Glancing from the monitor, he noticed the time, 10:28:07. His eyes returned to the screen, seeing Ms. Nichols open the door to her suite. Phillip saw her immediate change in body language. Her normal carefree presence transformed instantaneously. She immediately stiffened. The intensity of her stare caught Phillip’s attention. The normal sparkle in her eyes morphed to a glare.
This was his job. Phillip Roach watched... perhaps, his correct title was voyeur.
*****
Claire stared in disbelief; words failed her. The expression glowering down at her was not the same one she’d seen a few weeks ago. This was one she’d seen before, one she preferred to keep compartmentalized away. It contained all the signature features of the man she wanted to avoid, eyes black as night, a tightly clenched jaw, and the visibly strained neck muscles. Angst filled her chest sending a rush of alarm through her veins. Without thinking, she went into defense mode, straightened her neck, and returned his glare.
Through clinched teeth, Tony said, “Let me in. We need to talk.”
“I don’t think we have anything to discuss. You made an unnecessary trip. Please go.” Her voice sounded small yet strong.
Tony stepped toward the entry, “We are not having this discussion in the hallway. I’m coming in.” With that he pushed past her into the suite. Claire immediately stepped back avoiding contact. He closed the door behind him. Tension filled the suite as they stared at one another. She contemplated her strategy while evaluating his movements. Then the reality hit her, and her momentary intimidation changed to indignation.
“We’re not married and I’m not your prisoner. You can’t just bully your way in here.” His glare would stop most people in their tracks. Claire was sure it had. It’d stopped her before, but not today. “I want you to leave.” Each phrase grew stronger.
Ignoring her demands, Tony circled the living room of Claire’s suite, like a lion sizing up its prey. His presence dwarfed the once large room. Unknowingly, she held her breath as she watched his still clenched jaw and listened as his words came as a low growl, “What are you doing with her?”
“I’m having an overdue reunion with an old college friend.” Feeling slightly more confident, she continued, “Besides, it’s really none of your business. You shouldn’t even be here. ” She observed the dark deepen in his gaze. Watching from a new perspective, Claire decided the darkness wasn’t just his eyes, but his entire expression, the way his brow furrowed and his jaw tightened. While her eyes saw only him, his ferocity filled her other senses. She waited for the sound of his reply. So much could be interpreted by the tone, tenor, and speed of his words. The room also filled with his scent. The cologne she’d dreamt about was once again penetrating her senses. Yet, her thoughts weren’t sensual. Seeing him stalk toward her, she remembered fear, and reconsidered her boldness.
Without warning his hands forcibly seized her shoulders. His words came with hot needy breaths upon her face. Her gaze never wavered, with each syllable she continued to stare into the darkness. “You think I’m stupid? You’re talking to her about me, and I won’t have it.” Claire chose not to reply. Tony exhaled and growled, “Damn it, Claire, you infuriate me!”
Before she could register his words and actions with enough sensibility to form her thoughts, he released her shoulders and stomped toward the windows. The dark San Diego sky turned the multiple glass panes into a mirror. She watched his eyes close in the reflection, and his shoulders sag from behind. The distance gave her needed clarity. The fact, he wasn’t wearing a suit suddenly caught her attention. Her heartbeat calmed, and she listened to his words, “I flew across the damn country and have been sitting in a damn car waiting for your little reunion to conclude.”
Claire shivered at the idea of him monitoring her movements so thoroughly. “Tony, you need help. I can’t believe you’re watching me that closely. Get over it!”
He looked at her with disbelief, his voice no longer harsh. What did she hear? “Don’t you understand? I can’t. You know from your prison delivery, I’ve been watching you for a very long time.”
“And I think it is beyond creepy. Why? Tell me why. You didn’t answer my question before.”
Visibly calming, Tony’s clenching ceased. He ran his hands over the back of a chair as a mischievous grin slowly formed, shattering his angry expression and mellowing his gaze. “Creepy? I’ve been called many things, but I think that’s the first time someone has called me creepy.”
Claire tried to hide her smile, “To your face.”
After a moment, his amusement reached his eyes, bringing light to darkness, “Touché,” he nodded, “that may be true.”
“I guarantee it. Now if you’re going to bust into my hotel room, answer my question. I don’t owe you answers if you’re not going to give them to me.”
Tony looked at the sofa and back to Claire. “If you’re asking me questions does that mean you aren’t throwing me out?”
Claire crossed her arms across her chest and debated. A second ago she wanted him out, but his fight toward calm was a step in the right direction. “I don’t recall ever having the ability to throw you out of anywhere. Maybe times do change?”
“People change, too.”
He sat. Before she could join him in the sitting area another knock came upon the door. Tony looked at her with surprise. “Are you expecting company?”