“Betzy!” called a male voice from beyond the glass.
A flare of fire burst in her chest.That voice…
“No way.” Betzy crossed the room in a hurry and moved into the dining area, which offered a view of their private yard. Dad had restored the tall, old-fashioned swing set out back in hopes that the grandchildren would soon come.
They hadn’t yet, but there was definitely somebody swinging out there just the same. Outdoor lights lit the area, making it clear to see. She squinted to see beyond the distance, positive she must be dreaming.
The uninvited guest called out once more. “Betzy Boo! Come swing with me.”
The poker slipped from her hand and hit the rug with a clank. This was impossible. There was no way Sawyer Kingsley was here in Italy with her. Perhaps she’d fallen asleep after all.
“Betzy,” he called again.
Excitement bubbled around her heart. In a rush, she hurried over to the door, pulled it open, and darted outside. Once her feet hit the cold ground, Betzy spun back around to grab her shoes.
She shoved one foot into the ankle boot as she walked, then stepped into the other before hurrying toward the back part of the property.
“Sawyer?” she hollered.
“Come swing with me,” he prompted again.
She shook her head, staring at the sight before her in shock. “What is this?”
Hadn’t she just seen proof that he was pursuing Daisy Shay? Betzy wanted to hold onto her anger and doubt, but she couldn’t. Sawyer had flown all the way out to Venice on Christmas Eve to find her. That outrageous detail replaced those threads of doubt with a growing rush of hope.
“This is me trying to remind you of who I am, because it seems like you forgot.” At once Sawyer jumped out of the swing and into the night. He landed flat on his feet like a panther, and straightened his tall, impressive form. “I came here to tell you that Daisy lied. A fact that shouldn’t be too shocking, if you think about it; she was trying to save face.”
The outdoor light poured over his sculpted jaw as he approached. Those hazel eyes captured the glow in tones of gold.
“Will you let me show you?” he asked.
Betzy could only shake her head. The shock hadn’t worn off. In fact, it was only now just settling in. “I can’t believe you’re here,” she said.
A soft smile crossed over his handsome face. “So…is that a yes, no, maybe so?”
“Yes,” she blurted. “Come inside.” Was it possible he could really combat Daisy’s accusation? Betzy couldn’t imagine how.
It occurred to her, as she led him into the home, that none of the indoor lights were on, save the small, automatic lamp glowing in the corner. She flicked on lights—the fireplace too—and joined him on the couch. And though Sawyer had been outside longer than she had, he felt warm by her side.
“Hi,” he rasped as their eyes met.
A thrill rushed through her. “Hi.”
Sawyer tugged his phone from his pocket, eyes narrowing as he swiped, then tapped at the screen. “First things first,” he said, tilting the phone so they could both view it.
“The bar picture. It was actually taken during Daisy’s visit to the city when she came out for my interview and shoot.”
Betzy lifted a brow. “She came out there?”
He nodded, then hit play on the video. The angle said it was surveillance footage. There they were, sitting in the very place portrayed in the front-page photo.
Daisy leaned into him and traced a finger under his chin.
Sawyer smiled but backed away. They talked a bit more it seemed, and then suddenly Daisy was leaning in, wrapping her hand around his neck and kissing him.
“Wow, that was quick,” she said.
Even quicker was the pace at which Sawyer pulled back, resting his hand on her shoulder in return. He shook his head, scratched a hand along his jaw, and reached for his drink.
