Steven must not have left yet.
Shoot.
Could she park, circle the house, and escape to her cottage?
A definite temptation after the long drive.
But that would be rude. Natalie had mentioned that her cousin might still be here, had intimated she’d like to introduce them.
What would a five-minute meet-and-greet hurt?
Cara inspected the late-model BMW as she pulled in behind it. Whatever Steven did for a living must bring in a generous income if he could afford a vehicle like that. Unlike the salaries earned by associate professors, which lent themselves more to older but trusty models.
She set her brake and patted the dash of her Accord. “Don’t get an inferiority complex. Reliability counts more in my book than a high price tag.”
After fishing out the keychain Natalie had given her with the instruction to come and go as she pleased in the main house, Cara let herself in.
Her hostess was seated in the living room, a teapot and two cups on the table in front of her, along with a crumb-littered plate.
As the man in the chair across from her rose, Cara did a double take.
This tall, fortysomething jeans-clad guy with striking good looks and a warm smile was Natalie’s cousin?
But ... weren’t most cousins somewhat similar in age? Natalie could almost be this man’s grandmother.
“Cara, my dear, welcome back. I trust you had a pleasant and uneventful drive.”
As Natalie spoke, she focused on the older woman. “Yes, I did. I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation.”
“Not at all. I was just telling Steven that I hoped you’d return before he left. And here you are.”
As she did the introductions, Steven walked over and extended his hand, eyes twinkling. “You were expecting someone older, weren’t you?”
Drat.
Was she that easy to read?
“Hey. No worries.” His grin broadened. “I’ve seen that expression on many occasions after Natalie introduces me. I’m actually a first cousin once removed. My dad was Natalie’s first cousin.”
“A cousin is a cousin.” Natalie dismissed the distinction with a wave.
“I must admit I had you pegged as an older man. But it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She returned his firm clasp. “It was kind of you to drive down from St. Louis to check on Natalie.”
“I like to keep tabs on my favorite cousin.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, young man.” Lips twitching, Natalie rose and joined them. “Cara, would you like to share another pot of tea with us? It wouldn’t take me long to brew more.”
“Thank you, but I splurged on an espresso earlier. That gave me my caffeine fix for the day. Besides, I don’t want to interfere with your visit.”
“You aren’t. We were wrapping up anyway.” Natalie turned to her cousin. “Steven, if you can spare half an hour, why don’t you give Cara a tour of the property, show her the trails?” Natalie angled toward her. “Unless you’ve already gone exploring on your own?”
“No.” Nor would she until she talked to Natalie about Micah and got a better handle on the man. Even if her hostess assuaged her concerns, however, the company of an able-bodied man on her first foray would be welcome. “I don’t want to delay your cousin, though.” Nevertheless, she sent him a hopeful look.
He picked up the cue. “I’m happy to oblige. I don’t often get to play the role of tour guide, and I’m in no hurry to get back to the city. This will be fun.”
“In that case, I accept. I assume jeans and sport shoes are acceptable for a hike around the property?”
“Perfect. Micah keeps the walking trails groomed, so we won’t need our machetes.” Steven leaned over and kissed Natalie’s forehead. “But send out a rescue party if we aren’t back by sunset.”
