“Yeah,” he replied, popping his head out the door.
She stood at the bottom of the stairs, her hand on the doorjamb. “You said you have a lot on your plate right now. Is one of those things your dad—Roger’s—murder?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Helia rolled over in bed, her big empty bed, and stared at the pillow beside her as memories of the night before flashed through her mind. Collin’s friends hadn’t been what she’d expected, and yet they had. Was that even possible? To be two opposite things?
They were both big and, though not scary, had an edge of supreme confidence and competence that made people think twice about approaching them. But they’d also been funny and caring. She wondered if the rest of the Falcons were the same. If so, walking into that clubhouse would pack a punch to a woman’s ovaries, that was for damn sure. Although for her, Collin did more than that.
The smell of coffee wafted into her room—thank you, automatic maker—and she rolled onto her back. Tomorrow, they’d start preparing for the last three events of the year. Today, she had only paperwork and orders to address.
Which left her day mostly free to think about Collin. About his rare smiles that came more frequently now than a few days ago. About his kindness and willingness to help with the wedding the past weekend. About him living in that massive home—if one could call it that—alone. She didn’t like that idea.
Sliding her feet over the edge of the bed, she rose, a plan forming. She’d respected his desire to be alone at the castle that first day back, but he didn’t need to confront his past on his own anymore. He might think so, but what he thought he needed and what he actually needed were two different things. And heneededto know he wasn’t alone.
Hoping a little caffeine in her system would help her figure out how best to approach the topic with him, she headed downstairs. Maybe if she spent the day with him at the castle, he’d suggest walking through the building? Or should she force it?
The options percolated in her mind as she flipped on the gas fireplace, then wandered into the kitchen. Pouring herself a cup of dark brew, she stared out the window over the sink as she took her first sip, the heat of the liquid warming and waking her.
A turkey vulture swooped across her view, the black form stark against the white winter clouds. It circled out of sight, then came back again, before moving on.
She frowned. Turkey vultures were common in the area, but they didn’t tend to hover over the vineyards. Carrion wasn’t common among the vines, at least not remains big enough to attract—she leaned forward to see better and counted—five.
What the hell had died out there?
Curiosity woke her faster than coffee, and she jogged upstairs to change. Ten minutes later, dressed in leggings, a flannel top, and her trusty puffer vest, she pulled on her boots and opened the door.
To find Collin on her doorstep, hand raised as if about to knock. She startled and stepped back, her hand going to her chest like some Victorian maid. It was then she noticed he wasn’t alone. A young girl wearing a pair of ripped jeans and a sweatshirt that could only be Collin’s stood behind him.
“Well, I’m glad I didn’t curse up a storm when you scared the hell out of me,” she said, chuckling away the shot of nerves.
Collin grinned and hitched his thumb behind him, pointing at the girl. “She has a mouth like a sailor. I’m pretty sure she could teach you a thing or two.”
She laughed but eyed Collin at the same time. She hadn’t expected to see him on her doorstep, but when had he collected the child? She didn’t see any worry or concern in his expression, so she dropped her gaze to the girl.
“Helia,” she said, holding out her hand.
Dark, watchful eyes swept over her before shifting to Collin. He nodded. “Kendall,” she said, her thin, delicate hand lifting cautiously. A short curtain of nearly black hair fell away from her face as she raised her chin to meet Helia’s gaze head-on. Not so much in challenge—okay, maybe a little of that—but mostly as if to claim her place in the world. To be seen.
“We came to ask if you wanted to join us in town for breakfast,” Collin said. As if it was completely normal for him to show up with a sprite of a girl when Helia’d left him in the company of two of his burly brothers the night before.
The look Kendall slid his way made it clear the “we” in that sentence was him. Helia chuckled. She had no idea what was going on, but she wanted to find out. And since Collin was on her doorstep, he wanted her to find out, too.
“Sounds good,” she said. “Want me to drive? Then you don’t have to walk back to the castle.”
Collin looked at Kendall. A beat passed before she nodded.
“Great. You mind if we stop somewhere for Kendall to pick up a few clothes after we eat?” he asked. Kendall studied her feet, the gesture telling Helia two important things: she’d been on her own for a while,andshe was smart enough to accept help.
“Happy to,” she said. “I know a few places that might be good options. Before we go, though, I want to see what that’s about.” She pointed to the circling birds. There were now six.
Collin’s gaze tracked them, a small frown tugging on his lips. He’d trimmed his beard again, leaving the hair silky and shiny. She’d never been a beard girl before, but she found herself wanting to touch it, to feel it under her fingertips, to know if it was as soft as it looked.
“Why don’t you two stay warm inside and I’ll have a look,” he said.
Kendall narrowed her eyes at the suggestion before shifting them to meet Helia’s. The girl talk was strong in this one. Helia nodded in agreement with her unspoken opinion.
“No dice, Collin,” Kendall said. “We’ll check it out together, then go to breakfast.”
