lousy at this. But you are a beautiful woman. You’re a good woman. I know I’m old and everything, but—“
“Old? Francesco, you’re only a few years older than I am.” Rosie laughed.
“Would you like to go on a date with me? I can take you anyplace in the world, and we can have dinner, go dancing, see a play. Whatever you’d like, whatever you want, it’s yours. Please say yes, Rosie. I’m a good man who can make you so happy!”
“What I would like is some time alone in the kitchen. I’ll make us a nice dinner, then we can go into the front room and you can dance with me. Would you like that?”
“Rosie! Yes!” Francesco threw his arms around this woman who fit so comfortably in his embrace, then without a second thought, he softly and briefly kissed her on the lips. “Does this mean that you’re mine?”
“Yes, Francesco, I’m yours. I’ve liked you since I met you.”
“Me? You like me?” He was feeling twenty years younger.
Rosie patted his cheek, nodded her head, and then turned to say goodbye to the horses. She was trying as hard as she could to get her cheeks to stop glowing red.
Francesco stepped beside the limo and pulled out his phone.
“Daniel?”
“Hi, father, is everything okay?”
“She said yes!”
Then the phone call ended just as fast. Daniel smiled and laughed. Go you, Pops!
Daniel’s heart grew heavy even after the good news from his father. If I wouldn’t have royally screwed this up, I could be making that phone call to you. I’d rather spend the rest of my life alone than go through it without her.
Katherine lay back in the bubble bath and let out a long sigh. Her apartment didn’t have a tub, just a shower, and it was so small. She hadn’t had a relaxing bath in a very long time. The little complimentary bottle of bubble bath wasn’t enough, but would have to do. She’d only seen rooms like this in magazines. Never in a million years did Katherine believe she’d ever get to stay in one. He must be paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars a night, if not more.
After forty minutes of soaking, she got out and put the lotion, also complimentary, all over her body, then combed out her freshly washed curls. Katherine sat beside the large windows and looked out over the city. He hasn’t tried anything with me. Maybe he’s really not a creep. He’s had plenty of opportunities to try and get me in bed, or worse. But he’s been nothing but a gentleman. I can’t let myself fall for him though. I can just see his rich behind jetting all over the world and sleeping with women. He probably has kids he doesn’t even know about. And all he wants in return is a song? He probably doesn’t even like my singing.