The South Beach Search Read online

  “No,” Victoria said.

  Taki threw Victoria a look to shut her up, but she just smiled.

  “She was going to ask about you, too,” Victoria announced importantly.

  If Taki weren’t so furious at Victoria for her outrageous remark, she would have laughed at the mystified expression blooming across Reese’s face.

  “Me? What about me?” he asked.

  Taki glared at Victoria, thinking her white hair didn’t look at all like a halo anymore. When Taki returned her attention to Reese, she felt as if he were looking into her soul again. She wondered what he could see.

  “I need to know whether or not I can trust you,” she explained.

  “I should be going.” Victoria came to her feet with exaggerated determination.

  Taki sent Victoria the most imploring expression she could muster, but her friend merely laughed, waved and left the way she’d come.

  Taki folded her arms across her chest. Why had she told Victoria anything about Reese? And why did she ache all over for him to touch her again?

  “Why don’t you trust me?” he asked quietly.

  Taki swallowed hard. “It’s just I’ve had some...problems with lawyers in the past.”

  He nodded. “Legal matters can be rough, but we’re not all sharks.”

  “And, well, don’t get mad again, but I found the note buried in my yoga bag right after you so nicely carried it for me.”

  Reese narrowed his eyes at her. “Yeah? And?”

  “So I thought maybe you had—” She paused. “So, I’m sorry, but that made you a suspect in my view. I thought maybe the note had come from you.”

  His jaw dropped, as she had known it would. Good. He was no longer thinking about any past legal problems.

  “You cannot be serious.” He enunciated each word as if it were heavy as stone.

  “I no longer believe that,” she said in a rush. “But remember you told me I should be more logical.”

  “I do recall that. So by suspecting me you were being logical?”

  “I was trying to not rely on my feelings, like you suggested. If I relied on my feelings...” She met his gaze and again felt herself sinking into the depths of his mesmerizing brown eyes. Reese had such beautiful, fascinating eyes.

  “If I relied only on my feelings, I would never suspect you.” She reached for his hand and squeezed. “Never.”

  He placed his hand on top of hers, and she was comforted by the connection. She loved touching Reese. If only things were different.

  * * *

  STARING AT HER lovely face, Reese couldn’t decide whether to be insulted or mollified. Her skin glowed in the soft light, making her appear radiant.

  But her logic was so convoluted he gave up trying to follow such a twisted labyrinth.

  “Thanks,” he said finally. “I think.”

  “You’re welcome.” She withdrew her hand, and he felt the loss keenly.

  “Where is Cassadaga?” he asked.

  “Near Daytona Beach,” she replied. “About a five-or six-hour drive.”

  He rubbed his chin again, sudden inspiration sprouting to life, although he wasn’t quite sure where the idea came from. “Is Victoria going with you?”

  “No.”

  “So you’re going to drive to North Florida alone in that rusted heap?”

  She shrugged. “Yes.”

  “Do you really think that’s wise?”

  “I’ve done it many times before.”

  Reese marveled at the defiance in Taki’s voice. Maybe she did create her own reality.

  The more he thought about her trip, the more he knew he had to accompany her. He ticked off the reasons in his mind one after another: her old Jeep was unreliable; a woman traveling alone was always a tempting target; and there was a good chance she could be meeting someone about the bowl again and not telling him. Worst of all, if Javi was right, Izzo now knew her license plate and she could be in danger. There had to be more of a connection between his briefcase and her bowl than she was admitting.

  For sure she was hiding something. The question was, what? Why was she so secretive? He needed to find out. The sooner, the better.

  Reese knew if he worked on it long enough, he could come up with several more excuses. All he had to do was find one that would convince her.

  “This psychic has been helpful in the past?” Reese asked, not believing the words coming out of his mouth. Was he actually considering a consult with a fortune-teller? “So you recommend her?”

  Taki nodded. “Robin is absolutely awesome. Amazing.”

  “And you believe she can pinpoint the location of the bowl?” He hoped he managed to sound interested. No reason to antagonize Taki again.

  “Pinpoint? I don’t know about that, but she might give me a clue.” Taki leaned toward him. “Once, out of nowhere, she warned me that my—” Taki halted midthought and bit her bottom lip, making him wish they did have an otherworldly bond so he’d know what she’d been about to reveal.

  More secrets.

  “Let’s just say Robin has saved me from several disasters.” Taki sat back, plucking at the hem of a royal-blue Paradise Way Ashram sweatshirt, which featured the image of an opening pink lotus flower. As usual, she looked totally comfortable in casual clothing, while his pin-striped suit and tie made him appear ready for a day in court.

  “She sounds great,” he said. “Do you think she could help me find my briefcase?”

  “Possibly.” Taki threw him a suspicious look. “Why do you ask?”

  “You scared away my only lead. I’m thinking why not ask your psychic for some help.”

  “Yeah, right. Mr. Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida consulting a spiritualist?”

  Reese winced as she emphasized each word of his title.

  “I don’t think so,” she concluded.

  “You’re wrong, Taki.” Reese modulated his voice to sound reasonable. “Law enforcement personnel have often found the services of these specialists useful.”

  She held up one hand. “Wa-ait a minute. I know you don’t believe in psychics.”

  “But I’ve lost personal property that’s very important to me, a briefcase containing trial notes for an important case. I need to avail myself of all possible remedies to get those notes back. We’ll drive up together in the Jag. I’ve got a new back windshield and trunk lock.”

  Her mouth fell open. “No way.”

  “Why not? I guarantee you’ll find the trip a lot more comfortable than your Jeep.”

  When her blue eyes widened, they also glimmered with a hint of mischief. At that moment he would have given up his corner office to know what she was thinking.

  “I always spend the night,” she said. “It’s too far to drive back the same day.”

  “No problem. I’m sure there are motels in the area,” he said. “Or we could always drive to Orlando for lodging.”

  He waited for the obligatory insistence on separate rooms, but she remained silent, continuing to eye him thoughtfully. “Are you sure you don’t have to work?”

  “Tomorrow is Saturday. Besides, I will be working, remember? I’m consulting an expert about missing evidence in a case. And I’ll bet your psychic will be pleased to have extra business.”

  He suspected Taki wouldn’t be able to resist throwing a friend some unexpected work. She’d think it good for her all-important karma.

  “Yes,” Taki said, drawing the word out slowly. “No question Robin will be very happy about another reading.”

  “Good. What time do you want to leave?” Reese stood, deciding to make a quick getaway before Taki changed her mind. She could get a “feeling” at any moment and cancel the trip, and he suddenly wanted very much to drive with
her to Cassadaga. If nothing else, he intended to convince her she could trust him. Having his integrity questioned was a new and unsettling experience.

  “We have to leave no later than ten to make it by four.” When she rose in her fluid, effortless manner, he knew she’d decided to accept the ride.

  “I’ll pick you up at ten.”

  “I’ll leave a message for Robin that you want a reading at five,” she said.

  “Sounds good. Thanks.”

  “Sure.” When they reached the door, she paused. “Um...are you a safe driver?”

  “Safer than you. I don’t speed.”

  As he smiled into her troubled eyes, the prospect of waking up next to such a fascinating face rendered him speechless. Maybe he could stay the night right here. Images of Taki’s limber body in very unyogalike positions sprang into his mind, blotting out any other thought. Desire rose with a swift intensity. He wanted to crush her to him.

  She moistened her lips, and he wondered if her brain waves traveled down the same erotic path as his. Maybe she wanted him to stay. She liked their kisses. Why not more? He lifted his arm and touched her hair. He could swing by home in the morning to pick up what he needed.

  “It won’t work if you don’t believe,” she said softly before he could pull her into his arms.

  “What?” The husky word hung in the air, and he allowed his hand to trail down her arm.

  “The reading won’t work if you don’t believe in it.”

  He remained silent a moment, suppressing disappointment that her cosmic connection didn’t work any better. But of course she hadn’t known what he was thinking. He’d lost his freaking mind.

  “You have no idea how much I want to believe,” he said finally, resisting the urge to suggest he spend the night.

  She nodded, as if pleased.

  He squeezed her hand. “See you tomorrow morning.”

  “Good night, Reese.”

  He released her fingers reluctantly, hearing uncertainty in her voice when she spoke his name.

  The brisk evening air hit him like a splash of frigid water. Two shrill beeps confirmed that he’d clicked off the Jag’s alarm. He slid onto a cold leather seat and buttoned his jacket.

  Was he really going on a road trip with Taki tomorrow? How had that happened? He hadn’t taken off an entire weekend in over six months.

  He started the engine and shifted into Reverse. Well, it was about time he got a life again. What was it Taki espoused? Live in the present moment, don’t worry about the future or the past; your life was what was happening right now.

  Fine. He’d do as she recommended. Why not? With a smile, he remembered the taste of her warm, sweet mouth. He hadn’t felt this alive since before law school.

  If only he knew what she was hiding.

  * * *

  TAKI WAITED UNTIL certain Reese had left her neighborhood, then grabbed her cape and ran to the Jeep. The duct tape she’d used to seal the cut in her canvas top had worked its way loose, so she smoothed it down, the chilly night air numbing her fingers.

  At the first red light, wishing she had gloves, she rubbed her hands together and blew on them. Even she had to admit it was chilly tonight.

  She glanced at the Jeep’s clock. Only 9:00 p.m. Navi usually meditated until ten. She could easily catch him before he retired. She wanted to talk to him about tomorrow’s trip.

  She desperately needed her guru’s advice.

  How had she let Reese maneuver her into accompanying her to Cassadaga for her reading? And why was she now looking forward to the journey so very much? She could fool herself into thinking it was because she didn’t have to drive for five hours, but knew that wasn’t the reason. Although, not driving was definitely a good thing.

  No, she was excited about spending the whole blessed day tomorrow alone with Reese, getting to know him better away from any interruptions from his work. The whole night, too. She swallowed at the thought of what could happen tomorrow night.

  This was an extremely bad idea. A dangerous path to plunge down. Yes, that was the right image. Like falling off a cliff. But didn’t Navi always tell her she had to follow her own path? That’s likely what he’d say tonight.

  She’d have to be careful, watch every single word the entire day, and not let anything about her true identity slip. Yeah, that’s what she always promised herself, but Reese still managed to get past her defenses and ferret out details. Damning details that would come back to haunt her if he ever put them all together.

  Tomorrow she’d be extra vigilant, always on her guard.

  But what would happen if she just told Reese who she was? He’d promised never to reveal her phone number to anyone. Why would he give her away? He had no loyalty to the Spencer Trust. She’d see how the weekend went, get to know him better, and maybe she’d tell him the truth.

  After the turn onto Alton Road, Taki spotted an open drugstore ahead on the left. Impulsively, she turned into the almost-empty parking lot. She needed a few things for the trip. This store sold a delicious all-natural trail mix for snacking. She preferred to make her own, but didn’t have time tonight. She hated that time had become her enemy. Not very yogic.

  Stepping inside the store’s warmth, she grabbed a plastic basket. She paused before a display of disposable cameras, and after a moment placed one in her bin. Now she could have a photograph of Reese to take with her when she had to leave. The thought of leaving deflated her good mood a little, but she found the trail mix and threw several packages into her container. She didn’t have to move just yet.

  She passed a rack of reading glasses, then turned back to examine the display of frames. Why didn’t Reese wear glasses? When he’d squinted at her note this evening, it wasn’t the first time she’d noticed he needed help with his vision. She reached for a masculine style she liked in a weak magnification.

  Smiling at herself in the tiny mirror, she imagined Reese’s dark eyes behind the lenses instead of her blue ones. She tried on two other pairs, tilting her chin, viewing herself from straight on and profile. She placed her first selection in the basket.

  Wouldn’t Reese be surprised tomorrow when she gave him her gift.

  “Excuse me,” a brusque female voice said close to her ear.

  Taki moved out of the way, realizing she’d blocked the path. “I’m so sorry,” she said, giving the woman an apologetic smile.

  Taki decided long ago to make every chance encounter with another being a pleasant one. That way both people ended up feeling better for the rest of the day.

  “I guess I was daydreaming,” Taki told the woman with a grin. A big smile did wonders to lighten anybody’s mood.

  Looking surprised, her fellow customer smiled back and said, “No problem. I do that all the time.”

  As the woman continued on, Taki glanced across the aisle and spotted three rows of condoms.

  She scanned the labels on brightly colored boxes and stepped closer. Was this something she might need tomorrow night? Or would Reese be prepared? Startled by her thoughts, Taki’s face grew warm, and she understood exactly why she was thrilled about this trip with Reese, why she’d come into this drugstore, in fact.

  Everything happened for a reason.

  Deciding she didn’t need to talk to Guru Navi after all, Taki tossed a box that promised “Ultra Pleasure” into her basket and stepped toward the cashier.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  THE NEXT MORNING, Taki was ready to go by nine-thirty, an overnight case packed and sitting by the front door beside the lunch she’d prepared. Humming a peaceful chant under her breath, she stepped outside to check her garden, and a blast of chilly morning air enveloped her.

  As she descended the steps, she decided her lavender would love the cooler temperature, then raised her arms overhead to greet the sun. After a
deep, glorious breath, Taki spun in a circle, listening to the cry of a blue jay as it flew into one of the oaks. What a perfect day!

  She stuck a finger into the soil to check the moisture, finding the deep earth warmer than the air, and decided not to water. She plucked a few stray weeds, then moved back inside to warm up.

  If she needed another reason to be traveling to North Florida with Reese, the heat in her Jeep barely worked. But who needed another reason?

  She stepped over to the shelf where she kept the infusions she’d already prepared and stored in amber-colored bottles to protect the contents from light. What oil did she have ready that would relax Reese? She intended to give him a massage tonight that he would never forget.

  She paused, wondering why today felt like a fresh start with Reese when, in a way, it was likely more of an ending. She pushed away that depressing thought. She had this one day and night to spend with him, and she wanted to enjoy every moment.

  At the sound of a car braking out front, she grabbed a bottle and hurried to the front door. She spotted Reese’s Jag and a blue SUV on Victoria’s driveway. She stuffed the oil in her bag and carried it outside just as Reese stepped from his sedan.

  She caught her breath at the sight of him, and felt a slow pull in her center. Tall and handsome, he wore khaki slacks and a navy turtleneck sweater that displayed his wide shoulders and flat abs.

  “Good morning,” he said with a huge smile.

  “Hi,” she said, suddenly overwhelmed by what she’d planned.

  He took her bag and placed it in the trunk, while she slid into the passenger seat, where the distinctive bouquet of fine leather catapulted her to chauffeur-driven days of long ago. Lost in bittersweet memories, she ran her hand across the smooth, cool seat and thought of Ivan, her father’s driver, a sweet man from Russia who’d picked her up after school and always asked what she had learned that day, if she made any new friends. He’d cared more about her than her father had. Sometimes he—

  “Earth to Taki. Hello?”

  Reese’s impatient words were spoken as if he’d been trying to gain her attention for several minutes. And he probably had, while she’d been wallowing in painful history.