"I decided to follow your advice and take a vacation."
He grinned, certain he had prevailed again. "Good."
Denton nodded. "I think some time off work would do you a world of good. A few weeks on the beach should take the pallor from your skin as well."
Let him think she was going to be on the beach. It wouldn't be as complicated that way. Once she was in Arkansas he wouldn't be able to locate her. Only then would she tell him...and why did he need to know anyway?
Clarissa wandered up. "What's this I hear about you taking a vacation? When are you starting?"
"Next Monday," she decided. "That will give me two days to get my office organized. I'll be gone four weeks."
Denton paused with his fork half way to his mouth, the saucer of cake perched delicately on his other hand.
"Four? Don't you think that's a little extravagant? You've only been working for three years."
Mr. O'Hara quickly recovered from his astonishment and came to her aid. "She's worked for three years without taking any time off. I call that dedication. She's earned four weeks off."
Denton shrugged. "When she gets back, we'll set a date."
Mrs. O'Hara glanced quickly at Denton and then Megan, but she said nothing.
Megan smiled to herself. Denton wasn't nearly as unhappy as he was going to be when he found out she was skipping the state. It was tempting to denounce him in front of everyone, but that would be childish. Besides, her parents would be hurt as well. Nothing she could say to him would make any difference anyway. The time for words was past. Now it was time for action. Tonight she would return his ring. He would have to admit defeat then.