Grinning at having caught Charlotte by surprise, I introduce, “Geary, I don’t think you’ve met my cousin, Charlotte.”
“No, I
haven’t.”
The introductions over with, Charlotte tries to encourage Geary to join us in the kitchen, and I’m wondering if she’s under the impression that something is going on between him and I, even though I’d mentioned Olivia.
Geary and Tanner wander off to the stables while Charlotte and I settle into the kitchen, out of the heat of the day. It’s a dry and humid heat that really gets to me.
“So,” Charlotte gives me ‘the’ look, “have your eyes turned elsewhere?”
Frowning, I admit, knowing exactly what she means, “Geary is a friend and I’m serious about setting him up with Olivia. Unfortunately, my eyes only go in one direction.” I slump forward with my elbows on the table and my chin resting in my hands. “I know he wants me as much as I want him, but he won’t pursue anything because of his age.”
Sighing, Charlotte admits, “I’m not sure how Tanner would take the two of you together, either. I brought it up in conversation a while back and he wasn’t too impressed.” She looks contemplatively into her coffee before continuing, “I think if it happened, then he would get used to it, because in the long run it really bothers him that his father is alone.”
“He isn’t alone anymore,” I mumble softly.
“What?”
“He’s dating a woman from town. Dee. I’m sure she’s only after his money, because apparently her funds are running dry.” I shrug as though it’s no big deal when it is. “She’s going to be here for dinner, so you’ll both get to meet her then.”
“This should be entertaining,” Charlotte mumbles. “Tanner is protective of his father, even though I’m sure Derek is more than capable of looking after himself.” Charlotte won’t meet my gaze when mine focuses on her, which makes me think there is a warning in there somewhere.
I choose to ignore it.
“I need to spend some time in the studio. Derek rearranged one of the bedrooms for me to use.” I smile sadly. “I love it here, Charlotte.”
My cousin pauses and reaching across the table, takes my hand. “I wish I knew what to say.”
I shake my head. “It’s okay. I’ve already decided to get the job done and then I’ll be heading home.” My heart pounds at the thought of leaving.
There’s no reason to stay.
But the reason why I would stay walks through the kitchen door, laughing with his son. Tanner places a kiss on Charlotte’s lips before moving to the sink to wash up. Derek greets Charlotte, his eyes on me over her shoulder.
“I have work to do,” I say, standing and inching closer toward my escape.
Tanner frowns, keeping quiet as I disappear.
I avoid looking at Derek.
Inside my drawing room, I inhale the familiar scent of paint and charcoal. Moving around, I take the covering from the last painting I have to finish. It’s my favorite by far, because I’ve added a man astride a horse in the distance. This was an addition I’d made after talking to Geary on the back porch, it was a welcome addition.
As soon as I’m happy with it, I’ll leave and head home to Lexington.
38
Derek
Dee has arrived for dinner and I can’t help the longing I feel for it to be Madison who is sitting beside me instead of across the table with her cousin.
All afternoon I’ve been unable to forget the feel of her under my hands or the way her soft skin had broken out into goose bumps when I’d brushed my lips over her shoulder. I’d wanted a lot more, and as my eyes stray across to Madison, I know that I’ll always want a lot more.
“Dad,” Tanner hisses under his breath.
When I pull my gaze to his, he looks between Madison and Dee with a frown marring his brow. “So, Dee, Dad tells me you haven’t been in town too long,” Tanner states. “How are you liking it? Not too quiet for you?”
Dee gives a sly smile and replies, gripping my arm, “I was afraid I might get bored, but luckily for me, I’ve found your father, who keeps me plenty entertained.” Her reply is smooth with a hint of sugary.