"Right. Zach was the architect." She drew in a breath and let it out. "Sometimes I meddle too much, Justin."
He smiled. "You don't seem to be alone in that, Keira. Lizzie is also a meddler."
Her face brightened. "That's true. Maybe she will understand." Keira finished her drink, then said, "I need another one of these. I think Victor watered them down. Do you want one?"
"No, I'm good."
As Keira left, he saw Lizzie come onto the patio. She had a smile on her face, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. As her gaze caught his, he gave her a nod. She tipped her head but then moved across the patio to talk to some of her other guests.
"Hello, Justin," Adam said, drawing his attention.
"Adam, I didn't see you come in."
"I just got here. I see your grandparents made it," Adam said, tipping his head in their direction.
"You also know my grandparents?"
"I met them the last time they were here," Adam said. “Ben must have talked to me for over an hour, but he's an interesting guy. He had a lot of stories from teaching overseas."
"That sounds like my grandfather. If you ask him one question, you'll be talking to him for a long time."
"Your job sounds interesting, too. We didn't get much of a chance to speak last night. I've had some experience with law enforcement robots, and I'm more than a little impressed with the future possibilities. I can't even imagine what will be coming next."
"The technology is constantly advancing," he said. "What we thought was impossible two years ago is now actually happening. Who knows where we'll be five years from now?"
"You're on the cutting edge."
"We are. It's an exciting time." He paused. "Your job must also be challenging. Did you always want to be a cop?"
"I did. The dream came early."
"Sounds like that is common in your family."
Adam grinned. "You're right. Lizzie wanted to run an inn since she was a little girl. We always had to play hotel with her. It was annoying. And Chelsea was singing her heart out before she was five. My brother Grayson wanted to be a doctor early on, too. Nathan was the only one who didn't have a grand plan. He still doesn't."
"What does he do now?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure. He's had a lot of different jobs, mostly in sales. He's our wanderer. Do you have any siblings?"
"No," he said shortly, not wanting to talk about Sean. "It must have been loud in your house growing up with so many kids around."
"I didn't know any different, but it was fun. There was always someone around if you were looking for something to do. Lizzie was game for anything. She was the baby of the family, and she hated to be left out, so if there was an invite, her answer was yes."
"That doesn't surprise me."
"What doesn't surprise you?" Lizzie asked, as she caught the tail end of their conversation.
"That you've always been up for anything."
"I do have a terrible fear of missing out," she admitted. Turning to her brother, she said, "Thanks for coming. And for bringing wine. Victor said you dropped off a case at the bar. You didn't have to do that, but I appreciate it."
"No problem. I was down at the Carmichael Winery last weekend and thought you might be able to use some bottles."
"I'm very appreciative. By the way, we should talk about Chloe some time."
"If you want to know what's going on with her, you should ask her, not me," Adam said, his tone sharpening. "I need a drink. Can I get anyone anything?"
"No thanks," he said.
Lizzie shook her head and then frowned as Adam hurried away. "He can be so annoying," she said. "If he doesn't want to talk, he just shuts me down."
"Not everyone likes to talk as much as you do."
"I know that. But I'm worried about Chloe and I know Adam is, too."
"Yeah, he got rather heated about Kevin's behavior last night. He said a few things when you were on stage."
"Really?" She gave him a troubled look. "It's not like Adam to get in the middle of anyone's relationship, which is why I want to talk to him."
"Do you think he's in love with Chloe?"
"No," she said quickly. "I mean, I hope not. She's married."
"Maybe not happily."
"Adam and Chloe are friends. I know he would never hit on another man's wife. It's not who he is. He has a lot of integrity. He's probably the most ethical person I know."
Despite her words, he sensed she wasn't as convinced as she was saying.
"He just cares a lot about Chloe," she added.
"Maybe a little too much," he suggested.
"You can't care too much about your friends."
"Sure you can. You can care too much about a lot of things. Caring makes you weak, vulnerable, and sometimes it can bring you pain or distracts you from what else you want in life."
She gave him a thoughtful look. "You speak like someone who's been burned by love, but you said last night you don't have relationships. Is that why? Did you love someone too much?"
He stared back at her. "I did. Which is why I don't do love anymore."
"That seems like a sad and lonely way to live."
"I have a great life and a lot of fun. It's not sad at all."
"But at the end of the day, you're alone."
"You can be in a relationship and still be alone. That's why you have to be happy with yourself. There's no guarantee anyone else will stick around forever."
"What was her name?" she asked.
Before he could answer, Noah and Patty interrupted them.
"Lizzie," Patty said, giving her a tentative smile. "Sorry to interrupt, but we have a request."
"What's that?" Lizzie asked.
"Well, Noah and I are getting to know each other, and I realize that I was supposed to check out today, and Noah has been kind enough to wait for me to leave the room he needs to be in, but we've become friends, and…well, we're wondering if you have another room, or if I could switch into Noah's room, and he could take mine. Would that work?"
"Oh, no, I'm sorry. Noah's room is already spoken for. I have a couple arriving later tonight, who will be in that room."
Patty's face fell. "Of course, it's spoken for." She gave Noah a sad look. "We tried. I guess I should just get going then if I want to get on the road before dark."
"I wish there was something I could do," Lizzie said. "There is a room in the attic, but it's rather small."
"That's the room with the ghost?" Patty asked. "I don't know that I could stay there. I'd be nervous."
"That's just a rumor. I've slept there, and I've never seen a ghost," Lizzie said. "If you want to take that room, that's all I have to offer."
"I—I don't think so. I wouldn't sleep at all." Patty gave Noah an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Noah."
"I could take the room," Noah said slowly.
"No, you need your room. It's your week, and it's important for you to be in room six. I understand that now," Patty said.
"I wish there was something else I could do," Lizzie began.
He wondered if she was about to offer up her own room, which she'd probably do if it meant keeping Patty and Noah happy. But she was looking tired and stressed, and he wasn't going to let her go that far.
"I'll take room ten," he said impulsively. "Patty can have my room. It's very nice. It has a view of the garden."
"That's so generous of you," Patty said, surprise in her eyes. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. You might have to have someone change my sheets. But I didn't mess anything else up."
"Does that work?" Noah asked Lizzie, hope in his gaze.
"Yes, but do you really want to move, Justin?"
"I saw the room earlier. It's fine. I have no problem with ghosts. I'll go put my stuff together and take it upstairs."
"Thank you so much," Noah said. "I'd be happy to pay for your room as a thank-you."
"I'm fine. It's not a big deal."
"You're a very nice man," Patty added.
"It's nothin
g." He headed into the inn, Lizzie on his heels.
"Justin," she said, when they got into the building. "You don't have to do this. I can give Patty my apartment."
"I knew you were about to make that offer, but you don't have to. This is a perfect solution."
"Not for you. I don't think your grandparents will be happy that you're stuck in the attic." She gave him an unhappy look. "I can take that room, and you can take my apartment, although, it's a little messy, but I could clean it."
"No. My grandparents won't know or care," he said, as he moved up the stairs and down the hall, opening the door to his room.
She followed him inside. "Why are you doing this, Justin? Why inconvenience yourself?"
"I couldn't stand to see you give away your apartment just to keep one of your guests happy."
"I've done it before."
"I'm sure you have, but not this time. I really don't have a problem doing this. I can sleep anywhere, and if I can't, I'll talk to the ghost."
"A ghost you don't believe in," she reminded him.
He smiled as he pulled out his suitcase and quickly repacked. "Maybe she'll change my mind. It's a she, right?"
"So the story goes. You know, Justin, when we first met, I wouldn't have pegged you for someone who would offer to give up their room to some lonely old couple. You were impatient and brisk and a little rude. Now you're being incredibly generous and kind. Who's the real Justin?"
"Guess you'll have to get to know me better if you want to find out. I can tell you one thing. When I want something or someone, I don't give up easily."
"This is about winning me over?"
"Maybe."
"You just want me because I said no. It's the chase you like. I've met men like you before."
"I don't think you have."
"You are so cocky, Justin."
He smiled. "I prefer confident."
"I'm going to get some clean sheets and change the bed."
Frowning, he said, "Don't you have someone to do that?"
"Not at the moment. My cleaners have gone home for the day. But I can handle it. You should get back to the party. Your grandparents are probably wondering where you are. I know they have dinner reservations set up for eight o'clock at La Ventana. It's right on the lake. I think you'll love it."
"They mentioned that."
"I'll get you the key for room ten so you can move your things." She moved toward the door. "Again, thank you. You made my life easier and two older people very happy."
"Speaking of your life getting easier, I was talking to Keira earlier. She mentioned that someone is interested in buying the inn."
Lizzie gave him a dark look. "I can't believe Keira told you that, and I am not interested in selling."
"She told me because she was upset. She thought she hurt you. Did she?" he asked curiously.
"She didn't hurt me, but I wasn't thrilled that she blindsided me."
"She's feeling bad about that."
"And she confided in you? She doesn't even know you."
"From what I've gathered so far, in Whisper Lake people feel very free to express their feelings to strangers," he said lightly. "I have to admit I'm more used to people who hide behind their carefully put-together masks. I usually have to dig deep to find out who someone really is and even then, I don't always figure it out."
"Do you really dig that deep?" she challenged.
"Good point. Not that often. It's easier to go with what people want to show me."
"And then you don't have to pull off your mask, either."
"That's true."
She folded her arms in front of her as she gave him a thoughtful look. "You said a few minutes ago that I should get to know you if I want to know who you are, but I'm not sure you would ever show me who you really are. It feels like you have secrets."
"Why would you say that?" he asked, feeling uncomfortable with her observation.
"I'm right, aren't I?"
"Everyone has secrets. I suspect you do, too."
"Maybe, but I doubt I guard them as well as you."
Her comments were hitting a little too close to home. "We should move along, so Patty can move her things."
"Ah, changing the subject. You really don't like losing control of a conversation, do you?"
"Do you want to get my room key?" he asked, not sure why he was feeling so rattled. Maybe it was because there was a part of him that wanted to talk to Lizzie in a way he hadn't talked to anyone else, and that would be foolish.
"Yes, I will get your key, because I need to get this done so I can get back to the party. I'll meet you upstairs."
"Sure," he said. After she left, he quickly finished packing, and then headed up the stairs. Maybe Lizzie was right. Maybe they should keep their distance. He'd love to have sex with her, but tell her his secrets…not so much.
Chapter Ten
Thursday morning, Lizzie woke up to a cool chill in the air and felt relieved and happy that the heating was back to normal. She took a quick shower and put on leggings, a tank top, and her running shoes. Tucking her phone into a small pocket at her waist, and with her headphones over her ears, she jogged down the stairs, careful to be as quiet as she could. It was only six thirty and barely light out, but it was the best time for her to run. No one was up yet. No problems had come to surface, and she could enjoy the beauty of the day before it got started, before it became chaotic and busy. It was a good time for her to catch up on her thoughts and refocus her brain.
Unfortunately, as she ran out the front door, she saw Justin stretching his legs on the front lawn, and she realized her early morning sanctuary from the guests was not going to happen this morning. He wore running shorts and a T-shirt under a lightweight sweatshirt, and tingles ran down her spine at the sight of him. No wonder he was so fit; he was a runner.
He gave her a surprised look. "You're a runner, too?"
"Every day."
"Me, too."
Great, they had something in common. It worked better when she could tell herself they were completely different people and would never get along. "Are you coming back?" she asked hopefully.
"Nope. Just about to head out. Is there a good path?"
"There are a couple. One goes into the hills, one winds its way around the shore, and the other will take you through town."
"Which one are you running?"
"The hills," she said. "I like the challenge, but if you're concerned about altitude—"
"I'm not," he said, cutting her off. "Let's go."
"You seem like someone who would rather run alone," she said. "Don't feel you have to go with me."
He smiled. "I do like to run alone usually, but not today. And since I'm one of your guests, I'm sure you want to keep me happy."
"Of course. It will be awesome to run with you."
He laughed at her dry tone. "Great."
She bounced from side to side as she loosened up her legs. "But if I'm going too slow or too fast, you can run ahead or lag behind," she told him. "I want you to get a good workout."
"I think I can keep up with you. But you might not be able to keep up with me."
Her competitive spirit kicked in at his words. "I have three brothers, Justin. I've been keeping up with guys my whole life."
"Then let's see what you've got."
She took off on a medium pace jog, knowing the hills that were coming up. Justin fell into step alongside her. She wished the path was narrow, but there was plenty of room for them to run side by side. Maybe that was just as well. It would be distracting to have him behind her, and if he was in front of her, she probably wouldn't be able to take her eyes off him.
"How was your night?" she asked, wanting to distract herself from that thought. "Any ghostly encounters?"
"Not a one," he said, flinging her a smile. "I slept great."
"I'm glad to hear it. Did you enjoy dinner at La Ventana?"
"It was excellent. Incredible steak."
"And catching up
with your grandparents was probably even better."
"It was," he admitted. "I don't see them or talk to them as much as I like. I travel so much. I'm always in a different time zone. It's hard to find a moment when we're all awake. So, is this our pace? Because it seems slow."
"I was just warming up, but I'm ready to go now. Are you?"
"Always ready," he said with his charmingly cocky smile. "Ladies first."
She doubled her speed, but Justin matched her stride for stride. With their new pace, the conversation ended, and she put her energy into her run, turning up the music in her ears. Her kick-ass mountain climbing music provided a nice backdrop for a run that had become a race, and she needed both the music and her competitive desire to win to keep up with Justin.
Up and down they went over rolling hills and through deeply forested areas, finally coming out along a path with an amazing view of the lake. When they reached the summit, she ran over to a low wall and gave it a tap. Justin hit the wall at the exact same time.
"Tie," he said with a grin.
Considering he didn't seem nearly as winded as she was, she had a feeling he could have gone faster. "You could have probably won," she said, as she pulled out her earphones.
"You think I let our race end in a tie?"
"Yes."
He laughed. "Does that score me any points?"
"No. I don't like it when people let me win or tie. I prefer to earn it. It means more."
"Then we'll have a rematch tomorrow."
Since making another date seemed like a bad idea, she turned her gaze to the lake and simply said, "We'll see."
"This is an amazing view," Justin said, pulling off his headphones and tucking them into his pocket.
"Worth the effort?"
"Definitely."
She wished she could find a way to stop smiling at him. But he was so damned attractive with sweat on his face, his brown hair mussed from the breeze, his cheeks red, his blue eyes as bright as the sunlight. "How do you fit daily runs into your busy schedule?"
"I get up early, like you."
"It is the best time of the day. Everything is possible. Nothing has gone wrong yet. It's all good."
He nodded in agreement. "I feel the same way. But I'm surprised you like to run. It's very solitary, and you seem like a people person."
Can't Fight The Moonlight (Whisper Lake Book 3) Page 12
