If We Never Met by Barbara Freethy

Chapter Nine

A half hour later,Keira pulled up in front of a two-bedroom house in a newer development near the outskirts of town. She wanted to show Mark Langley this house first, simply because it was farther away from the home she shared with her mother. She got out of the car and walked up to the front door to open the lockbox. When she entered the house, she turned on the lights. Even though it was still bright outside, she wanted the house to look inviting, and it did. The home had recently been remodeled in neutral colors. Everything was sleek, sophisticated, and well-designed. There weren't many frills, just a clean design, and that seemed perfect for a single, older man.

A car pulled up in front of the house, and she walked out to the porch. Mark Langley got out of the car, wearing brown slacks and a white shirt. He was a handsome older man, she grudgingly admitted. But good looks didn't necessarily make him a fit for her mother.

He gave her a friendly but somewhat wary smile. "Hello, Keira. Thanks for meeting me."

"No problem. The house is ready for you to look at."

She waved him inside, happy that the air conditioning was working well, as it was a warm summer evening. She told him a little about the home as he entered, pointing out a few things before he wandered off on his own. He walked through the house fairly quickly. She wasn't completely surprised, as her male clients were usually focused on only a few key things.

"This house looks good," he said, as he rejoined her in the living room. "I'm just not sure about the location. It's farther from town than the other one."

"By only a couple of miles. Nothing is that far in Whisper Lake. This house is probably the most up to date you'll find in this price range. The roof was recently done as well. It's a house you can move right into and just enjoy."

"I can see that."

"But you're not sold."

"As I said, it's nice, but I'm not convinced this is the location for me."

"All right. We're just starting to look, so that's good to know. I can zero in on better locations."

"I'm not in a hurry. I'd like to find something soon, but I want it to be the right place for me. In the meantime, I'm happy to stay at the inn. Lizzie does a great job taking care of me."

"She's the best."

"Yes." He gave her a thoughtful look. "I feel like we've gotten off on the wrong foot. Have I done something to offend you, Keira?"

She was taken aback by his direct words. "No."

"I know you're concerned about my relationship with your mother, but you really don't have to worry. I care about Ruth, and I would never do anything to hurt her. I know she's had a rough time, and I understand your sense of protectiveness. In fact, I admire the sacrifices you've made for your mother."

"I did what any daughter would do."

"It sounds like you went above and beyond, giving up your life in New York to be here with her and then changing careers to keep her real-estate business afloat so that she would still be able to earn money."

She appreciated his words, or maybe they were her mom's words, but she still needed to keep her guard up. Mark was very smooth. He knew the right things to say. "My mom is the one who fought her way back to health, but…she's not all the way back. She has trouble with her memories. Sometimes the right word escapes her. She occasionally confuses faces."

"I haven't noticed any of that. She seems very sharp to me."

"Well, you've only been here a few days." She felt compelled to remind him how short their reunion had actually been.

"That's true. I'm looking forward to getting to know everything about her. I feel so lucky to have found her again. When I saw the job opening in Whisper Lake, the town name jumped out at me. I was fairly certain that's where your mom had ended up, but we hadn't been in touch in years. I wasn't sure she was still here. When I arrived, I told one of the therapists at the clinic that I'd gone to school with your mother, and she knew her. She told me where to find her."

"Who was that?"

"Her name is Nancy. Nancy Rodriguez."

She knew Nancy Rodriguez. She'd been one of her mother's therapists after the accident. "Nancy was very helpful in furthering my mother's recovery."

"She's an excellent therapist, from what I've been told. Anyway, that's how I showed up at your door last week. I know I took you by surprise. I guess I wanted to see the look on your mom's face. She didn't recognize me at first, but then she saw the photo, and she looked into my eyes, and it all came back."

She remembered that moment as well as he did, but while it had made him happy, it had made her suspicious. "My mom said you went out in high school."

"Yes. We dated for a couple of months our senior year, but it came to an end at graduation. We were going in different directions. My parents were moving to California, and I had gotten accepted to UC Santa Barbara. She was going to stay in Denver for school."

"But it wasn't just because you were moving. My mom told me you cheated on her."

Surprise filled his gaze. "Really? She said that?"

"She did."

"That's not what happened. She actually kissed someone else and then apologized for it. I was a very proud seventeen-year-old, so I didn't accept her apology. I was an idiot. After that, I started seeing another girl, but your mom was the one who strayed. Looking back, I can see why it happened. We were both late bloomers, and we weren't ready to be exclusive."

"Hmm, I guess she doesn't remember it the same way." It was entirely possible her mother had mixed it up in her mind. Or maybe Mark was just trying to make himself look better. "When did you meet your wife?"

"She's my ex-wife. We've been divorced for fifteen years. We met at a trade show when we were in our early thirties. She was a pharmaceutical rep. I was working in health care as well. We got married very quickly and then spent about six years trying to have a baby. Eventually, we had my son, Richard. He's twenty-four now."

"What broke you up?"

He hesitated. "A lot of things, many of them extremely painful. We needed to split up and move on from each other. It was the best thing for our son and for us."

"I'm sorry." She felt frustrated at his vagueness. But she couldn't really expect him to tell her his life story. Still, she wanted to push a little. "And you never remarried or fell in love again?"

"I've had other relationships, but marriage wasn't something I was eager to rush into a second time. Your mother said it was never something she wanted to do a second time, either."

"That's true."

He gave her a speculative look. "I'm not after anything, Keira. I just wanted to see Ruth again. It has been fun catching up with her, talking about old times, old friends. We have memories in common."

"That's what she said."

"I'm glad she's been enjoying our conversations as much as I am. Now, shall we take a look at the next house?"

"Yes. I'll lock up here. You can follow me, or I can meet you there, whichever you prefer."

"Why don't I meet you there? Your mom told me it's just a few blocks from your house, and she'd like to take a look at it as well, so I'll pick her up on the way."

"I didn't know she was interested in seeing the house. I can get her."

"It's no problem. We'll see you in a few."

He was gone before she could protest. What could she say, anyway?

Mark and her mom had already made a plan, and she'd been left out of it. She locked up the house, feeling decidedly out of sorts. When she arrived at the next property, she felt even more annoyed when her mother got out of Mark's car, looking remarkably put together in white pants and a floral top. When she'd left her mom this morning, she'd been in pajamas and an old robe. But she'd put herself together quite nicely: hair, makeup, and stylish sandals.

She told herself it was good. Mark was making her mom happy. That was what was important. She just wished she could stop seeing a potentially catastrophic downfall ahead. She didn't want to see her mother end up in pieces again, even if they were only emotional pieces and not physical. She didn't think she could handle it. She didn't think her mother could, either.

"Hello, Keira," her mom said with a bright smile. "Mark said the first house you showed him was lovely."

"It was, but the location didn't work for him. This house is in a great neighborhood, of course, but it is older."

"Yes, but it's charming," her mom said. "Let's go inside. This will be fun. I haven't looked at houses in a long time. It reminds me of the old days when I spent every Sunday working an open house."

"You're always welcome to come with me," she said, as she unlocked the home. "I didn't realize you felt like you were missing out."

"Well, I didn't feel that way until just now."

As her mother and Mark wandered around the older three-bedroom home, she could hear them chatting and laughing. Her mother seemed to find Mark hilarious. She couldn't fathom why. He had a dry sense of humor, but he wasn't exactly a comedian.

She popped into various rooms to point out good points as well as flaws, but no one was paying her much attention.

Finally, they ended up back in the kitchen, which had been the one room in the house that had been recently remodeled, although it was still on the smaller side.

"This kitchen is beautiful." Her mom ran her hand along the sleek white tile. "It's not huge, but the balance of counter space to appliances and cabinets is excellent."

"I can see myself cooking here," Mark agreed.

"Do you cook a lot?" she asked.

"I do. I didn't start cooking until I was in my forties, but now I love it."

"I told him we need to check out the farmers' market on the weekend," her mom put in.

"I can't wait," Mark said. "And I'd love to make you and Keira dinner next Sunday if that works out, if you don’t mind lending me your kitchen."

"I'd love it," her mom exclaimed. "Keira?"

She gave a weak smile. "Sounds good."

"Then we'll count on you being there," Mark said.

"Great. What do you think of the house, Mark?"

"It's perfect," he replied. "I love the neighborhood. It's close to everything."

"It's on the higher end of your price range," she couldn't help noting.

"I think it's worth it."

"Are you ready to make an offer?"

"I need to sleep on it."

"Of course."

"But don't wait too long," her mom said. "Houses go fast in this neighborhood. It would be nice to have you close. We could take walks together."

"I'd love that."

As they exchanged a warm look, she cleared her throat, feeling very much like a third wheel. "Just let me know what you decide. I'll send you the disclosures tonight."

"Excellent."

"We're going to walk down to the lake now. It's so pretty at dusk," her mom said. "I made a curried chicken salad earlier. It's in the fridge if you're hungry before I get back."

"Thanks." She sighed as she locked up the house. It felt like her mom and Mark were on a runaway train. She just hoped that train didn't crash.

When she returned home, she went into the kitchen and opened the fridge, then closed it again. She wasn't hungry. She was restless. She needed a walk, too, or maybe a bike ride, but it would only be light for another hour.

As she was debating her options, her phone buzzed. She reached into her bag, noting the missed calls and texts from Lizzie, but the number lighting up her phone was not familiar to her. She almost didn't answer. What if it was the media? Well, she could always hang up.

"Hello?" she said tentatively.

"It's Dante."

Her stomach clenched at his deep, husky male voice. "Hi." Her hand tightened around the phone.

"Lizzie gave me your number. Have you heard about the photos?"

"Yes. Hannah stopped by the shop to show them to me."

"I'm sorry, Keira."

"It's not your fault."

"We need to talk about how to handle this."

"Is there anything to handle? It's done, right?"

"I'm afraid it could just be the beginning," he replied. "Can you meet me somewhere private, somewhere we won't be seen?"

She thought about that. The photographer had already been to the inn. And by now, he might know where she lived, too. But she did have one idea… "There's a cabin that my realty company is getting ready to sell. It's not on the market yet, but I have the key. It's on the east shore of the lake. Do you have a car?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I'll text you the address and then head over there."

"I'll see you soon."

His parting words sent a thrill of anticipation through her. It was stupid. This wasn't a date. They were just going to talk, sort things out, but still, she couldn't help running upstairs to change her clothes and fix her face. It might be the last time they'd see each other, and she was going to look good, give him something to remember. It might be the only satisfaction she would get.

Before Dante could leave his room, his phone rang. It was Nikki. They'd been missing each other for the past few hours. He had to take the call.

"Who is she?" Nikki shrieked in anger.

Dante winced. "It doesn't matter who she is. Nothing is going on. You know how these photos can get twisted. It has happened to you, Nikki."

"You were smiling at her, and I haven't seen you smile like that in a long time."

"I literally met her a few minutes before we walked out of that restaurant together."

"But you saw each other again."

"She had an appointment at the rehab center. We simply ran into each other."

"I don't like this, Dante. I don't like it at all. Everyone is texting me. They all want to know if you're cheating on me."

"I'm not." He felt slightly guilty about kissing Keira, but it hadn't gone any farther than that, and she'd made it clear she didn't want it to go farther.

"Are you sure you don’t like this woman? Does she know you have a girlfriend?"

"Yes. Look, I know the photos are upsetting, but the story isn't real. That's all I can say about it. You can believe me or not." His terse tone did not go unnoticed.

"I don't know why you're pissed. I'm the one who looks like a fool."

"I'm angry that we even need to have this conversation. I thought I could get away from the press up here."

"Well, you couldn't, so maybe you should come to LA and rehab here. At least then we'd be together. The only photos would be of the two of us."

"The therapists I'm working with here are excellent. I need to see this rehab through." He glanced at his watch. "And I need to go."

"Go where? We have to talk about this."

"I haven't eaten dinner yet, and it's been a long day. I'm going to get some food. I'll call you later, Nikki."

"You can't just blow me off, Dante. Is this woman the reason you suggested we take a break?"

"No. I suggested that because we haven't been on the same page in a while. We've drifted apart, and maybe we need to reevaluate our relationship."

"We've only drifted apart because of your injury. When you're well, everything will go back to the way it was. Maybe I should come to Whisper Lake."

"No. That's not a good idea. I'm busy all day with rehab and then I'm exhausted."

"I don't want us to just give up. We're so good together, Dante. Everyone says we're the perfect couple."

He had a feeling the everyone she was referring to included mostly her social media followers. She'd worked their relationship to increase her presence online, and it had been successful. But maybe he was being too cynical. "No one else is in this relationship but us. What they think doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters. What's her name?"

"Keira," he said tightly.

"What does she do?"

"She runs a clothing boutique, but that's not important. Look, I'll call you later."

"Okay. I…I miss you, Dante."

Her words felt awkward and untrue, but he didn't know what to say except the obvious. "I miss you, too." He was acutely aware of his lie as he slipped his phone into his pocket. He hadn't missed Nikki at all. She seemed very far removed from his current life, and he was having trouble remembering why they'd even gotten together.

But he had missed someone the last few days…

He barely knew Keira, but he couldn't stop thinking about her, and he wanted to see her again, even if it was only to tell her that they needed to stay away from each other, because he didn't want to put her in the middle of his crazy life.

Nikki understood what it meant to be a celebrity, and she had trouble dealing with a faked-up story. How could Keira possibly handle it, or even want to handle it?

Not that she would ever have to. He was only in town for a few weeks, but he was here tonight, and that's all he was going to think about for the next few hours.

He jogged out the door, down the stairs, and through the dining room. Lizzie was in the kitchen. She gave him a smile. "Did you eat dinner, Dante?"

"No, but I'm going to meet Keira now, so…"

"That's what I figured." She picked up a shopping bag from the counter and handed it to him. "After you said you wanted to meet with her, I made you dinner to go—for two, just in case."

"You didn't have to do that."

"It was no problem. I was making enchiladas for me and Justin, so I just made extra. There's also a salad."

He was constantly amazed by how thoughtful Lizzie was. "Thanks."

"My car is in the garage. You have the key. Take the road behind the property, and you should be good."

Lizzie had been generous enough to offer him her car so that he could leave without being seen. He'd left his rental car conspicuously parked in front of the inn.

He headed into the adjacent garage and got into the car. On the way off the property, he kept a sharp eye out for the press, but didn't see anyone. As he drove through town, he made enough turns to feel confident he wasn't being followed, and then he headed to the east shore of the lake where the houses were spaced farther apart, and cabins were tucked into forested hills.

When he got to the address, he parked in the driveway, grabbed the shopping bag, and headed up the steps.

Keira opened the door as he hit the porch and waved him inside, closing the door behind him. They stared at each other, and he felt like his heart was beating way too fast. Keira's dark eyes were lit up, and her breathing seemed fast.

He wanted to kiss her more than he wanted to take his next breath. But he hadn't come here for that… Had he?