Mystic Park (Finding Home 4)

“I’m sorry.” He’d never meant to make her feel uncomfortable or disrespected.

“So am I.” Olivia stood. “I think our relationship was over before it had a chance to begin.”

Vaughn rose to his feet. “Olivia—”

She raised her right hand, palm out. “Benita’s a very lucky lady. I hope she comes to her senses soon.”

Why can’t I fall in love with Olivia? She would be perfect for me.

“I’m an idiot.” Vaughn scrubbed his hands over his face.

“No, you’re a man in love.” Olivia turned toward the door. “Like I said, Benita’s a very lucky woman.”

“Thank you, Olivia.”

She paused with her hand on the doorknob. “I’ve heard you have two brothers who look a lot like you. Any chance they’ll be visiting soon?”

Vaughn smiled. “They’re coming home for my play.”

“I look forward to meeting them.” Olivia disappeared through his office door, closing it behind her.

There was a burning sensation where his heart should have been. Vaughn drove the heel of his hand into his chest. Did Benita consider herself a lucky woman? Somehow he didn’t think so.

“Thanks again for dinner. It smells delicious.” Benita stole another look at Vaughn, seated across from her at his small circular ash wood table in his tiny kitchen Thursday evening.

Benita gathered a forkful of the wild rice Vaughn had made to accompany the curried chicken. She’d bought the set of dishes for him as a housewarming gift when he’d moved into his first apartment in Trinity Falls.

Vaughn was a wonderful cook. Has he cooked for Olivia Stark yet? Benita felt the sharp bite of jealousy.

“Thanks for your help.” Vaughn seemed preoccupied as he sliced into his chicken again.

“Does Olivia know you invited me to dinner?” From where had that question come?

“Don’t start, Benny.” Tension bracketed Vaughn’s mouth framed by his neatly shaped goatee.

Interesting. “I just asked whether she knew we were having dinner together. I’m curious.”

“There’s no need for you to be.” Vaughn drank his iced tea.

“Is that your polite way of telling me to mind my own business?” Benita cut another piece of chicken. It had a strong, spicy flavor and melted on her tongue like well-seasoned butter.

“Yes.” Vaughn paused as he ate more rice and drank more iced tea. “Olivia and I aren’t dating any longer.”

“Oh? What happened?” The stranglehold around Benita’s throat eased. Her heart felt lighter.

“Nothing happened.” Vaughn shrugged his broad shoulders under his gray long-sleeved TFU jersey. The material flirted with the well-developed muscles across his chest. “We just aren’t right for each other.”

“I see.” Joy washed over her.

For the remainder of the meal, they talked about their day, shared memories from their past, and discussed their plans for the rest of the week. Benita helped Vaughn clear the table and load his dishwasher. Then they made two cups of chai tea.

“OK, let’s talk about casting your musical.” Benita led Vaughn back to his kitchen table. She resumed her seat, crossing her legs. “I assume I can’t talk you out of giving Ginny Carp the lead female role?”

“Not a chance.” Vaughn’s warm cocoa eyes laughed at her as he sipped his tea.

“And I can’t change your mind about holding another audition?”

“No, you can’t.” Vaughn set his mug on the table and cupped his hands around it. “Why would you want to?”