Her enthusiasm was contagious. And the project was for a good cause. But he was becoming more and more attracted to her. If she was attracted to him, would she want more than a casual affair? That wasn’t something he could promise her. And look at what had happened to his arrangement with Ginny.
Darius looked away. “Can I think about it?”
“Is there anything I can say to convince you now?”
He was tempted, very tempted. But he was also scared, which was reason enough to retreat. “I need time to think.”
“Fair enough.” Peyton unlocked her door and pulled it open. “Thank you again for taking me home.”
“My pleasure.” Darius moved to the door. “Thanks for rooting for Noah.”
She paused with her hand on the doorknob. “I hope he wins the state championship.”
“I’ll tell him.” Though her message would raise additional questions. Noah had given him a teasing look when June, Peyton, and he had found his brother after the game. “Good night.”
“Good night, Darius.”
He watched her close her door and listened as she secured the locks. Only then did Darius return to his car.
How had his friends known Peyton would make him feel again? But more importantly, how could he be sure he wouldn’t screw up this relationship? Peyton had asked whether he was afraid of getting close to people. Darius wasn’t afraid; he was incapable. After all, he was Simon Knight’s son. Simon had destroyed every relationship he’d ever had. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
The bell above the door to Ean’s solo law practice chimed as Alonzo let himself into the suite Wednesday evening, Veterans Day. The building was near Books & Bakery in the Trinity Falls Town Center. The counselor recently had celebrated the practice’s one-year anniversary.
At the sound of the bell, Ean appeared in the doorway of his office. “Hi, Alonzo.”
Alonzo removed his sheriff’s hat. “Do you have a few minutes?”
Ean’s welcoming expression clouded. “Is everything all right with my mother?”
“As far as I know, she’s fine.”
Ean’s relief was visible. He gestured Alonzo to precede him into the office. “Come in.”
Alonzo crossed into the other room and lowered himself onto one of the two black leather guest chairs in front of the mahogany desk.
He rested his hat on his lap and glanced around the room. A lonely bamboo plant stood in its small, green ceramic pot on the bay windowsill. In a place of honor on the wall behind him, Ean displayed an oil painting of Freedom Park, created by Ms. Helen. The office also housed a laptop computer, ink-jet printer, two bookcases, and a couple of black metal filing cabinets.
Alonzo brought his attention back to Ean. “I’ve known your mother for a very long time.”
“I know.” Ean rested his elbows on the arms of his chair and linked his fingers together. The younger man studied Alonzo as though trying to read his mind. “You were friends in high school.”
“I was friends with your father, too.” Alonzo shifted in his seat. “Paul was a very good man, a very good
friend.”
“Yes, he was.” Ean’s tone was patient, belying the curiosity in his eyes.
“I’ve loved your mother since college.” Alonzo’s pulse was beating so hard he could barely hear himself. “But she was happy with your father. And her happiness was all that mattered.”
“You’re a good man, too, Alonzo, and a good friend.”
Alonzo swallowed to ease his dry throat. He needed Ean to understand. “I’ll always respect your father, and Doreen’s and your memories of him.”
“I appreciate that. I’m sure my mother does, too.”
“I know I could never replace him. I wouldn’t even try—”
“Alonzo, say what’s on your mind.”