Page 80 of Shadow Redemption
“Ben and I have been spending time together for months.”
“Since when? You’re always gone for modeling jobs, Ruth. You can’t build a relationship on one or two days a month in the same city.”
“We can if we spend two or three hours each night on the phone. I thought you’d be happy for me, Bridget.”
“I’m just worried. You’re....”
“Don’t you dare say I’m fragile. I know my own heart. I love Ben. I’ve been falling in love with him for months.”
A sigh came over the phone’s speaker. “I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“Ben would never hurt me. Be happy for me instead of worried.”
“While you have Bridget on the phone, you should tell her your other news,” Ben murmured.
Right. She wondered if this news would go over any better. “After I complete two more modeling contracts, I’m retiring from modeling.”
Bridget gasped. “Are you serious?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for months. It’s time, Bridget. I’m tired of traveling all the time, I miss you like crazy, and I’m ready for a real life out of the limelight.”
“Fantastic! I can’t wait to spend more time with you. What’s your plan?” When Ruth told her about the charitable foundation, Bridget said, “I’m happy for you, Ruth.” Her sister laughed. “I’m especially happy for me. I can’t wait to spend more time with you.”
“Same. I love you, sis.”
“Love you, too. Now, any other bombshells before I get back to work?”
Trace chuckled. “I think we’re at our limits.”
“All right. I love you, Trace. Be safe, all of you.”
“I’ll call you later tonight,” Trace said and ended the call.
“Ruth said she wanted dinner out,” Nico said. “We have two suggestions. You choose, Ruth.” He told her the restaurants’ names and the type of food they served. “Both have excellent reviews and aren’t far from the hotel.”
“I’ve heard good things about Cinco de Mayo.”
“Trace and I will bring around the SUVs. The restaurant’s close enough to walk, but we’d would prefer to have you inside a vehicle for safety.”
She glanced at the man by her side. He gave a slight nod. Good enough for her. “All right. Thank you, Nico.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He glanced at Trace and the two men left the suite.
“You don’t mess around when you have a goal, do you?” Sam said to Ben.
“I didn’t intend to tell Ruth how I felt this soon.”
Joe frowned. “What changed your mind?”
“Not what. Who. Ruth wants to set herself up as bait to draw Davidson out of his cave and into a trap. I wanted her to know what it would cost me if I lost her.”
A soft whistle. “You’ve got the courage of a lion, lady. It’s not a good idea, though.”
Ruth’s lips curved. “Ben made that clear. It’s only a matter of time before news of our relationship goes viral. Ernie Gorman’s presence at the pool today indicates Davidson already suspects. Why not set a trap for him?”
“Plans never work like you anticipate.”
“So I hear.”