A Secret To Keep Part 5

"So, wait a minute. This was all a ruse? You never intended to go with D&S's plan in the first place?" Sloane seethed as she felt the jet start its ascent into the sky. "Gates McCall, you jerk! You had us practically jumping through hoops to impress you. I've been stressed out and canceling plans all week and now you've kidnapped me and blackmailed me into going to dinner with you?"

"I didn't kidnap you. You agreed to come." Laughing, he ducked as she threw one of the small accent pillows at his head.

"Turn this plane around. Oh, I can't believe you."

"Aw come on, yes you can. And you know you really don't want me to turn the plane around." She wanted to choke the life out of him, but she had to admit a little bit of her didn't mind being whisked away. She always loved his spontaneity and the fun they had together.

Sighing heavily, she crossed her arms and looked at a highly amused Gates. "You're such an annoying-" She was trying to stay mad at him but was failing miserably. Why did this man still get to her?

"Oh, come on, don't be mad. Plus, I didn't think you'd mind visiting a little place in Charleston that has our names written all over it?"

Realizing immediately the place Gates was referring to, she could feel her resolve fading. "Oh, my gosh, Gates are you serious?"

"I've really wanted some great seafood lately, so..."

"I haven't been there in a long time." Sloane gushed as she thought about Hyman's Seafood and the awesome food the family owned restaurant produced. The place was usually so packed there was a line that ran down the street from the door; and people were happy to wait in line. Many celebrities had eaten there and little gold plaques were all around the restaurant marking their seats. The first time Gates took her there was on a long weekend trip and she instantly fell in love with the charming little town with its old-fashioned streets and the wonderful smell of pralines. She enjoyed shopping on Market Street and staying in the Charleston Place Hotel. Charleston had history and it was a quaint city. For someone of Gates stature, it would seem a little out of place for him to want to go to such a 'normal' place for dinner, but that was just it. The Gates she knew was merely a simple guy who loved the little things in life even though he was afforded anything he could ever imagine.

"Why're you doing this?"

"Why am I doing what?"

"Taking me to dinner in Charleston, in one of our, uh, my favorite places, and being nice to me like you used to a long time ago?" She watched him shrug and sink into the leather seat before tilting his head to look at her.

"Am I truly that horrible?"

"I'm just saying I haven't seen this side of you in a while." His demeanor had changed tremendously from when she first saw him in Antony's office. He actually looked relaxed and it reminded her of their time together.

"Maybe seeing you after all this time reminded me of better times between us, and I missed that." She wasn't sure what to think of his response. This definitely was like the old Gates she knew, but she wondered how long it would last. "Look, I don't pretend to think for one minute things are what they used to be. I guess I just wanted to spend a little time with you before I went back to New York for good. So much has changed. You have a fiance and...a son now." Sloane's breath caught in her throat at Gates' comment and confirmation he'd seen the picture of Brayden. "I guess in a way, I wanted to apologize for what went wrong between us."

"You're kidding, right? Gates McCall doesn't apologize to anyone."

"Only to you." He watched her with an intensity that made her shift in her seat and she was forced to look away. This was not going at all like she thought it would. What happened to the animosity he had for her?

Breaking the concentrated silence between them, the pilot notified them they should prepare for landing in 10 minutes.

"Thank you." She couldn't believe he had apologized to her and the only thing she could do was mutter the words 'thank you.' Only to you. What was that supposed to mean? His actions since he ran after her in the parking lot of Elijah's had dumbfounded her to no end.

"You're welcome."

"Ooo, I'm stuffed." She couldn't believe how much she'd eaten, but everything was so good and it had been so long since she'd been to Hyman's. She and Gates had a great dinner and conversation and even managed to laugh while they ate. He asked her about her life and how she liked living in Wilmington. Sloane answered the questions without giving up too much information and was able to steer the conversation in other directions. It was especially helpful that Gates' phone rang intermittently throughout dinner. "Too bad the flight isn't that long, otherwise; I'd probably get a great nap in."

"Well, I thought before we headed back, you might want to walk off some of this. We can head up Market Street and grab some pralines for old time's sake." They exited the restaurant and began walking down the street.

"Gates, really, we should be getting back. If we leave now, I can get back for my plans. And I'm sure you probably need to get back. I mean your phone has been going off most of the afternoon."

"I own the company. They'll be okay." He smiled as he switched the phone to silent. "Plans with Chase?"

"Yes." She knew Satan had a special chair for her beside him in h.e.l.l for lying to Gates again, but she couldn't help herself. She didn't know any other way to get herself out of this situation.

"Look, we'll go back, but not before we take a carriage ride." Grabbing her hand, he paid for the carriage that just happened to be on the corner and before she knew it, they were off and trekking through Charleston streets.

"Gates, I really do have to go home." If she didn't know better, she would swear he was stalling for time.

"We'll go back. Relax and have fun okay; or do you not remember how to do that?" he challenged.

"I know how to have fun. I simply don't like to be forced into it." Crossing her arms she sat back on the red crushed velvet seat and listened to the rhythmic click of the horse's hooves on the asphalt as they meandered through the city streets.

"No one's forcing you to do anything. You agreed to come with me."

"Yes, but now you're just holding me hostage." She wanted to be mad at him, but she couldn't. How is it a man could be that captivating to make her forget about everything else around her? She slowly relaxed while listening to the hypnotic click clack and watched the beautiful scenery go by. The stately beauty of the old houses bathed in the shade of the hundreds of years old gnarled trees. The salty ocean air mixed with the smell of pralines made her fall in love with Charleston all over again. It was amazing how a few moments of solace in the ocean-laced breeze could relax even the most overtaxed mind.

"You smell that? There's no way we can come all the way to Charleston and not get some. That's a sin." Gates lips curved upwards and she couldn't resist grinning back at him.

"Okay, okay. I have to agree with you there." As their ride ended, Gates helped her exit the carriage and they walked until they arrived at River Street Sweets. The candy store was another family owned business and their candy was to die for. She had their catalog at home and every once in a while, especially at Christmas, she would order candy for her or her friends.

Exiting the shop, each with a box in hand, they both burst into a fit of giggles as they ate their sugary confections.

"Look at us; we look like two big kids eating something neither of us really needs." Sloane noticed the relaxed look on Gates' face. His features were softer now than they were earlier and it was nice to be able to spend time with him while in such a mellow mood.

"I know."

They headed to the parking lot to retrieve their rental and Sloane turned to Gates as they got in and pulled out. "Thanks. I know I gave you a hard time today, but it was nice of you to bring me to dinner."

"No problem. I actually haven't done this in a long time, so it was really nice to be able to come here with you." She nodded as he pulled the car into traffic and they headed to the airport.

Chapter 6.

"You have got to be kidding me." Sloane stood with her hands on her hips and listened to Gates speak with one of the airport representatives. "There's no way I'm spending the night in Charleston."

"Ma'am, there're no flights leaving tonight. This storm is way too dangerous for us to put any planes in the air. We've already had one have to do an emergency landing and we aren't taking any more chances."

"Gates McCall, this is all your fault. I can't believe this." She huffed, stalking over to the bay of windows. As quickly as they entered the airport, a thunderstorm complete with hail and the most vicious lightening she'd ever seen descended on the city. It moved in quickly and churned in one spot.

"Are you sure we can't get out of here tonight?" She could overhear Gates talking to the airport rep and the pilot as she flinched at the bright streaks slashing the sky. She knew it really wasn't his fault, but if he had not insisted on bringing her to dinner in Charleston, she would be at home with her little boy. Chase was going to kill her. He'd agreed to babysit for her again tonight, but it wasn't supposed to be an all-night affair. He was going to be mad about this one and she could only imagine how livid Hannah would be. They had plans to go to a concert and she knew she would hear about it for the rest of her life. Reaching into her purse, she found her cell phone and dialed. She dreaded this, but she had to let him know where she was. The phone rang a couple of times before he picked up.

"Hey, are you on your way?" She cringed at the upbeat sound of Chase's voice, knowing she was about to shatter any good mood he was in.

"Uh, well, not exactly." Turning quickly to make sure she was out of earshot; she could see Gates still talking with the pilot.

"What's not exactly, Sloane?" She could hear the growing apprehension in his voice and the phone call was starting to descend into the dread zone she antic.i.p.ated.

"I have good news and bad news. The good news is Gates is going to build the hospital." She was trying her best to keep the conversation upbeat, but she knew she'd eventually have to tell him the bad news and it wasn't going to go as well as the good.

"That's great. I knew you and Liyah could do it."

"Thanks. I just found out."

"So, great, then you can come get this squealing, squirming little monster." Hearing Brayden gurgling in the background, she could only imagine him in Chase's arms reaching for the phone and anything else he could get his chubby little hands on.

"Well, not so much. Even if I left now, I wouldn't be able to make it for another three to four hours."

"Sloane, you aren't making sense. What's going on?"

"That's the bad news. I'm in...Charleston right now." She cringed, biting the side of her bottom lip and knowing she was much safer on this side of the receiver. Wait for it.

"Charleston, as in South Carolina?"

"Yes." He's going to blow a gasket.

"What the h.e.l.l are you doing in Charleston!"

"Gates brought me to dinner." Sloane had filled Chase in before concerning her past with Gates and how they traveled a lot while they were together. She had also told him many of the trips were because of some spur of the moment decision made by Gates and Sloane would go along with it. "Chase, I know I've asked a lot of you, but could you possibly keep Brayden tonight?" She knew better than to ask. Before she could retract the question, Chase lit into her.

"Keep him? Are you kidding me? Sloane, you know Hannah and I have plans tonight. I've cancelled on her or changed our plans around for you this very week to accommodate your lie. Do you hear yourself? You're in Charleston with your ex. Are you even still trying to keep this secret?"

"Chase, of course I am. But he wanted to talk about the project over dinner and I thought we could do it really quickly." Glancing back over her shoulder, she only hoped Gates couldn't hear Chase through the phone as loud as he was. Her excuses to him for coming to Charleston with Gates were failing miserably. "I had no clue he was going to pull something like this. If I could get back there right now, I would. It's just not possible."

"Whatever, Sloane. What is it now? I mean he has a freakin' private jet, what's the problem? Did it run out of gas?" She cringed at the sarcasm trickling from each word blasting through the receiver.

"No. There's a terrible storm and they won't let any of the planes leave. If it doesn't let up, we won't be able to leave until morning."

"You're kidding me, right?" She could hear the frustration and anger in his voice and she knew if he ever spoke to her again, it would be a miracle.

"Believe me; I want to be home with Brayden." She peered over her shoulder to see Gates slowly approaching her.

"Yeah, sure you do. Look, I can't deal with this right now." Not only was he mad, but it was evident Brayden sensed the tension. She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt hearing him whimper in the background.

"Chase, I'm sorry. I-"

"Don't. I really don't want to hear it." With that, the phone went dead and she was left with a deafening silence in her right ear. Placing the now silent phone in her purse, Sloane closed her eyes. She'd royally messed up. Chase had been her lifesaver this week as she and Liyah worked on their presentation. Why did she have to give in to Gates and his hair-brained idea to come to Charleston?

"Sloane, I'm really sorry about all of this. If you want we can try and drive back, but it'll take a while, otherwise-" She could hear his voice behind her and she opened her eyes and twisted around, cutting him off.

"Why did I have to come with you? I knew this was a bad idea."

"We can try and drive back if you want or-"

"You know, I would say yes we could drive back, but that's probably just as dangerous. So, now what?" She looked at him and took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. She knew she was taking it out on him, but she really had no one to blame for any of this but herself. And even though Chase was furious with her, Brayden was in good hands. She just wasn't sure how good their friendship would be once she returned.

"Well, I did manage to get us a room at the Charleston Place Hotel."

"Oh this just keeps getting better." She glared at Gates. "And I guess that wasn't planned either." She couldn't believe he had booked them in their hotel.

"Believe me. I didn't do it on purpose. It's the only place I could get a room, everything else is booked in town and they had a cancellation. Lucky for us." She could tell he was trying to make the most of the situation, but at the moment she didn't want cheering up. It was bad enough they were stuck in Charleston, but now she was going to be stuck with her ex-fiance in a place that held more memories than she could count.

"Gates, I could really kill you right now."

"Yeah, but what fun would that be?" He beamed, trying to get her to smile, but she wouldn't budge. "Look, I know it's not the most ideal thing, but we might as well make the best of this while we're here."

Rolling her eyes, she brushed past him to head for the door. "Let's just go. I'm tired and I really want to get out of here."

She watched in silence as water pooled in the streets while Gates drove to the hotel. Admittedly, it was probably better for them to stay in one place until the storm let up instead of trying to drive back to North Carolina. She cringed each time the lightening flashed and it felt like it was getting worse each time the sparks illuminated the sky. Once they pulled in front of the hotel, she waited for him to hand over the keys to the valet and they walked into the expansive lobby. It was bad enough she didn't have an overnight bag, but even worse, they were drenched from running to the car from the airport hangar. The cold rain seeped through her shirt and slacks making her whole outfit feel like suction cups. Now she stood in the lobby soaked through and through.

"Reservation for McCall." While Gates checked them in, Sloane peered at the familiar lobby. She remembered the last time they'd been there and it was still as beautiful now as it had been years ago. The twin staircases were gorgeous and the chandelier glistened as the light bounced off of it.

"It's still as pretty as ever." She said softly as he approached behind her.

"I know." He ushered her into the elevator and they headed to the suite. Gates opened the door and the sweet smell of magnolias. .h.i.t her nose as she walked in and placed her purse on the table.

"Last minute cancellation, huh?" He shrugged at her sarcastic remark.

"Hey, I can't help it if they decided to give us an upgrade. It's the 'stuck in the storm' discount, what can I say?" He laughed at the face she made as she crossed the lush carpet. "I guess we should get out of these wet clothes and get the laundry service to take care of them for us."

"I knew it." Turning to look at him, she tipped her head to the side. "I knew one way or the other you would try to get my clothes off."

"Believe me, while that is tempting, it's not my objective. I simply don't want to be blamed for getting you sick, too." He chuckled, removing his jacket and reaching for the b.u.t.tons on his shirt. Before she could reply, he turned back to look at her. "And it never took this much in the past to get your clothes off, if I can remember correctly."

"Yes, well, you're right. I don't want to catch pneumonia on top of all of this." She squinted at him all the while pulling at the wet material clinging to her body. Her pale blue shirt had become transparent with all of the water it held and she could feel a blush rise through her cheeks under his attentive eyes.

"Why don't you go first?" Gates offered, watching her fidget.

"Thanks," she answered, hurrying her steps into the s.p.a.cious bathroom. Taking a long hot shower, Sloane checked her reflection in the mirror before emerging in the lavish robe the hotel provided. Her hair was an absolute mess as it had reverted back to its naturally curly state, and without her blow dryer, flat iron and a whole host of products, she was forced to let it hang in damp ringlets. Walking out of the bathroom, she felt her breath catch in her throat at the sight of Gates standing half-dressed in the bedroom. He'd removed his jacket and rain-drenched shirt and he now stood with a bare chest in front of the window in nothing but his rain soaked slacks. The lightning flashes in the background etched out the definition in his arms and his abs. He was in impeccable shape and it took everything in her to resist reaching out and feeling his smooth skin and the muscles beneath.

"I guess it's my turn." His voice reached out and shook her back to reality and she looked away, realizing he'd caught her staring. She felt him walk closer to her and she swallowed hard knowing he was watching her.

"Ah, yes, I guess so." His deliberate slow movements as he walked past her to enter the bathroom sent a shiver down her spine and she pulled the belt to her robe a little tighter.

Hearing the water from the shower snapped her back to reality and she reached into her purse and pulled out her phone.

"h.e.l.lo."

"Hi, it's me," Sloane sighed, collapsing on the bed. She could finally take a breath and it helped to hear the calming and supportive voice of her friend on the phone.

"Hola mi dulce. What's going on?" Sloane knew Liyah would have an endless amount of questions for her, but the only thing she could focus on was the sight of a near naked Gates. And now she could only imagine his bare body in the shower. She envisioned rivers of water streaming across his rock hard anatomy and his dark eyelashes made even darker by the water coursing over him. Shaking her head to try and clear it of her impure thoughts, she fiddled with the remote to the TV. "Chase just dropped Brayden off with me and was mumbling something about lies and how they catch up with you. What's going on and where are you?"

"Brayden's with you? Oh, Liyah. I think Chase is mad at me. No, I'm pretty sure he's mad at me. Are you going to be okay with keeping Brayden?"

"You know it's not a problem. But honey, that's an understatement. Chase is incensed. What did you do to him? And, where are you? And what did Gates say he was going to do about our project after I left?"