Chapter Four

Matt was silent for a long moment. It wasn’t a question he could entirely answer. How could he explain the burning desire to know where she was? What she was doing. If she was all right. It had been a year for crying out loud. He shouldn’t care, damn it. He should forget all about her, but he couldn’t.

“I want some answers,” he finally muttered. “She never cashed the check I gave her. I’d just like to know that nothing has happened to her.”

The excuse sounded lame even to him.

Dash raised an eyebrow and sipped at the expensive wine. “After what she pulled, I’d imagine she’s feeling pretty damn stupid." he said."I wouldn’t want to show my face either.”

Matt shrugged. “Maybe.” But he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was something more. Why was he even worried? Why should he care? Why hadn’t she cashed the check? Why couldn’t he get her out of his mind? She haunted him. For a year, he had cursed her, lain awake at night wondering where she was and if she was safe. And he hated that he cared, even though he convinced himself he’d worry about any woman under the same circumstances. He had tried to forget about her, it took him a whole year to realize that he couldn't... And then he had decided to find her and at least know that she was okay. Because he was definitely going crazy with the curiosity and wondering if she was okay. 

She didn't make finding her easy though. She had disconnected her number and stopped using her social media accounts. Her friend Victoria said she didn't know where she was and he didn't know if she was telling him the truth or just covering up for Savannah. All Victoria had told him after a lot of pestering was that Savannah said she needed her break from everything and she had just dropped off the face of the earth. He was worried... Even when he knew he shouldn't be. She didn't deserve his care. 

Dash shrugged. “Your time and your dime, man. Oh, look, there’s Stefan. Wasn’t sure Mr. Reclusive would actually crawl out of that fortress of his for the event.” he said. 

Stefan Codge shouldered his way through the crowd, and people instinctively moved to get out of his way. He was tall and broad chested, and he wore power and refinement like most other people wore clothing. The stone set of his demeanor made him unapproachable by most. He could be a mean son of a bitch, but he could usually be counted on to relax around his friends.

Stefan emitted a dry chuckle. “Poor bastard. I don’t know whether to offer my condolences or my congratulations.” he said. 

Matt grinned. “Emily is a good woman." he said."David is lucky to have her.”

Dash nodded and even Stefan smiled, if you could call the tiny lift at the corner of his mouth a true smile. Then Stefan turned to Dash, his eyes gleaming with unholy amusement.

“Word is you’re not far from taking a trip down the aisle yourself.” he said. 

Dash muttered a crude expletive and flipped up his middle finger along the side of his wineglass.

“Let’s not ruin David's wedding by talking about mine." he said."I’m more interested in knowing whether you were able to acquire the site for the new location of our hotel since Moon Island is now officially a bust.”

Stefan's eyebrows went up in exaggerated shock.

“You doubt me? I’ll have you know that twenty prime acres of beachfront property on St. Michael's is now ours. And I got a damn good deal. Better yet, construction will commence as soon as we can move crews in. If we really dig in, we’ll come close to hitting our original deadline for the grand opening.”