I focused on the pool, not wanting to lie to her. Why did everyone want a piece of that day? That was mine, all mine. I had to admit that it kind of freaked me out that she’d guessed we had met before.
“Maybe you met in a previous life?” She didn’t give me time to answer her first inquiry.
I took the out, hoping she wouldn’t mention us meeting previously again. “Perhaps.”
“I know you think I’m talking nonsense, but there is something about the two of you. I’ve never felt a connection so strong.”
I inadvertently perked up at the word connection. It didn’t go unnoticed.
A meaningful smile played on my mother’s face. “You feel it too, don’t you?”
I took a bite of the fake ice cream and tried to savor it, but I missed the fatty calories.
Mom grinned at me the entire time, knowing I was stalling.
“I’ll admit I’m attracted to him,” I whispered. “Who wouldn’t be?”
“You know it runs deeper than physical attraction.”
I shrugged. “Mom, I’m his relationship manager and . . . well . . . you know.”
She reached over and patted my bare knee. “I do know, but Douglas,” she said his name with such vitriol, as she should, “he wouldn’t be in there,” she pointed toward the patio door, “helping your dad.”
“No. But he was in Dad’s study and they would talk for hours about ancient cultures and rituals. He dazzled you with all his knowledge of herbs and tribal remedies. Admit it, Mom, you and Dad both loved Douglas once upon a time. We all did. We were taken in by his charisma.”
She gave me a disconcerting look. None of us wanted to admit we loved Douglas, but we had. And we all knew it.
“You think all Nick has to offer is some superficial charm?”
“Honestly, I don’t know what to think about him, but it doesn’t matter. I’m prohibited from dating him, and getting involved with a celebrity is a terrible idea.”
She let her spoon fall in her bowl, making a loud clink. “Rule three, right?”
“Four,” I replied sarcastically.
“Katie, Katie, I raised you to be a rule breaker, not to follow the crowd.”
“You’re in luck—most of my friends are married now with kids, and I’m single. I’m a rebel.” I smirked.
“Without a cause,” she quipped.
“It’s not by choice.” I stared off into the distance.
She rubbed my arm. “Honey, this has all been your choice. Eventually, you’re just going to have to trust someone . . . or . . . be alone.”
I turned slowly to face her with stinging eyes. “I know, but I can’t forget what Douglas did to me.”
She squeezed my arm at the mention of his name. “I don’t think you’re supposed to forget, but you are supposed to learn from it and move on.”
“That’s why I have my rules.”
“Katie, honey, when it comes to love, it’s good to have boundaries, but you have to throw out the rule book. Do you think I planned on marrying a doctor and someone as boring as your father?”
I shook my head and laughed.
“Your father and I are like oil and vinegar, but in those moments when we are shaken and come together for a brief period, we make the best salad dressing. You’re living proof of that.”
“Yet you are sleeping in my bed,” I reminded her and prayed she didn’t go into further detail about how I was made.
She waved her hand. “That was to prove a point. I would never really leave your dad.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “Are you sure?”
“I’m too old to break another one in, and most of the time I love him. That is, if he doesn’t start another home renovation.”
“Hopefully, he’ll listen to Nick, or at least take his pointers.”
“Nick,” Mom said dreamily. “He’s my hero. And I think he’s looking for a leading lady.” She wagged her eyebrows.
“I don’t think so.”
“He’s using a dating service.”
“I know, but . . .” I wasn’t sure I could elaborate. “Let’s just say he’s not looking for anything serious.”
“He looks at you pretty seriously.”
“Mom.”
“Katie,” she looked down her nose at me. “I know you see it . . . or is that feel it?”
Her mother’s intuition was starting to freak me out. I was hoping her crystals weren’t really communicating with her. I would have to rethink everything, then.
I bit my lip. “I’ll admit there is something there, but as we know, that doesn’t mean it is meant to blossom into anything. Sometimes it shouldn’t.”
“And sometimes we give away what could have been the most beautiful bouquet because we were afraid that we might get pricked by a few thorns. Here’s a newsflash, my dear daughter, all roses have thorns, even you. Though yours are few.” She gave me a sardonic grin. “Honey, you’ve got to be willing to bleed a little. I know after Douglas you felt like you needed a blood transfusion, but most men won’t suck you dry, not even celebrities.”
Maybe that was true, but I had a feeling Nick could leave a woman feeling like she needed life support after he was done with her. “Regardless, my job takes him off the table.”
“Like I said, I raised you to be a rule breaker.”
She may have raised me to be that way, but I was more cautious, like my dad. Except for once, and that hadn’t turned out so well.
~*~
“Thank you.”
It seemed wholly inadequate to express my appreciation to the man covered in dust looking like every woman’s construction man dream. We all had one. Not sure why, but I think there was something we women loved about a man who could fix things. And the way Nick’s muscles flexed in his dirty T-shirt didn’t hurt. Well, it kind of did since it made me feel ways I shouldn’t. I leaned against Nick’s car, exhausted, trying not to ogle him. It had been a long day of cleaning and emotional highs and lows. At least my parents were in the house together. Dad had even taken Mom’s hand while we all stood and admired Nick’s and Dad’s handiwork before we left. The crown molding turned out great. But the pride on Dad’s face was priceless, as was the way he asked my mom to stay home. It was as if I could see his self-dignity return. And I owed it all to the man who rested himself close to me against his car.
“No thanks are necessary. I told him I would come back next week and help him finish the wainscoting.”
I turned and stared at him dumbfounded. “You don’t have to do that. I know you’re busy and . . . you hardly know us.”
“But I want to know you, and your dad’s inside information is good.”
“You’re researching me?”
“You’ve done your fair share on me.”
My cheeks turned from pink because of the warm weather to heatstroke red. “It’s my job,” I stammered.
“I saw the notebook, Kate Wells.”
I was going to strangle my mother for showing him those once her home was back in order and she was in an emotionally better place. After, I was going to kick myself for thinking how nice that name still sounded and the small thrill it gave me to hear him say it.
“I think I’m going to go now.” I pushed off his car.
“Let me take you home,” he was quick to offer.
“It’s not that far of a walk.”
“But it’s late and I would still like your company.”
It was hard to say no to a man who had spent his entire day helping your parents, or to his blue eyes that captured you and held you hostage. From the half smile that played on his face, he knew the captivating power his eyes had. Not to mention that strong jawline with a layer of facial hair that bordered between a midnight shadow and a fine beard.
“I suppose you can drive me home.” I yawned.
“Your unenthusiastic response is not fooling me. It’s all in the eyes, Kate . . . and the notebooks.”
I rolled my eyes at him but smiled.
He
chuckled and clicked his key fob, unlocking his fancy car. He got right in while I walked at a snail’s pace toward the passenger side. As weird as it sounded, this was a significant deal for me, allowing him to drive me home. When someone took you home, it meant there was a certain level of trust associated with your relationship. And this was him. The man I dreamt of marrying one day and fathering the four babies I’d planned to have. I didn’t like being an only child, so I swore I was going to have a house full of kids. Not sure how realistic that was anymore. The four babies, not marrying him. That wasn’t going to happen.
I slid into the passenger seat, nervous. I focused on all the gadgetry the car had instead of Nick, who looked pleased I’d joined him. “Nice car.”
“Not bad for a loaner.”
“I hope you’re teasing.” The car probably cost a hundred grand.
A gloating expression filled his features. “I enjoy getting a rise out of you, Kate.”
“Remember what I said about your ego and our friendship?”
He rested his hand, which still had specks of white paint on it, on my knee. His touch was warm and gentle. “I hope we are friends.”
His touch clammed me up and muddled my brain. I nodded before I knew what I was doing.
He dazzled me with a full smile, with a touch of conceit for good measure. “I’m happy to hear that, because I need you to do me a favor.”
Chapter Thirty
Apparently being friends with Nick meant helping him do research for his screenplay, even though he wasn’t willing to share what it was about. Something about nondisclosures and privileged information.
Not sure why he needed my help or what the private botanical gardens with the creepy mansion on the property had to do with it, but that is where I found myself on Sunday along with Skye and Liam, who looked so nervous I was afraid he would vomit. I felt the same way. But how could I tell Nick no after everything he had done for my parents? And I thought maybe I could work him out of my system like the book said. I needed my ovaries to quit screaming about him.
Nick had used his mastery of persuasion with the powers that be, not sure who they were, but they allowed us to tour the property even though they were closed on Sundays. I hadn’t even known this attraction, which was an hour from my place, existed. It was well off the highway and nestled back amongst the hills. The greenery around the property was stunning, and the long driveway to access the property was reminiscent of days gone by. The large wrought iron gates at the entrance added to the old-time feel. The mansion itself was covered in climbing vines, giving it an eerie ambiance. The dark stone didn’t help, or the large magnolia trees that kept the sun from reaching it.
The four of us stared up at the monstrous turreted home before the man we were supposed to meet dawdled out the front door.
“What do you think?” Nick asked while we waited.
“If you are writing a horror film, then it’s perfect.”
“Wait until I tell you the history of this place.”
I rubbed my arms, chilled from his ominous tone, even though it was blazing hot outside.
Nick took notice. “Don’t worry, Kate, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
His mere presence was already doing something to me, just like Liam’s was doing something to Skye. I decided to focus on her. I watched how she stood close to Liam, but not too close, and how her hand hung down wishing to be held. Liam kept his hands in his pockets. He’d hardly said two words in the car. But they could have been texting each other. Their fingers were certainly flying, and they kept smiling at each other.
The cute Mr. Kearns made his way over the deep porch that creaked when he stepped on it. His wispy gray hair blew in the light breeze and he was all a dither to meet Nick. That seemed to be the usual reaction where Nick was concerned.
Mr. Kearns shook hands vigorously with Nick. “Such a pleasure to meet you,” he kept repeating. “This must be your family.” Mr. Kearns smiled at me.
I stepped back, not sure what to say.
Nick smoothed it over by reaching across me toward Skye. “This is my daughter, Skye, and her friend Liam.”
Mr. Kearns smiled wide, showing off his rather large dentures. “Darling girl, so nice to meet you,” he addressed Skye. “And you, young man,” he referred to Liam.
All eyes landed on me.
Nick touched the small of my back and moved me right back next to him. “This is my friend, Kate.”
Mr. Kearns nodded like sure she’s your “friend” while holding out his hand to me. “Lovely to meet you, dear.” He had a deep Southern ring to his voice.
I took his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
He gave my hand an extra squeeze before letting it go. He turned to address Nick and handed him a brochure from his suit coat pocket. “We are all set for your visit. Here’s a map of the property. Entrance is through the home. You can tour the home and then the gardens. I will be available in my office on the first floor if you have any questions. I hope you will enjoy your visit to the Xavier Mansion.” He stepped aside and motioned for us to enter the large double doors with an X carved on them in a swirling script.
Nick had to prod me forward; something about the house didn’t sit well with me. The teenagers obviously had no issues, or at least bold and beautiful Skye didn’t—she took the lead and Liam followed, probably to stay away from Nick more than anything.
I smiled at the two while Nick shook his head; he may have even growled under his breath.
I leaned close enough to Nick not to be overheard. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. He’s petrified of you and her.”
Skye had filled me in over text yesterday between helping my parents. She sent me screenshots of hers and Liam’s text conversation and it was amusingly boring. They basically talked about which was a better pet, a cat or a dog. Skye’s vote was for cats and Liam felt dogs were the way to go. They also shared some pet memes. I was so glad I grew up when we still talked on the phone.
“That’s not going to last.” Nick kept his eyes on his baby.
Liam held the door open for Skye and the rest of us like a gentleman. “Sir,” he said shakily when Nick passed. Nick only glared at him.
Liam was quick to enter and join Skye, who was already scoping out the art nouveau style furniture, in particular a large armoire that also had an X carved in it. Several pieces did, including the writing desk in the large foyer and several hand-carved chairs. The dim lighting and light blocking curtains added to the creep factor.
Mr. Kearns bounced on the balls of his feet. “Take your time. I have plenty of paperwork to catch up on.”
“Ooh, look at this.” Skye pointed to the grotesque looking upright piano in the parlor with carved heads on the lid and half naked women’s bodies carved into the side that looked as if they were crawling up it.
“What is this place?” I whispered to Nick.
“This was the home of Xavier Toole. He was a bit obsessive about his name and, as you can see, women.”
“Are you writing about him?”
Nick shook his head. “I’m more here for the feel of the place and location ideas.”
“Well, it feels unsettling.”
Nick tilted his head. “What would your diagnosis of someone like Xavier be, just by looking at his surroundings?”
I did a quick scan of all I could see. “I don’t know how accurate it would be; I would need some more information on him.”
“Try,” Nick urged.
“Okay . . .” I thought his request odd but walked around the parlor and adjoining rooms studying the pieces of furniture and art on the walls. Several pictures were of women, and they all had two things in common—they were all corseted and blonde. And each had an X in the corner. The man obviously had some sexual compulsions and, I would guess, a fetish.
My blood ran cold. “Are these his trophies?”
“Very good, doctor. Anything else?”
“My guess would be that h
e was abused or abandoned when he was young, possibly both.”
Nick pressed his lips together, forming a smile. “Right again. His father abused him, and his mother was a prostitute and made to forcibly give him up.”
“Let me guess—she was blonde.”
“You’re good at this.”
“I wish I wasn’t.” I shook where I stood. “What is the purpose of this place?”
“They do tours and murder mystery events. Xavier Toole, for all his faults, was a very wealthy man at the turn of last century, and for many years, a pillar of the community, until they found out his secret habit of painting his victims before he killed them and buried them on this property.”
I held my stomach. “That’s horrific.”
“Why don’t we go outside? The gardens, I hear, are second to none.” Nick’s hand found the small of my back.
“Are there dead bodies or statues of women?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“Lead the way. I want to be anywhere but here.”
Liam and Skye weren’t as anxious as me to leave. They were taking pictures of everything and probably snapchatting it with weird captions.
Nick wasn’t keen on leaving Skye alone with Liam, though, and suggested they come outside with us—more like demanded it. Liam hopped right to it and Skye followed him.
I was happy to feel the sun on my face and take in the well-manicured gardens. For as cold as the house was, the gardens had a whimsical feel to them. There were ponds with lily pads and hanging trees with old fashioned wood swings attached to them. Wind chimes sang in the breeze. Toy trains lined the stone path.
“He was trying to capture his innocence and childhood out here,” I said aloud.
Nick gave me a thoughtful look. “You are brilliant.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“There’s a maze,” Skye squealed and daringly grabbed Liam’s hand. “Let’s go through it.”
Nick’s first instinct was to follow, and he would have, but I did something I shouldn’t have on impulse. I copied Skye and took Nick’s hand. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
Dating by Design Series Box Set Page 71
