The CEO's Dilemma ; Undeniable Passion

by Lindsay Evans

  “It definitely is,” Keith said. “There’s also a wide range of recreation here for you to enjoy.”

  As if to emphasize that point, the sound of laughter and splashing filled the air. “Is there a pool?” Rita asked. “Or can I hear all that from the lake?”

  “Right in front of this building there’s a pool. A hot tub as well. There are also tennis courts down the path to the left. A basketball court, too.”

  Keith slipped the key into the door. Rita glanced around. It was certainly a lovely spot. “And at such a reasonable price,” she said.

  “Just make sure you tell your friends about it. This is a hidden gem for many people from the city. Most of my rentals come from word-of-mouth.”

  He pushed the door open and stepped inside. Rita followed him into the unit. She glanced around, seeing a wide-open space with pale yellow walls, wicker furniture, a large flat-screen TV mounted to the wall and a kitchen to the left. The California shutters were open, letting in the sun. The unit was bright and welcoming.

  “Take a look around,” Keith told her. “The bedroom is at the far end on the left. From the bedroom, you have access to a balcony that overlooks the lake.”

  Maybe this would be a good place for her to work. Sitting out on the balcony and looking out at the view. Hopefully she could lose herself in nature and concentrate on editing the articles she needed to. She certainly had a lot to read through and select which ones would be purchased for publication. Without her best friend here to have wine with every night and complain about everything that was wrong in the world, she might just be more productive than she imagined.

  Rita gazed around at the dinette area, where there was a four-top wicker table. The small kitchen had white cupboards and a pale peach backsplash. And perhaps more importantly, there was a single-serve coffeemaker and a variety of coffees in the adjacent coffee carousel.

  “Very nice,” Rita said. She strolled through the place toward the back window. She peered through the blinds. About fifty feet away was the pool area. It had a waterslide, as well as a splash pad for kids. Two young children were running around beneath the spray of water.

  “You’ll get a much better view of outside from the balcony,” Keith told her.

  Rita moved to the left and opened the bedroom door. More California blinds let in loads of light. There was a queen-sized bed with a wicker headboard. A ceiling fan was above. The wall behind the headboard was painted in peach, while the other three walls were painted white. A white-knit bedspread gave the room a warm and cozy feel. This room had another flat-screen television, though smaller than the one in the living room. Just below the television and to the left was a small desk.

  “It’s lovely,” Rita said. She opened the door that led to the balcony and stepped outside. She drew in a deep breath of the fresh air. Her mood lifted as she looked out at the large lake, upon which some boats were sailing. There was a trail as far as the eye could see around the lake, and she saw one brave soul jogging in this heat.

  “I love it,” Rita said, turning to face Keith, who’d entered the bedroom with her. He was standing in the room, several feet away, giving her space. “I can already picture myself sitting here with a coffee in the morning.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  “What’s not to like?” Though she wasn’t here for a vacation, this place made her feel as though she were in Sheridan Falls for some relaxation.

  “The bathroom is just outside the bedroom,” Keith told her. “The door right here.”

  Rita went and checked it out. It was small and functional. It had a shower, sink, toilet, and was nicely decorated. On occasion she liked to luxuriate in a tub, but this unit didn’t have one. It was fine. She would survive.

  Rita made a quick turn, then gasped when she realized that Keith was almost right behind her. Her eyes landed on the coffee stain on his shirt...then the bulge of his muscular chest beneath it.

  “Sorry,” he said. “I was just going to ask if you wanted to go downstairs and check out the amenities.”

  Rita sidestepped him. “Not right now. But I will.”

  “And so you know, the lake is perfectly fine for swimming.”

  “I’m glad I brought my bathing suit.” Rita offered him a smile. “Hopefully I’ll get the time to swim.”

  “You said you were in town for a wedding?” Keith asked, narrowing his eyes in question.

  A bitter taste filled Rita’s mouth. “Yes. Well... Maybe.”

  Keith’s eyes registered confusion. “I don’t understand.”

  “My mother. She’s engaged. But I’m not one hundred percent certain the wedding will happen. The decision was made on a whim as far as I’m concerned. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole thing gets called off.”

  Rita met Keith’s gaze, saw that he was studying her. “That’s why you said in your email that the wedding shouldn’t be happening.”

  “I want my mother to be happy,” Rita said.

  “And you don’t think that getting married will make her happy,” Keith surmised.

  “It’s a long story, and I’m not certain that I want to get into it right now. I’m not sure she’s making the right decision, no. But I’m here because she’s my mother, and I’m not about to let her go through this on her own. And if the pieces of her life fall apart, I need to be here to help her pick them up.”

  “Ouch.” Keith cringed. “You don’t sound too hopeful about this wedding.”

  “It’s not really something I want to talk about. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Hey, I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “I know. It’s just...complicated.” And stress-inducing. Just thinking about the wedding was causing the momentary peace she’d felt to dissipate. Two months in Sheridan Falls was going to be two months too long. But hopefully her mother would come to her senses before that time.

  “The unit’s great,” Rita said. “Everything looks fine. More than fine.”

  “I aim to please.”

  She sauntered through the living room and toward the front door. “This is much more than I expected,” Rita told him. And she still couldn’t believe the price. It was a steal. “Thanks again.”

  She looked up at him and he down at her. She waited for him to say his goodbyes and be on his way. But he simply smiled at her. Why wasn’t he leaving?

  “Well, I do thank you very much for your time,” Rita went on, ready to end their time together. “I know you’ve got to get back to work, but I appreciate you taking me here. I have your card, so if there’s any trouble I’ll be in touch. But I doubt I’ll have any problems.”

  “I saw some boxes in the back of your car,” Keith said. “Let me help you bring your stuff upstairs.”

  “That’s not necessary,” Rita said. “I’ll bring my stuff up later. Right now, I’m going to take a nap.”

  “I can help you.”

  “Oh, I don’t expect that. That’s above and beyond the call of duty,” she said, giving him a little chuckle. “But I do appreciate the offer.”

  “I insist,” Keith said. “Besides, I’ve got a bit of time before my next appointment.”

  Rita gave him a quizzical look. Why was he suddenly being so nice to her?

  Was he going overboard to prove to her that he wasn’t the jerk he’d initially acted like? Was that why he was suddenly trying to win her over with his charm?

  If that was the case, then what would it hurt to take him up on his offer? “If you really want to help,” Rita said, “then how can I refuse?”

  Chapter 3

  As Rita watched Keith carry her two large suitcases from the trunk, she couldn’t help thinking that he was seriously attractive. He was the kind of guy she could enjoy gazing at. Like someone on a safari checking out the wild animals, she could watch him and not get bored.

  However, she knew that would
n’t be wise. Keith wasn’t a man on display. And he was the kind of man that she knew it would be risky to get close to. If she had him pegged right, he had an easy way with the ladies, and how many times had Rita seen women fall for guys like that during vulnerable times? She knew her heart was especially weak after her breakup with Rashad a few months ago and the reality that their wedding would have been just weeks away. The fact that her mother was getting married on top of that only made her heart more fragile.

  Vulnerable women looking for a way to forget or ease their pain often brought on more heartbreak. Rita read about it in the various stories sent to her for her magazine, Unlock Your Power. The magazine was a voice for women who’d endured devastating situations but were picking up the pieces of their lives. Sharing their stories was a way to help ease their pain and let others in similar situations know that they weren’t alone.

  So Rita definitely knew better than to think of men as a distraction. She could look at Keith or any other man and leave it at that. It was a matter of choice, wasn’t it? Knowing the risks and behaving accordingly.

  The first rule of guarding your heart was to not get involved on any level. Keith was simply a man who wanted to help her out—a good guy doing the courteous thing. No need to let herself think that there might be more motives to his actions.

  Keith exited the bedroom, where he had brought her two big suitcases. “I know it’s a lot, but considering I might be here for a while...” Her voice trailed off. “Speaking of which, are there laundry facilities?”

  “Excellent question. Forgot to mention that. There is a stacked washer and dryer in the cupboard in the kitchen. You’ll see it.”

  “Perfect, thank you.”

  Keith headed to the door again, and Rita said, “I can get the rest.”

  “You don’t have too much more. I’ll get the big box I saw in the backseat. Plus, wasn’t there a case of water?”

  “Yes, but—” Rita stopped when her phone rang. She pulled it out from the back pocket of her jeans and glanced at the screen. It was her best friend, Maeve.

  Keith jogged down the steps, and Rita swiped to answer the call. “Hey.”

  “How’s it going?” Maeve asked without preamble.

  “Good. I got here okay.”

  “You said something about a mishap,” Maeve said, concern in her voice.

  “Yeah, but... It’s not really a big deal. It was a small fender bender, but the situation’s been resolved.”

  “Someone hit you?” Maeve asked.

  “Actually, I hit someone.”

  “What?”

  “I was distracted for a second when I was pulling up to the coffee shop. And...it was barely a touch. No real damage.”

  “Did you leave a note for the owner?”

  “Actually, he was in the car,” Rita said as she watched Keith make his way back up the steps with the box of food items. “There was just a bit of paint transfer.” He gave her a little smile as he passed her, and Rita smiled back. Then she stepped outside of the unit to continue her call. “I offered to pay, he refused. Everything’s good.”

  “Okay, that’s great to hear. Just make sure you follow up. You don’t want the guy to start claiming back pains tomorrow.”

  “I doubt that’s going to happen. Something tells me that people in small towns like this are honest, not opportunistic. And from the sense I got from the guy... I highly doubt he would do that.”

  “All right, if you’re sure, then I trust your judgment.”

  “I am sure,” Rita said. She didn’t bother to tell her that the very man whose car she’d hit was currently helping her move in. Maeve would demand an explanation. “Anyway, I’m just getting my stuff into my apartment. The realtor is here with me. He’s helping me carry up some boxes.”

  “Really?” Maeve asked. “You mean he didn’t just hand you an invoice and call it a day?”

  “No. He’s been quite helpful, actually.”

  “That’s a change from St. Louis. I guess you’re right. People are nicer in small towns.”

  “So far.”

  “Unless he’s interested.” Maeve’s voice rose on a hopeful note. “Is he cute? And is he single?”

  “Maeve, seriously.”

  “I am serious. Lord knows you need a distraction from Rashad and what he did to you.”

  Rita threw a quick glance at Keith before whispering, “I didn’t give him the third degree.” Keith took a step in her direction, and Rita quickly changed the direction of the conversation. “It’s a totally beautiful unit, and you should see the location.” She spoke loudly enough for Keith to hear as he passed her and headed to the steps. “Maybe you can come up for a weekend.”

  “Mmm, now that’s an idea. Maybe I will.”

  “I could use a friend up here.”

  “Have you talked to your mother yet?” Maeve asked.

  “No,” Rita answered. “Not yet. I wanted to make sure I got settled in first before I call her.”

  Maeve sighed softly. “You know I’m thinking of you and wishing you the best. Remember, you’ve got to accept whatever decision your mom’s making. Just do your best to be there for her.”

  Rita stared off at the wall of trees as Keith walked past her with her case of bottled water. She knew her friend was right, but still it hurt to think about doing that. But she said, “That’s why I’m here. One way or another, I’m going to be there for my mom. Hopefully everything works out the way she wants.” Although Rita said the words, she couldn’t help secretly wishing the opposite. Because she didn’t want to see her mother get hurt. If the relationship fell apart now, it would spare her mother prolonged pain.

  “Look, I’ll give you a call a little later this evening,” Rita told Maeve. “I’m hungry, and I’ve got to get settled in.”

  “All right, girl,” Maeve said. “Glad you arrived safely and that everything’s going okay.”

  “Thanks.”

  She ended the call and stepped back into the apartment. Keith approached her. “I just saw one more box in your trunk,” he said.

  “Oh, that. It’s miscellaneous stuff. It can stay in the car for now. You’ve brought up everything I need, so thank you.”

  “Any time.”

  Rita extended her hand. “All right, Keith. It’s been a pleasure. I’ll be in touch if I need you. If I need you for anything,” she quickly amended, hoping her words hadn’t sounded like a come-on. Though she wasn’t sure that her second version was much better. “But I’m sure I won’t have to call.”

  Keith’s eyes crinkled as he shook her hand. “I’m here. For whatever you require.”

  Slowly, he released her hand, and as Rita gazed up at him, a jolt zapped her chest. This time, there was no questioning the meaning behind his look. The glint in his eyes along with his suggestive words made it clear that he was flirting.

  He walked past her then, and a hint of his cologne wafted into her nose. It was a musky scent that made her insides crumble.

  The man was fine, no doubt about it. Too fine.

  And he knew it. She could tell by that easy smile he gave her, the gleam in his eyes. He probably thought she’d be calling sooner rather than later, trying to arrange some sort of hookup.

  Well, he was going to have to wait a long time if that’s what he thought.

  * * *

  Rita was glad when Keith finally left, and she laid her head down for a full five minutes. Then she got up abruptly. Before she took a nap, she needed to call her mother. Let her know that she’d arrived safely.

  The phone rang twice before her mother answered. “Hello!” she exclaimed in a cheerful voice. “Have you arrived?”

  “Yes. I’m here.”

  “How was the drive?” her mother asked.

  “Uneventful. Peaceful.” Rita loved long drives. They allowed her time to think. She o
ften came up with her best article ideas when she was driving.

  “And you’re at your rental unit now?” her mother asked.

  “Yep. And it’s lovely. Right on the lake. Such a fantastic view.”

  “Didn’t I tell you? You’re going to love this little town. You might not even want to leave,” her mother added with a chuckle.

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” Rita said. This was a quaint and beautiful spot, that was for sure. But she was a big city girl. Besides, her life was in St. Louis. She wasn’t about to move here and play family with her mother and father.

  “You know, it’s not too late to reconsider,” her mother said.

  Though her mother hadn’t specified what she was talking about, Rita knew. “Mom...you know my position on this.”

  “We have the room. And that way, you can spend more time with your father. With us.”

  The very idea caused a lump to form in Rita’s throat. “I need my own space. At least to get work done.”

  There was a soft sigh on the other end of the line. “Well, if you change your mind...”

  The invitation hung between them, but Rita wasn’t about to take her mother up on the offer.

  “You have the address for the house?” her mother asked. “I texted it to you.”

  “Yep. I got it.”

  “Why don’t you come over for dinner? I made enough to feed—”

  “Not today, Mom.”

  “You must be hungry. Come by, I’ll give you a plate to take.”

  “Another time,” Rita said.

  “You’re going to have to see him at some point,” her mother told her.

  “At some point, yes. But that doesn’t have to be today. I’m exhausted from the drive, and I figure I’ll go get some groceries. Plus, I need to check back with my office about some assignments...”

  “It needs to be sooner rather than later. We need to get on with the wedding planning. And I’d like you and your father to smooth things over before we walk down the aisle.”