TEN
Austin paced in front of Ellsworth Storey Cottages while waiting for Brittany. Although it wasn’t seven o’clock yet, he was anxious. Perhaps overly so. He glanced across the way, toward the park. There was an exact spot to stand that will allow one to look across the park and see the lake. At this time of night, the sun was just in the right spot, and created such a romantic sunset.
Of course, he’d been too busy these past few years, building up his assets and striving to own more hotels, to take a night off just to enjoy the lovely park. He still didn’t know what it was about Brittany that made him want to take a break from life and just enjoy a woman’s company, but he was anxious to do this with her.
His cell buzzed, and he held his breath, hoping it wasn’t Brittany canceling their date. Thankfully, it was his friend. “Hey, Derek.”
“I hope I’m not bothering you.”
“No. I’m just waiting to meet a woman at the park. Why? What’s up?”
“Wh-what?Youare meeting a woman at the park? That doesn’t sound like the Austin Reeder I know.”
Austin laughed. “No, it doesn’t, but that’s all right. I felt I was stuck in a rut, and I needed a change.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear it. I was actually calling about that one woman you asked me about the other day.”
“Brittany?”
“Yes, that one.”
“Have you found out anything about her?”
“No. That’s why I’m calling. To let you know that everything I’ve tried is a dead end.”
Austin grinned. “Well, my friend, luck is on my side, because she came back.”
“She did?”
“Yes, and that’s who I’m meeting tonight.”
“Did she tell you how she knows me?”
Austin shook his head and chuckled. “Yes. She told me the whole story.” As he explained it to his friend, his smile continued to widen. Images of Brittany floated through his mind, making him more anxious. Her beauty was intoxicating, and he wanted to sample her passionate kisses once more. Actually, he wanted to do that last night, but she kept his goodnight kiss simple and brief. Tonight, however, he’d take advantage of the romantic setting.
“She’s…a friend of Hillary’s?” Derek’s voice wavered.
“I guess. But Hillary was the one who recommended me.”
“Hmm… That doesn’t sound right. I didn’t know Hillary had women friends.”
Austin shrugged. “Apparently, she does.”
“Do you think Brittany is lying?”
“Why would she lie?” Austin shook his head. “She was a desperate woman, and that’s exactly how she acted that first afternoon in my suite. No, I don’t think she was lying.”
“So, you’re really going to help her?”
“Of course.”
Derek tsked on the other end of the phone. “My friend, you have always been the kind of guy who helps abandoned animals. I suppose you’ll always be that way.”
Tilting back his head, Austin belted out a laugh. “I suppose you were being polite just then, right? So why did I take it as an insult.”
“Take it however you want it. I’ve always known you to help the underdog.”
“Okay, I’ll take it as a compliment.”
