Chapter Twelve

 

Taylor walked into an empty house. Even Stripes was lying outside on the back patio, soaking up the sunshine. A note on the kitchen table informed her Mom and Reese went to the grocery store and the mall but would be back before dinner. In her note, Mom mentioned sending Curt a text and inviting him over for dinner. Under Mom and Reese’s names, her niece had added a large heart with eyes and a smiling mouth.

Just wonderful. Mom invited Curt for dinner.

She left the note behind and took her cell phone upstairs. At least having the house to herself gave her some time to think. To really process the bombshell Curt had dropped on her. For almost two months, she’d been living next to and dating billionaire Curt Sherbrooke. A member of the wealthiest family in America. A guy who called powerful politicians and business tycoons family. Crazy.

“His aunt and uncle live in the White House.” Taylor spoke aloud as she walked upstairs. She still couldn’t get her head around that particular detail. “How did I miss the clues?”

She considered herself a good investigator. She picked up the little details most people overlooked. The more she considered their conversations, the more clues she realized he’d dropped and she’d missed.

Taylor left both her cell phone and jacket on her bed. Today’s weather definitely called for a T-shirt and shorts, not pantyhose and heels.

The cell phone beeped as soon as she walked back with more comfortable clothes.

Priscilla invited me over. Should I say yes or no? the message from Curt read.

“At least he asked me first,” she muttered.

Did she want him over tonight? Would waiting to see him again change anything? Make the truth any less odd? Nope. And she had already stuck her neck out there when she agreed to overlook the secret he’d kept. Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t rescind her decision. She cared too much about him. As her mom had said weeks ago, Curt was a keeper. Perfect in every way, or at least he had been until today. Even in this instance, he hadn’t so much lied to her as omitted details. He’d never once said he was Curt Hilton. Both her and Mom assumed as much when he said he wrote Fatal Deception. Everything he’d told her about his family was true; he’d merely failed to mention some of the finer details. Pieces of information she hadn’t inquired about either, and maybe she should’ve.

She picked up the cell phone and typed back a message. Say yes.

A message immediately came back from him. Okay. See you soon. I’ll bring pie.

She smiled at his message. Of course, a lot of the things Curt did made her smile; just one of the many reasons she was willing to move past his faux pas this one time.

***

“You’re pulling my leg. It’s not possible.” Mom adamantly shook her head while she spoke.

What did she have to say to convince her mother? “Mom, I’m telling you the truth. Curt is a member of the Sherbrooke family. Why would I lie about something like that?”

She’d decided to fill Mom in on everything before Curt arrived for dinner. So, right after they put away the groceries, she sent Reese outside to play and asked Mom to sit down. She’d expected Mom to be as shocked as she’d been. She hadn’t thought Mom wouldn’t believe her.

“And why would someone like Curt Sherbrooke buy the house next door? People like him live in Manhattan or Los Angeles. Maybe Boston. Certainly not Pelham, New Hampshire.” Mom pointed in the direction of Curt’s house, even though they couldn’t see it from their kitchen. “The man living next door is an author. That’s what he told us, remember? You and Reese were sitting right here when he did.”

Okay, she’d try one more time. If Mom still refused to believe her, she’d leave it to Curt to convince her. He’d created the problem… he could solve it.

“I don’t know why he picked this town, but Curt’s not only the author of the book you love, he’s President Sherbrooke’s nephew. When I went to his house after work, Trent Sherbrooke was there. The two of them are first cousins, Mom.”

The screen slider leading to the backyard screeched across the runner. “The president has a nephew?” Reese asked, stepping inside and catching the tail end of their conversation.

Even in the first grade, they talked about government and how the United States had a president, so Reese had a general idea of whom they referred to even if she didn’t fully understand the role he played in the country.

“More than one. He has nieces, too.” Taylor wasn’t positive, but she thought he had two grandchildren now as well.

“Auntie Taylor, the president is too old to have nieces and nephews.”

She had a good idea how Reese reached her conclusion. “When I’m the President’s age you’ll still be my niece, won’t you?”

Reese nodded.

“Then a person can have a nephew or niece no matter how old they are.”

Reese considered the statement. “His nephew must be old like you.”

To someone a few weeks shy of seven, thirty-four must seem ancient. “Yes, the president’s nieces and nephews are around my age.”

Happy with the answer, Reese said, “Mimi, are we eating soon? I’m super hungry.”

Mom shot her a pointed look. “As soon as Curt is here, we’ll eat. Why don’t you go wash up so you’re ready?”

Yep, Mom still didn’t believe her. Oh, well. She’d learn the truth soon enough. She couldn’t wait to see Mom’s expression when she did.

“Do you think he’ll give me another lacrosse lesson tonight?” Reese asked.

If Reese asked him, Curt would say yes. He’d never refused any of her previous requests. “Maybe. For now, go wash up like Mimi told you.”

She skipped out of the kitchen. “Auntie Taylor, Curt’s here.” The little girl’s voice traveled back into the kitchen. “Can I open the door?”

“Are you positive it’s him?” Taylor asked, her mind instantly going to their unwelcome guest Saturday afternoon.

“I think so. He looks a little different, but it’s his car.”

I think so and yes, I’m positive were not the same thing. And a lot of cars looked alike. “Don’t do anything. I’ll be right there.” Their visitor was probably Curt, but she’d rather verify it before Reese opened the door.

Through the front window, Taylor saw the SUV parked behind her car before she reached the door. Yep, it was his vehicle. At least one of them. Considering what she’d learned earlier, she wouldn’t be surprised to learn the guy had a garage full of fancy cars like his cousin’s somewhere.

“Go ahead open the door,” she said.

The girl had the door open before Taylor finished talking.

“Curt, can we play lacrosse again?” Reese asked, rather than give the man a proper hello or allow him inside.

“I don’t have my lacrosse stick with me, but if Taylor says it’s okay we can play some soccer.” He looked from Reese to her.

Reese looked her way, too. “Auntie Taylor, is it okay?”

She didn’t see any reason they couldn’t. “I’ll even join you if you want. First go wash up for dinner.”

The answer produced a huge grin and Reese raced upstairs, leaving them alone at the front door.

He’d changed his clothes since she left him. It wasn’t the only thing he’d changed, though. His well-trimmed beard was gone, as were the glasses he usually wore. At some point since she left him, he’d visited a barber, too.

“You cut your hair.” She took in the new him, or maybe this was the old him before he moved to town. Seeing him without the beard, shorter hair, and glasses, she wondered how she’d ever managed to mistake him for anyone other than billionaire Curt Sherbrooke.

Curt ran his free hand over his head. In his other hand he held two bakery boxes. “Couldn’t take it anymore. I visited the barbershop over on Bridge Street right after you left. I never let my hair get so long.”

“And you shaved.” Talk about stating the obvious.

“Yeah, was getting a little tired of the beard, too.” He held out the two bakery boxes. “As promised. One wild berry pie and one chocolate chip pie from the Java Bean.” Curt dropped his voice to a whisper, and his gaze traveled over her face and searched her eyes. “I missed you.” He moved closer, his nearness kindling a fire inside her.

Despite the topic of their last conversation, she’d missed him, too. “I’m glad you’re here.”

He gave her a dazzling smile, which left her wanting to fan herself. “Have you talked with your mom yet?” he asked, his voice still low.

“Yep, and she doesn’t believe me. She thinks I’m trying to pull some prank on her.” Once Mom took one look at Curt tonight, she’d realize Taylor had been telling the truth.

Reese flew back down the stairs and joined them again before Curt commented. “Let’s eat. I’m super hungry.” She didn’t wait for either adult before skipping down the hall for the kitchen.

“You heard her,” Curt said with a chuckle.

Mom stood at the stove when they walked in.

“Curt brought dessert, Mom,” Taylor said, anxious for Mom to turn around and see Curt’s new look.

Priscilla set down the pan she pulled from the oven. “You didn’t need to do….” Her voice trailed off when she turned and saw Curt standing there. “I thought Taylor was pulling my leg.” She tossed her oven mitts aside. “From day one I thought you looked familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Taylor thought maybe you reminded me of someone on television.”

“Sorry I wasn’t completely honest from the beginning, Priscilla. I hope you can forgive me.”

What would Mom say now? Typically, Mom looked for the best in people and overlooked the mistakes they made. Lying, though, she’d always found harder to forgive.

“Let’s consider it water under the bridge.”

 

Curt glanced at each person seated around him. Other than Priscilla’s initial surprise, none of the Walkers were treating him any differently than they had Saturday night or all the previous times he’d been with them. Even the mild aloofness Taylor exhibited this afternoon was gone, all good signs he hadn’t ruined his relationship with her, something he’d worried about after she left his house. Time to think wasn’t always a good thing, and she’d had plenty of it following their little chat. Tonight she’d greeted him with a smile and touched him every opportunity she got. Like now. After refilling both of their iced teas, she ran her hand across his shoulder before taking her own seat next to him again.

“I’m having my birthday party at Skate Kingdom. It’s a roller skating place. Auntie Taylor already helped me write the invitations so we can mail them.” Reese sat at the opposite side of the table. Much of her dinner remained on her plate because she’d been so busy talking. “If I give you one, will you come?”

She gave him the same look as when she wanted to play soccer. How Taylor and Priscilla ever told the girl no was beyond him. All she had to do was give him that look and the word okay slipped out of his mouth. This time he tried to restrain himself because a party inside a loud and crowded roller rink sounded damn close to hell.

“I haven’t roller skated in a long time. I don’t think I know how anymore.”

“They have special skates. They make it easier, and I’ll help you. So will Auntie Taylor.” Reese looked expectantly at Taylor. “Will you help Curt at my party?”

“Curt probably wouldn’t like Skate Kingdom. Maybe instead he can have dinner and cake with us, and you can just celebrate with your friends at Skate Kingdom.” Taylor used her best diplomatic tone. He’d heard her use it before when addressing Reese. “We always take Reese out for dinner and let her pick the restaurant. After, we have cake here.” Her hand slipped under the table and squeezed his thigh. He took the gesture as her way of telling him it was okay to say no to Reese this time.

Reese ignored her aunt’s suggestion. “You’ll love Skate Kingdom. They play music while you skate and sometimes turn on these special lights and your clothes glow. You can play video games, and we get to eat pizza.”

“Pizza, huh? Does sound pretty great. Can I check my calendar and get back to you?” His request bought him a little more time.

“I’ll get you an invitation.” She hopped from her chair before anyone could stop her.

“You don’t really have to go,” Taylor said in a low voice, so it didn’t travel outside the kitchen.

“I know.”

Reese handed him an invitation decorated with pink soccer balls, the party details neatly written in, and then returned to her dinner.

“Thanks. And speaking of invitations, my cousin Trent called me right before I came over. He’s having a cookout this weekend.” When he’d seen his cousin’s name, he almost didn’t answer the phone. Considering what was going on when the guy left, Curt guessed Trent was calling to again say he should’ve listened to him earlier. Surprisingly, no such comment came. Instead, Trent invited him to a party in Newport.

“It’ll only be family. A few of my cousins, my uncle Mark and his wife, and Trent’s in-laws. We can all drive down on Friday when you get home, spend a few nights at my condo, and come home Sunday night.”

Curt didn’t think Taylor and her family would be comfortable spending the weekend at his cousin’s house, even if there was room. And he wasn’t sure there would be anyway.

“Won’t your cousin mind a couple of party crashers?” Taylor asked.

“Nope. He specifically told me to invite you. When I mentioned Priscilla and Reese he said to bring them, too.”

“It sounds lovely, Curt, but I already have plans for Saturday,” Priscilla answered before Taylor could accept or decline. “But you and Reese go ahead. I’ll be fine alone for a few days.”

“Just family?” Taylor still sounded undecided.

He nodded. Trent hadn’t given him a detailed guest list, but if Trent expected people he didn’t consider family he would’ve told him. “It’ll be fun.”

“Okay. We’ll come. I’ll see if I can leave work a little early on Friday so we can leave right after school.”

“Will there be any kids?” Reese asked. She’d been silent on the matter so far, but her expression told him she’d heard and processed every word.

“Not your age. My cousin’s son is only a year old.”

“It sounds boring. Do I have to go?” Reese looked at her aunt. “Can I stay here with Mimi?”

Since he’d moved in, Taylor and Reese had become important to him. He wanted both to meet some of his family. “We’ll have fun. My house is right on the beach. We can try to go swimming. Maybe build a sandcastle.”

Reese didn’t look convinced.

“If Reese really wants to stay home, I’ll ask Leigh to come watch her while I go out,” Priscilla said. “But going to Newport sounds like more fun than staying here with me.”

Curt wasn’t ready to concede the battle yet. “Pirate’s Cove, the best ice cream and mini golf place anywhere, is in Newport. I’ll make sure we go.” He pulled out the big incentives. After all, what kid turned down mini golf and ice cream? “They’ve got batting cages and go-carts, too. I think you’ll love it.”

Reese scrunched up her mouth while she considered his offer. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

Next to him Taylor listened, an amused smile on her face.

“Okay. I’ll come. But I’m bringing Peanut.”

Neither Taylor nor Priscilla said no, so he guessed Peanut wasn’t anything living. Just in case Peanut turned out to be a pet mouse or snake she never mentioned before, he said. “Who’s Peanut?”

“My tiger. I’ll go get him, so you can meet him.” Reese left the table, more than half her dinner still on the plate. It didn’t take her long to return, a stuffed orange tiger in her hands. “This is Peanut. Auntie Taylor got him for me my first Christmas.” She held the stuffed animal toward him. “You can hold him.”

Judging by the animal’s condition, it was one well-loved toy. “Looks like he’s your favorite.” He accepted the toy, looked him over, and handed him back.

“Reese sleeps with him every night,” Taylor said.

“Auntie Taylor won’t let me take him to school.” She took her seat and tucked the stuffed animal up next to her. “Can he come mini golfing, Curt?”

He’d once had a beloved stuffed animal. A brown dog he’d named Spot, though he didn’t know why. The toy had been solid brown. He’d slept with it every night until he’d been a little older than Reese. If the thing had ever been lost or destroyed, he would have been devastated. Taking Reese’s Peanut along to Pirate’s Cove seemed like an ideal way for it to go missing.

“Sorry, Pirate’s Cove doesn’t let in tigers. Peanut will have to stay at my house. Maybe you could bring a friend for him to stay with, so he doesn’t get lonely.” Peanut couldn’t be the only stuffed animal the little girl had.

Taylor squeezed his leg again and mouthed, “Thank you.” Turning to Reese she said, “Curt’s suggestion is a good one.”

“Okay. I’m going to start packing.” Reese slipped from her chair again.

“You’ve got plenty of time. You don’t need to start now,” Taylor said, stopping her niece in her tracks.

“But—”

“I need your help with dessert. I can’t eat a whole chocolate chip pie alone,” Curt said, hoping to distract the girl.

“We have chocolate chip pie?” Reese sat back down. “Can I have whipped cream on mine?”

***

Taylor came back outside and watched Curt dribble the soccer ball across the backyard toward the soccer net. Reese chased after him, trying to get the ball away. She almost succeeded, but at the last moment he moved to the left and she missed. Smiling, Taylor sat down in a patio chair. She’d played when they first came outside, but the phone call she just ended had pulled her away. Neither Curt nor Reese seemed to miss her, so while she could she’d enjoy watching them interact.

“Everything okay?” Mom asked. She’d followed them all outside after dessert, too. While Curt and Reese ran around, Mom worked on a crossword puzzle.

“Oh, yeah. Mary had a question about this morning’s interviews.”

Mom set aside her puzzle and watched the two players. “He’s really good with her.”

Mom would get no argument from her.

“I still can’t believe he’s Curt Sherbrooke,” Mom whispered loud enough for Taylor to hear. “I really thought you were playing some kind of joke earlier.”

Again, she couldn’t disagree. She was still digesting the truth.

“I’m glad you didn’t let his little fib ruin your relationship. I stand by what I said before. He’s a keeper.” Mom leaned closer and dropped her voice more. “And it’s obvious he loves you.”

She couldn’t confirm or deny his feelings. But she did know hers. Even before today he’d captured a large part of her heart. Tonight, he’d breached the rest when he suggested Reese bring along a friend to keep Peanut company. How could she not love the guy after that?

Mom glanced at of her watch. “Yikes. It’s after eight.” She gathered up her crossword book and empty glass. “Reese, time to say good night.” She looked at Taylor as she stood. “Don’t worry, I’ll help her get ready for bed tonight.”

“Just a little longer, Mimi. Please.” Reese stopped in the middle of the backyard.

“Not tonight. It’s after your bedtime already, and you still need a bath.”

Reese gave the ball a hard kick and sent it flying into the net. “It’s not fair. I wish I could stay up later.” She grumbled but walked toward the patio, leaving the ball behind. Curt retrieved it and followed her over.

“I need go to bed soon, too.” He dropped the soccer ball on the patio and sat next to Taylor.

“Can we play again this week?” Reese asked.

“You got it.”

Reese hugged Taylor. “Good night, Auntie Taylor. I love you.” She let go and put her arms around Curt. “’Night, Curt.”

Taylor held her breath and waited for Curt’s reaction.

As if he did it every night, he hugged Reese back then ruffled her hair. “See you later, short stuff.”

Reese giggled. “That’s a funny name.”

If she hadn’t loved him before, she certainly did now.

She waited until the slider closed behind them, indicating they were alone. “Are you sure you don’t have children?” She hadn’t intended to sound suspicious, but that’s the way came out.

“No kids.” He touched her cheek, and she instinctively leaned toward him. “If I had them, believe me, I’d tell you. I don’t want any secrets between us.”

“Neither do I.” Choosing not to tell him she was falling in love him wasn’t keeping a secret. It was more like withholding a final verdict until she’d gathered more evidence.