Now that she recognized what was holding her back, could she find the courage to fall in love?
Chapter 14
The knocking broke Donovan’s concentration on Wednesday afternoon. Kayla stood in his office doorway. She’d accessorized her pink business dress with a pearl necklace and matching earrings. Her hand was raised as though she was preparing to knock again.
Donovan stood. “Kayla, hi. Please come in.”
“Where were you?” Kayla’s onyx eyes twinkled at him. She settled onto his guest chair.
“What do you mean?” Donovan circled his desk to sit beside her.
“I knocked twice before.” Kayla cast her gaze around his office. Unlike everyone else, she didn’t have a noticeable reaction to the papers strewn across most of his office furnishings. She was probably used to the sight by now. Her attention lingered on the photo of him, Xavier and Tyler posing in their caps and gowns after their college graduation.
“I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.” Embarrassment warmed Donovan’s cheeks.
“I could tell.” Kayla’s soft laughter was warm with affection. She drew her gaze from the graduation photo and settled it on him. “What were you thinking about?”
“Work.” His flush deepened.
“Work, huh?” The look in Kayla’s eyes told him she didn’t buy it. Fortunately, she changed the subject. “I’m here to personally invite you to my annual Farewell to Summer Barbecue. Can you attend?”
Donovan relaxed. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Thank you.”
It was startling to realize they were already halfway through September. The formal invitations to Kayla’s fete had been mailed in August. Still, every year, Kayla visited each department at Anderson Adventures to invite associates and their families to the Farewell to Summer Barbecue held at her house. Her personal attention ensured that most people attended, which meant she hosted more than two hundred guests. Afterward, the company always experienced a boost in morale—and productivity—which carried them into the holidays and the next big Anderson Adventures social event. Donovan didn’t think Kayla held the barbecue for business reasons, though. She just enjoyed a good party.
“Wonderful.” She reached over to pat his hand. “You’re welcome to bring Rose, of course. How is she?”
Donovan drew a steadying breath. He inhaled her scent, a soft fruity fragrance. Foster had bought her the perfume. “We’re no longer together.”
The twinkle faded from Kayla’s eyes. “Van, I’m so sorry. What happened?”
“Things didn’t work out.” He lowered his gaze to her hand on his.
“What things?” She squeezed his hand.
Again, he wished he had the answer to that. “I don’t know. She wouldn’t tell me.”
Kayla seemed to take that in. Her silence as she held his hand was both comforting and supportive. Donovan disappeared into his thoughts until she spoke.
“I didn’t like Xavier’s last girlfriend.” Kayla’s comment came out of nowhere, but Donovan went with it.
“That was obvious to everyone but Xavier. And Ty.” He grinned.
Kayla’s slender shoulders shook with her chuckles. “Before Iris, Ty couldn’t see anything outside of his computer monitor. Although, to his credit, he never missed a family birthday or holiday.”
“No, he didn’t.”
“I didn’t like Lauren because she was secretive.” Kayla shook her head in disapproval. “You can’t trust secretive people.”
“Lauren proved that.”
“On the other hand, Rose and her sisters are open books. You know where you stand with them, and you know what they’re thinking—because they tell you.” Kayla tilted her head. “Lily’s the quiet one, though. She
lets her sisters do most of the talking.”
“I’ve always admired your powers of observation.” Donovan turned his hand to hold hers.
“But you have no idea why I’m telling you this, do you?” Her dark eyes twinkled at him again.