Don't Say a Word - Barbara Freethy [13]
But she did need something besides him-she needed the truth. "I have to find out who I am, where I come from. It's important to me."
"Before the wedding?"
She nodded, seeing a flicker of annoyance cross his face. "Yes."
"And this is all because of some photograph?"
"That was the trigger, but to be honest, if it wasn't that, it would have been something else."
His eyes narrowed at that comment. "Because you want to postpone the wedding? Is that what you're trying to tell me?"
She wasn't quite sure how to answer that question. "It's just so fast."
"Yeah, that's what you said." He sat back, releasing her hand. "Look, Julia, just let things ride for a few days, see if you feel the same way in a week or two, before we change the date. If we don't take December, we'll have to wait another year. I know how much you love history, and I think the museum would be the perfect setting for you."
"I know." God, she felt so guilty. Michael had been so happy earlier. Now his face was pinched and tight, his eyes filled with disappointment.
"Here's your beer." Liz set the bottle down on the table, glancing from Michael to Julia, then back at Michael again. "Who just died?"
"Julia wants to postpone the wedding," Michael said glumly.
Julia sighed, wishing Michael had not shared that piece of information just yet.
"Are you out of your mind?" Liz asked in astonishment. "Why would you want to wait? You have the best place in the world to get married and the perfect guy. What's wrong with you, Julia?"
"Good question," Michael said, Standing up. "Maybe you can talk some sense into your sister, Lizzie. I'm going to find some food."
Liz quickly took his seat. " me what the problem is," she said as Michael left.
"I just need more time. I don't want to rush into marriage."
"Rush? If you go any slower, you'll be moving backwards."
Julia looked away from her sister's determined face, wondering if she could make a quick exit through the front door. But that door was blocked by a tall, dark-haired man with light green eyes. Her breath caught in her chest. Alex Manning? He'd cleaned up, shaved, showered, and put on more clothes, but it was definitely him. What did he want? Did he know something? Did she want to know what he knew?
Oh, God! She suddenly felt terrified that she was about to go down a path from which there would be no turning back.
"Who's that?" Liz asked, following her gaze.
Julia looked at her sister. "What?"
"Is that man the reason you want to postpone your wedding?"
"Maybe."
"Julia! How could you?"
"It's not what you think, but I do have to talk to him." She jumped to her feet and crossed the room, intercepting Alex before one of her aunts could shower him in cheek kisses, plates of ravioli, and cake. "What are you doing here?" she asked.
"I wanted to see your face again."
Julia fidgeted under his sharp, piercing gaze. "And?"
"I talked to someone about the photograph."
Julia pulled him out the front door of the cafe and onto the deserted pier, where darkness and shadows surrounded them. "What did you find out?"
"I was told to tell you that the girl died a few weeks after the photograph was taken. I was also told to butt out and mind my own business. That's not my style."
She wasn't sure how to read the gleam in his eyes. "What is your style?"
"To find the truth. Are you up for it?" he challenged.
Goose bumps raced down her arms. She should be focusing on her relationship with Michael and her wedding-she had a million things to worry about, things that were far more important than that old photograph. But something inside of her wouldn't let it go. All the questions about herself that she'd never had answered suddenly demanded attention. Maybe once she knew those answers, she'd feel more confident about moving on with the rest of her life.
"Yes," she said. "I want to find out who that girl is."
"Whatever it takes? Because there's no turning back once we get started."
She bristled at his Controlling tone. "Look, I'll turn back whenever I want. So-"
"Then I won't