“Where?”
“Arrivederci by the riverside? It’s where I took your boss for lunch today, and…”
“No.” That was a quick response from Vera.
“No?”
“I slept with the guy who runs the place, so no.”
“Oh,” was all I managed to say, feeling jealous.
“How about we try a place called Whistler’s Cove?” Vera suggested. “They have prime steak and craft beer.”
“Sure. Shall I pick you up from work at around six p.m.?”
“Make it seven. I won’t finish until seven tomorrow.”
“Seven it is. Don’t be late.”
“Sure thing, Alistair. I’ll see you then.”
The second I hung up, Erin’s name flashed on my screen with a new text.
When can I see you again? I love you.
I deleted the message. There was no time for regrets. I killed two birds with one stone during my visit to Brenton’s office today. He’d help me win full custody of my eleven-year-old son, Damian, and I met a wonderful woman with a bright future.
I wanted to get to know Vera Kathryn Richland and get her brother clear of whatever mess he’d landed with my ex-wife. If Saira had her hooks in Julian, she’d be watching everyone around him, including Vera.
If Vera wasn’t careful, Saira would make sure she paid the price.
HE’S NO ANGEL
Vera
Whistler’s Cove, Friday, April 15
“Do you normally stare at people while they look at the menu?” I glanced at Alistair, who wore an idiot’s grin at the dining table.
Judging by his Rolex watch, this guy owned a pretty pricey wardrobe. Money didn’t impress me. He had removed his tie and jacket and unbuttoned his collar. That, combined with his rolled-up sleeves, gave him an aura of casual sexiness and sensuality.
Hot damn.
“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to intimidate you,” he replied, then shrugged. “I was checking you out.”
“You weren’t intimidating me,” I said. “I’ve been stared at before. But I’m not used to being stared at with such ferocity.”
Alistair continued playing with his watch, then tapped his foot rapidly on the ground.
“You fidget a lot,” I observed.
“I have ADHD,” he admitted. “Contrary to popular belief, not everyone with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is rowdy and loud. I was one of the quieter ones when I was diagnosed as a kid. I take my medication, and while it’s not a cure, it helps.”
“I didn’t mean to pry?—”
“Sweetheart, what you see is what you get.” Alistair’s eyes met mine with seriousness.
There was something I admired about a man who was humble enough to reveal his true self. I put my menu down. “I love your honesty. Thank you for the champagne the other night. It really wasn’t necessary.”
