by Natalie Ann
“Why?” he asked. “The owners aren’t ready to move?”
“It’s a single father and his daughter. He’s getting married in a few weeks, so he can close after the wedding.”
“Makes sense,” he said.
“Not really,” she said. “He’s marrying the woman in his backyard. You’d think they’d just move in together now.”
Brian laughed at the chagrined look on her face. “It’s not that long. Since you’re paying cash I’m sure we can get through this fast. Do you know who his lawyer is?”
“Brina Shepard,” she said, handing over the card. “Guess it’s his new wife’s cousin.” She pulled the contract out. “Philip Aire is the current owner.”
“I’ll reach out to Brina and we’ll get going. She’s not that far from here.”
“Thanks,” she said. “I’d love to get a puppy soon. I think I need the companionship.”
He smiled at her. He’d like to spend some time with her but wasn’t sure it’d be wise to mention that. She was his client. Not only that, she’d been through a horrible experience. She was probably a little gun shy and he couldn’t blame her if she was.
“We can all use that in our lives at some point,” he said.
“Oh,” she said. “I’m sure you aren’t hurting for any companionship.”
She blushed when she said it and he found that comment promising. “You’d be surprised.”
He was thirty-three years old and alone. Still young. Still plenty of time.
Yet he was sick of it.
A few months ago he’d stood up at the altar and watched his sister, Meena, marry his best friend, Troy Walker.
He and Troy had been inseparable growing up. They’d been through all the ups and downs in life that best friends had. They’d even pushed off his annoying younger sister when they were teens and then shielded her from douchebags.
Protective older brother? That was him. It was his job and he was damn good at it.
The last thing he’d ever thought was that his baby sister had the hots for Troy and that the two of them had secretly been pining for each other for years.
When Meena moved back to the area a few years ago to open up her own hair salon, she’d never said a word that she was coming back because Troy was single again. His engagement having ended when his fiancée turned out to be a real bitch.
His best friend and sister were happily married and living in Troy’s house in Guilderland. A nice boring cookie cutter development. Anyone who knew Meena would think it was a riot, but she’d had no problem going in and redecorating Troy’s house. With his blessing of course.
“Thank you again,” Robin said. “For seeing me on such short notice. I know you’re busy, but I appreciate it. I just felt so comfortable with you last time and knew I wouldn’t have to explain my situation or where the money was coming from as I would if I went with someone new.”
It started out as a compliment and then turned into he was better than the alternative. So much for thinking she might be interested in him. “Not a problem,” he said.
She stood up and shook his hand, the heat of her palm touching his and setting off a wave of emotions in his body just like it did every time he saw her.
He walked her out, then watched her make her way to her SUV in the parking lot. Nothing showy at all. There was nothing about Robin Masters that spoke of her newly acquired wealth and he had a feeling she preferred it that way.
Robin got in her car and started it up, then rolled the window down to get some air. The late September breeze felt good and she needed to suck in as much of the oxygen as she could.
Every time she saw Brian Dawson she felt as if the breath was knocked right out of her. Crazy, considering how she’d met him. Even though without the prenup she could have skinned him. So much for him saying he loved her forever. They’d always be together and they wouldn’t need a prenup anyway. Yeah right! Alex knew exactly what to say to make her believe.
Even crazier if she’d said she did a search for lawyers, saw his picture online, and thought he looked honest. That was why she went with him.
What she was going through, and how messy it could get, the last thing she wanted to do was find some lawyer who tried to talk her into going for blood.
Nope. She wanted out.
She was hurt.
She was embarrassed.
She’d been a fool and she didn’t want anyone to know about it.
What she was, was just plain done.
Brian had listened to her story. He’d watched the video, and he applauded her for keeping her cool and recording it and then not confronting Alex. For just taking the next day off of work, packing her belongings, and moving in with her parents.
She’d been home when Alex got out of work that night, she’d told him she wanted a divorce and she’d ask nothing of him.
He’d had the gall to be hurt and upset, then mad. He didn’t understand where it was coming from and she’d calmly explained it to him with tear-filled eyes.
Then he’d gone into a rage and said no one ever understood him. He’d begged her not to let anyone know about the video. That he’d give her what she wanted, but he didn’t want his name dragged through the mud and asked if there was a way they could work things out.
She’d laughed at him and wanted to tell him to go F off. But she’d never been one to swear or act that way.
In the end they agreed to quickly and quietly divorce. But when Alex’s parents found out, they’d pressured their son on what happened, then they cornered her. She’d kept her lips sealed because she just wanted to move on.
She should have known that Alex wouldn’t be able to keep quiet though. He always fell to the pressure of his parents, but that wasn’t her problem. That was his.
He’d gotten drunk and confessed to his parents. They hadn’t believed their son until he said Robin had it caught on video and that he had no choice but to give her what she wanted.
No one had ever wanted to see proof of that video. She’d thought that was funny. It didn’t matter. She’d had it and when her brother, Rick, had seen it, he’d flown in from California to be there for her. Her older brother was the best there was.
He was always there for her. Standing up for her. Protecting her. Giving her advice.
It’d embarrassed her to show the video to Brian, but as her attorney he needed to see it. She’d had no choice in the matter.
Robin had cried when she showed it to him. She’d cried a lot in his office.
And every single time, he’d gotten her tissues. He’d gotten her water. He’d held her hand.
He’d been there for her when the man she’d married and thought she loved had embarrassed her and broken her heart.
And when Alex’s parents contacted Brian with a settlement and she wanted to throw it back in their faces, he’d calmly told her that it was her right to do it, but since she didn’t want anyone to know what happened, that the least she could do was think about it.
“I don’t want their blood money,” she’d argued with Brian.
“I understand. As your lawyer, I think you should take it. They want you to keep quiet on this, but I’m recommending you don’t sign any nondisclosure either. This is going to come out at some point and you don’t want them to accuse you.”
“You’re right. He can’t keep this a secret forever. It’s going to happen again and again. I know that. Someone is going to find out and I don’t want to be associated with it.”
“How about we set up a meeting and air it all out?”
“Only if we do it here,” she said to him when they were in his office. Not even the conference room, but his office, just the four of them talking quietly.
“Of course.”
So he’d arranged it all. It was the first time she’d seen Alex’s parents since she’d left him. His mother came in crying and hugging her. His father not crying but apologizing. She’d realized they weren’t trying to buy her off, but rather compensate her and
maybe...make themselves feel better.
In the end she agreed to the settlement and everyone hoped the other kept quiet.
It was Alex’s life and he could do what he wanted.
Just like she was going to do what she wanted too.
Starting with seeing Brian Dawson again.
2
The Perfect One
The house was officially hers. The first house she’d ever owned herself too.
Before Alex, she’d lived in apartments and then moved into his house. The house he still had. Whether he was there alone she had no clue, nor did she care.
But here she was directing the movers where to put things in her house in Paradise Place.
Could she have built a new house? Or a bigger one in the newer section of the development?
Of course she could have. But she was a simple girl from a middle class family that happened to catch the eye of a man with money.
Paradise had been the life she’d thought she’d get when her last name became Fischer.
Instead it was heartache and she couldn’t shed that from her life fast enough.
But why not live somewhere that she could find a little joy in?
Her new house was way too big for just her, but dang it all, she was going to find someone one of these days and she was going to have a family like she dreamed.
Until then, there was a lot of space for her and the first puppy she was going to bring home from the shelter. The yard was even fenced in. Bonus!
Once she was in the house unpacking, she heard a knock at the back door and went toward it. She couldn’t imagine who it could be.
“Hi,” the woman said. “I’m Blair Aire. Oh my, that rhymes. I haven’t really said it much.”
“I’m Livi Aire. And you’re in my old house.”
Robin smiled at the two of them. The blonde who was holding a plant in her hand, and the little girl who was holding a plate of cookies.
“I like your old house,” she told Livi.
“We had to take the swing set because I told Daddy I wasn’t giving it up. I hope you don’t have kids and we took it from you. But we did bring you cookies.”
“Thank you for the cookies. Would you like to come in?”
“We don’t want to bother you,” Blair said. “We just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood. Paradise Place is a great place to live. And of course I know you’re aware Philip is just in the backyard if you have any questions or concerns about the house. It’s actually my fence in the back and there is a gate on my side if you need to sneak through.”
“Thanks for letting me know about the fence.” She held the door open for them and then followed them to the kitchen. They obviously knew their way. “This is my first house by myself. I’m sure I’ll figure it all out in time.”
“I moved out young too,” Blair said. “There is a freedom in it, but also some fear. At least I thought so.”
“You understand. Thank you for the plant. It’s beautiful.”
She took the succulent array and set it on the table in the breakfast area. She’d have to figure out a place of honor for it.
“I own The Healing Touch in Albany. One of many things we’ve got there.”
“Blair brought us an aloe plant when we moved in,” Livi said. “I fall a lot and that helps heal my cuts.”
“Good to know,” Robin said. “I get a lot of scratches on me from the dogs.”
“You’ve got a dog?” Livi asked. “I want a dog. Daddy said no, but now Blair said maybe I can convince him. But don’t tell my father that we might be ganging up on him. Blair says that’s not right.”
Robin looked at Blair and saw the blush come across her face. “Sorry.”
“No worries. I don’t have a dog yet, but I volunteer at a shelter in town twice a week. It’s hard to pick and choose which ones to love and bring home. I haven’t been able to do it yet, but now I’m ready as soon as I find the perfect one.”
“That’s wonderful,” Blair said.
“Can I volunteer there?” Livi asked. “I like petting dogs. I bet all dogs need some love.”
This little girl was absolutely adorable. “All dogs do need love and a home. And if they can’t find a home right away, getting love from volunteers is the next best thing. Maybe it’s something I can talk to your father about at some point.”
“I’d like that. And here are cookies. Blair loves to bake.”
“Normally I’m told I’m the open book of the neighborhood, but someone is giving me a run for my money as you can tell,” Blair said. “These are just chocolate chip cookies. I figured they were simple since I had no idea if you had any allergies.”
“No allergies here, but man, do I love a good chocolate chip cookie. Please, have a seat and visit and share one with me.”
“Maybe another time,” Blair said, looking around at all the boxes. “You’ve got a lot to do, I know. We won’t keep you. But once you’re settled, please come on back and we’ll visit. I’m home working in the gardens or in my shop most days. Philip is a professor at RIP. I picked Livi up from school today since we knew you were moving in. She wanted to meet you, but normally she doesn’t get home until later in the day when the bus drops her off.”
“I’d like that,” Robin said and walked them both out, watching them cross the lawn. When they were behind the fence, Livi turned and waved, trying to jump up and over to be seen.
Not too bad for her first day here.
She took the wrapping off the plate of cookies and helped herself to one, knowing her eyes just rolled back in her head. These were killer.
After her second one, she went back to work. It was time to make this house her new home.
Two days after the closing, Brian found himself knocking on Robin’s front door. Since it was a Saturday, he was hoping she was home, but had no clue.
They’d closed on her house and he just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her yet.
Meena had been busting his ass the night before, telling him he was distracted and wanted to know why. “What’s going on with you? I asked you to dinner because you’ve complained you haven’t had a chance to hang out with Troy and yet you aren’t even talking to us.”
His sister hadn’t been that wonderful of a cook. That was more Troy’s thing, but the two of them had been cooking the dinner together while he sat at the island and had a beer. “Sorry. Just have some things on my mind.”
“A case you’re working on?” Troy had asked.
“Not like you think.” He hadn’t wanted to say it was a simple house closing and that he couldn’t get his client out of his mind. They’d just roll their eyes at him.
“Then it’s a woman,” Meena said. “Tell me I’m right. I know I am.”
His sister was grinning at him. Her long hair was a dirty blonde with streaks of purple in it. She always had different colored hair. The fact she was her natural color for her wedding months ago had surprised everyone. She was stunning as always and it made his mother happy. She’d said she didn’t want to look back on her wedding pictures and wonder what possessed her to do that, but a month later, she’d gone back to crazy colors.
“Fine,” he said. If he didn’t agree with her, she’d hound him all night. “There is someone I’m thinking of.”
“A client?” Troy guessed. “Isn’t that a bit dicey?”
“Former client. We closed on her house two days ago in Paradise Place.”
“Nice area,” Troy said. “Harris loves it there. I’m glad I’ve got this house or Meena might have wanted to buy a place there.”
“Nope,” Meena said. “It’s beautiful there and I’m sure I’d love it, but this is your house and now it’s mine. I’ve moved enough in my life and I’m here to stay. Though I’ve got to admit your cousin Harris’s house is pretty sweet.”
“You’d have to be nuts not to love his house,” Troy said. “So what is going on, Brian? Normally you’ve got no problem going after a woman.”
He didn’t, eve
n though most of the time women came after him. Mainly clients or ex-clients. Maybe that was why he was hedging so much. He said he was wiping his hands of doing that again as they only wanted to use him for fun or wanted what he didn’t want to give them.
“She’s different. I handled her divorce earlier in the year. Then she bought her house.”
“So she called you to close on her house?” Meena asked. “She could have called anyone and called her divorce attorney? Maybe she’s thinking of you too. Did you get her a sweet divorce deal?”
He knew Meena was joking and he’d never reveal anything confidential. “You know that’s private. Anyway, she had a hard time of it and I’m sure she’s not looking to get involved with anyone anytime soon.”
“And we know how you feel about dating clients now. Or former clients. But the fact that this is distracting you is telling. So bring her a housewarming gift. You’re a nice guy,” Meena said. “That will give you a better idea of what is going through her head. But I’m telling you, there is more to it. Take it from a woman. If she was like the others, she would have contacted you right after the divorce not months later. And not to spend more money with you.”
So here he was standing on Robin’s doorstep like a fool with a plant, a bottle of wine, and a box of chocolates.
He was just ready to turn around and leave when the door opened. “Brian. What a pleasant surprise. Come on in.”
“I thought I’d bring you a housewarming gift. And as you can tell, it’s a little scattered because I wasn’t sure what to get and figured it’s kind of a celebration too.”
“It really is,” Robin said. “Excuse the mess. I’ve spent the last two days unpacking. Though I didn’t have a ton to move, I can’t figure out where to put things. I’ve got to go shopping this weekend too and order more furniture.”
The front living room was empty of furniture, but there were some boxes stored there. The dining room off to the side was empty. He moved to the back and the kitchen was massive and eat-in with a table to the side and a few stools against the counter. Her family room had furniture in it.
