Wild Suspicions (Romantic Suspense) by Rebecca Marey

in the air as he left .
    It ’ll be great.
****
    Fresh air and freedom.
    The remaining time on the airplane was uneventful , and Liddie was thankful for that.
    After landing in Dubai, Parker guided her to ward a helicopter that was waiting a few yards from the landed plane, ready to take them up and over the nightlights of Dubai.
    Before climbing into the back seat, Liddie turned to look around the airport for Garrett. It only seemed right to thank him again, but the pilot was nowhere in sight.
    “ Have you ever been in a helicopter?” asked Parker, reaching over to strap her in.
    She smiled. “You know I haven’t. But it’s already so much better than sitting on that airplane.”
    “ We could have taken a car,” said Parker, “But I thought you might enjoy this.”
    The chopper blades began to twirl, and soon they were off the ground.
    “ Excited?”
    Liddie nodded. “I am.”
    Seeing the beauty of the United Arab Emirates city from above was the type of experience Liddie had been hoping to have on this trip. The architecture of the buildings was interestingly modern, and Parker played tour guide, alerting her to landmarks like Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper; and The Palm Jumeirah, a chain of islands designed to create the image of a palm tree from above. The chopper pilot provided wonderful views, circling and dipping to assist Parker with the tour. The buildings sparkled against the night sky while the islands extended into the Persian Gulf, alit like a fireworks display in the sea.
    T he lights of the city and the elegance of the beach exuded wealth, excitement, and entertainment.
    Parker took her hand. “I told you this would be fun.”
    Liddie appreciated that he was working to impress and entertain her. She squeezed his hand with both of hers. Having the opportunity to see such a major city from this height was incredible. Liddie suddenly pictured herself on his arm, walking the beaches in a colorful dress and sandals, while stopping for the occasional glass of fine wine and local conversation.
    “ You would love shopping here,” said Parker. “The jewelry is astounding.” He smiled slyly. “We’ll have to pick you up something insane.” He cocked his head sideways. “Let’s see, maybe a diamond bracelet, or a ruby crown?”
    Liddie tried not to, but the promise of such royal treatment had her smiling from ear to ear. “Oh, stop it Parker! You know I’m not here for that.”
    He laughed and pulled her into his side. “I know, Liddie, I know. You’re here for me.”
    The sound of the chopper blades didn ’t distract from the sightseeing experience at all, and, with just the two of them in the helicopter with the service pilot, it was a comfortable and romantic ride.
    Parker pointed to l arge skyscrapers competing for attention along Sheikh Zayed Road. “I do much of my business in one of those buildings.”
    The y made a wide turn over the city and headed back toward the beach. Liddie felt Parker watching as she suddenly realized the chopper was steering toward a particularly beautiful resort rising up from an artificial island off the Dubai beach coast.
    “ Parker?” she asked with eyes wide.
    He laughed. “Yes. That’s where we’re staying.”
    Liddie held a hand to her chest. “I think I saw this place on television,” she noted excitedly. Though she couldn’t recall its name, she knew it meant something like “Diamond Castle,” and the hotel did indeed shine like a brilliant gem against the darkness.
    “ How long will we be here?”
    Parker ’s smile turned to a frown. “Unfortunately, we’re only here until morning.” He looked at his watch. “About ten or eleven hours.”
    “ What?” Liddie cried out in dismay. “We can only stay here one night? But Parker, it’s so beautiful.”
    “ I know. But I told you it’s just a layover.”
    The helicopter began to hover above a circular helipad and make its descent.
    “ I’m sorry, Liddie. But I did want you