Love With A Stranger

by Taylor, Janelle

  “With Miss Lowery, I suppose because she was with him shortly before the accident and they want to know how he was behaving and if he said anything about having trouble with somebody. It’s a waste of time because he wouldn’t have discussed anything personal with a mere model. As for my mother, she’s been long gone for a long time and I don’t know her address. But if she hated my father and wanted him dead for any reason, she wouldn’t have waited until now to do him in, right?”

  “I suppose so. Tom didn’t talk about her. I don’t even know her name; Tom said it was too far in the past to matter to either of us.”

  Peter decided to win Cass’s sympathies and draw her closer to him by tugging on her emotions. He took a deep breath, stared at his shoe, and murmured, “Allegedly she ran off with another man. She hasn’t written or called me since she left, so I have no idea why she felt it necessary to abandon us without a trace or second thought; the note she left behind for me certainly didn’t give me any answers. For a long time I kept thinking she’d come back or contact at least me, but she didn’t. My paternal grandparents died a long time ago and Mother’s parents are in a fancy nursing home up North. Their minds and health are so deteriorated that they don’t know who or where they are, who she is, or who I am. They have perpetual trust funds taking care of their expenses, so they’ll have the best care possible until their deaths; then the funds revert to me as their only grandson and because my father was the one who provided them.” He summoned a fake tone and expression of anguish to dupe Cass. “I stopped going to see them and phoning them years ago because it didn’t help them any and it upset me every time I saw them like that.”

  Cass was surprised to learn that fact about Tom, reminding her he had had some good traits. Unless, she reasoned, those trust funds had been his first wife’s idea and part of their divorce agreement. She was touched by the sufferings of the young man before her and assumed those ordeals had helped to mold him into the contradictory person he was. “I’m sorry, Peter; that must have hurt you deeply.”

  “Yep, but time is the healer it’s proclaimed to be; you’ll see.” He looked at her and feigned a wry smile. “I practice that old adage about changing the things you can and accepting the ones you can’t. To do otherwise would drive one nuts.”

  “That’s excellent advice, and I’ll take it to heart. I have been staying busy as you suggested.” To change the topic to one less hurtful, she told him about redecorating the bedroom.

  “I bet it looks wonderful; I’ll go up and see it before I leave if that’s all right.” She nodded. “Send the bills for those items to the bank, Cass; they shouldn’t come out of your monthly allowance. They weren’t really personal purchases; they were home improvements; that’s covered under your living expenses and reasonable needs. If you have any problem convincing the banker to pay those charges, I’ll talk to him and straighten him out.”

  “Thanks. I put the old bed and linens in the garage. If you don’t want them, I’ll give them to a local charity.”

  “I don’t need them, so donate them wherever you wish.”

  “As you see,” she said, motioning to the mantel, “I took down Tom’s portrait and the pictures of him and us; they were painful reminders of him every day. Would you like to have the portrait, his scrapbook, and photo album? It seems more appropriate for you to have them instead of me.”

  “I think it would be nice to have the portrait hanging in one of the businesses; I’ll decide which one gets it later. As for the scrapbook and album, I’ll pack them away for my future family. Thanks.”

  So far, so good, he’s taking everything well. “Do you want to go through your father’s clothes before I box them up and donate them to a charity? He has some expensive, good-looking things.”

  “I’ll take a peek at them this weekend when we aren’t busy. There might be something among them I’d like to keep and use. Dad did have good taste, and he never looked at a price tag,” Peter added with a grin.

  “Do you want anything from his office: furniture, papers, books?”

  “Yes, I do need to make certain there’s nothing important in his desk and files. I’ll store the furniture until I can use it later. That reminds me: I returned the bracelet he bought you. The jeweler said it was too long since its purchase to give a refund, but he allowed me to exchange it for a necklace that I think you’ll like. If not, and don’t worry about hurting my feelings, I’ll put it in my safe and pay you for it. I’ll bring it over tomorrow so you can see it and decide. I assume he purchased it for your birthday in June. He was probably holding on to it for months; he always was one to be prepared in advance for everything.”

  Or he bought that little trinket for one of his lovers. “Thanks for taking care of that matter for me. I would always feel as if it were a parting gift, and it would make me sad to wear it.”

  “Glad I could help. As I said, I’ll bring it over tomorrow or Friday, and I’ll go through the clothes and office over the weekend. Just let me know later what’s a convenient day and time.”

  Cass nodded before she told him about the real estate agent’s call, then asked him if he was planning to stay in the guest house.

  “Are you thinking about selling this house and want me to move?”

  Don’t let him see you’re lying about the last part. “No, but I thought you might want to distance yourself from sad reminders of your father.”

  “That isn’t necessary; I’ve accepted his death. But if you decide you want to sell out or you just want privacy, let me know and I’ll find something else.”

  “I’m not planning on moving, not unless the house seems too large for me or too much of a reminder of my life here with Tom. What I plan to do is a little more redecorating; I need something to occupy my time.”

  “I agree, Cass, but don’t rush yourself into anything; just take it easy for a little while longer. You don’t want to over stress yourself again. You’re looking and sounding marvelous, so please stay that way. I have an idea: why don’t we go out to dinner and a movie Friday night?”

  Go on a date with you? “How would that look to others?”

  “What do you mean?” he asked, uncrossing his leg.

  “For us to be seen together having fun. People, especially those two detectives, might misunderstand the situation and our relationship.” For some reason, the idea of going out with him socially unsettled her. There was something about Peter tonight that both enticed and repelled her.

  “I wasn’t referring to avoiding me earlier: we’re family, Cass.”

  “Yes, but you’re unattached; it could look as if we’re…on a date. You know how some people gossip, so we have to think of appearances.”

  You didn’t think of them when you gallivanted with Jason! Why, Cass, I do believe you’re blushing. Maybe getting aroused? Are you afraid of falling prey to me or to your own desires? Or trying to shove me aside to get to Jason? If you get too close with him, he could put bad ideas into your head. That wouldn’t please me at all.

  Peter chuckled and teased, “Are you afraid I’ll make a move on you because of my ridiculous reputation? If it would calm you down, I could promise you, it’s a bunch of bull.” I could promise you, but I won’t, and I’d be lying through my pearly whites. Yep, I’m getting to her; look at that blush deepen and those lashes lower. “Just because I’m almost twenty-seven, still a bachelor, and have dated lots of women, that doesn’t mean I’m a bad person. I just haven’t found the right woman for myself. Besides, why would it look any different to others being seen with me than with your doctor?”

  Stop looking at me with that sexy gaze and using that sexy tone of voice! “You and I practically live together.”

  “Not exactly.”

  “Well, people might think we do.”

  “Are you saying they’ll suspect us of…hanky-panky?”

  Cass watched him grin and listened to his hearty chuckles. “It isn’t funny, Peter, and some people do have dirty minds.”

 
“I doubt anybody would think we’re out on a date just because we’re having dinner together in public. We are family and business partners.”

  “You’re right. You know what? It seems so strange to be talking with you about such things, to be sitting together calmly and enjoying ourselves.”

  “Yes, it does, but it’s nice to be relaxed around each other and to be friends for a change, isn’t it?” He watched her nod. “You’re an intelligent, attractive, interesting person, Cass, and I enjoy spending time with you. I didn’t realize you were such a good and honest person, and so much fun. I just wish we hadn’t waited so long to settle our misunderstanding. It was mostly my fault; I admit I didn’t give you a chance. I honestly thought you married my father for his money, but I know now that wasn’t true. After Dad died and we got closer, I had the time and opportunity to get to know you, and I like and respect what I see. I guess my suspicions come from all the tricks women have used on him and on me just to meet us and try to land us. When you get ready to date or marry again, don’t worry about me being angry or resentful. You’re a beautiful and desirable woman, so I don’t expect you to hang around the house and pine for Dad. He’s gone, but you’re still alive.”

  Cass wondered if it was only her imagination running wild, or if Peter was flirting with her in a subtle manner. Did she harbor repressed desire for him? Or had her tryst with Jason awakened her passions to where they could attach themselves to any man? Or was she, like so many women, susceptible to Peter’s numerous charms? Or was he cleverly trying to test the depth of her feelings for his father? To prevent him from worrying about her turning to another man in the near future, she said, “This is too soon for me to think about dating or remarriage, Peter.”

  “Perhaps, but one never knows when one will meet the right person. Don’t allow that stipulation in Dad’s will to control your life. We’ll figure out some way to get around it so you can get what you deserve. Hardly a legal paper exists that doesn’t have some tiny loophole to exploit.”

  What appeared to be a sincere expression and tone did nothing to help her understand Peter’s intent. “It isn’t the money or will that concerns me, Peter; it’s doing what’s proper and fair.”

  “Then you have nothing to worry about, because that’s what you will do; I’m certain of it.” As Peter downed the remainder of his drink, he concluded it was a bad idea to allow anything to happen between her and Jason. It would be better to marry her off to somebody else in the near future and to get Jason Burkman out of the picture fast. He held the empty glass and rolled it back and forth between his hands, wetting them with the moisture on its outside. He took a deep breath and exhaled. “When you do start dating, Cass, be very careful of whom you select.”

  She sensed there was a particular meaning behind his softly worded warning, so she asked in reluctance, “What do you mean?”

  “I just don’t want you being used and getting hurt. We’ve become close friends and I care deeply for you. I want you to be happy.”

  “Thanks for your concern and advice, and I’ll be cautious.”

  Peter stared at the floor as he murmured, “Cass…”

  Her tension mounted as she eyed him. “Yes, Peter, what is it?” Was he about to confess romantic feelings for her? If so, what should she—

  He flopped back against the sofa and locked his gaze with hers. “How well do you know Jason Burkman?”

  Cass stared at him. Did he know about last Sunday or was he just digging for information? “Why do you ask?”

  “Please, just tell me how well you know him. It’s important.”

  “Cass revealed details of her affiliation with Jason being careful to-omit even a hint of her romantic feelings toward the man. “We’ve gotten to know each other more during the last few weeks,” she concluded. “Why?”

  Peter sent forth another heavy sigh. “I’ve tried to keep my mouth shut, but now I must tell you I don’t trust him. It just seems a little too coincidental that of all the women in this area, he would zero in on you. Unless I’m wrong, he wants to be more than a friend and your physician.”

  “In light of what you said to me earlier, why does that bother you?”

  “If it were any man but him, it wouldn’t.”

  “Do you have a grudge against Jason?”

  “Not exactly. He’s the one who has a grudge against me, so going after you strikes me as being suspicious.”

  “What makes you think he’s going after me? And I take it you and Jason know each other well?”

  “Yep, very well, too well; yet, not at all. This might not be any of my business, Cass, and I could be wrong about him and I hope I am, but I would feel responsible if he hurt you out of a desire for revenge.”

  “Jason doesn’t have any reason to be vindictive toward me.”

  “Not toward you, toward me. I don’t want him to seek vengeance on me by hurting you, and it would hurt me if he harmed you.”

  “I don’t understand, Peter. Please explain what you mean.”

  “He hasn’t told you about the trouble between us long ago?”

  “No, he hasn’t told me or even mentioned knowing you.”

  “Well, he knows me and he hates me, would probably like nothing more than to see me dead and buried. I’m the reason for his divorce, Cass, but it was an honest mistake on my part.”

  “You and his wife were…lovers?”

  “For about three months, over a year ago, I’m sorry to say. I didn’t know the Burkmans. I met Brenda on the beach, corny as that sounds. We had fun together, talked for hours, and had dinner afterward. I found out later her husband was out of town at a medical convention that week. I didn’t know she was married, Cass, I swear it. She used her maiden name and had an apartment in north Brunswick. When we couldn’t see each other, she claimed she was traveling for her job, even used the name of an out-of-state business so I wouldn’t catch on to her lies. She said she did some of her work at home; she even had a computer and clothes and everything there to back up her story. There was no reason to suspect I was being duped.”

  Peter knew that if Cass checked out that part of his story, she would learn it was true. “I phoned and saw her at the apartment, and thought she lived there when she wasn’t traveling. How she got away with leading a double life still amazes me. Within two months, she started talking marriage, but I told her I wasn’t ready to settle down. She was exciting and enjoyable, but I didn’t know her that well, and I suspected my money and social status were too alluring to her. Looking back, I should have known there was a reason why we almost always ate and…saw each other at her place. She would say she was too tired to go out and she wanted me all to herself. When we did go out for the day or evening, it was always somewhere away from this area; I realized later it was so we wouldn’t be seen together by the wrong person.”

  Peter frowned. “One day she took me to a big house she said belonged to friends of hers, that she was watching it for them while they were out of town. While we were in the Jaccuzi and having drinks and playing around, Jason came home and caught us together. I’m positive she planned for that to happen, hoping when he kicked her out, I would take her in. I didn’t; I was furious with her, never saw her again. It was her house, Cass. Can you believe any woman would be so reckless and cruel? Of course, Jason didn’t believe me when I tried to explain how she tricked me; he’s hated me ever since. That’s why I was so shocked and worried when you changed from Hines to him. I didn’t even know you knew him. All I’m saying is be careful around him. Promise?”

  “I don’t know what to say, Peter; this is such a shock.”

  “If he’s willing to forget and forgive, so am I. I’ll even apologize to him again for the hundredth time if that will do any good. I won’t stand in your way if he means something special to you; I just want to be sure he doesn’t have a hidden agenda.” If he’s sincere, let him have you. If not, I will, or you’ll be dumped on somebody else because that money and those shares are coming home to me! />
  “One thing Jason did do, Cass, was keep the truth a secret. to prevent a scandal, so nobody knows about me and Brenda. If I had been named corespondent in his divorce case, I would have fought that charge; I would have hired a lawyer and private detective to prove I was duped just like him. I suppose he wanted to protect his reputation, so he didn’t force my hand in that area. Maybe he decided I was telling the truth. What I can’t understand is why he would befriend my stepmother of all women.”

  Stay calm, Cass. “Maybe he didn’t know we were family.”

  “That’s unlikely, Cass; everybody knows who the Granthams are. He knew you were Thomas Grantham’s wife and he knew I was his son.”

  “Perhaps he does believe you’re innocent, Peter, and he’s put all of that behind him. He’s always been nice, respectful, and kind to me.” He even sneaked into this house to save me when he thought I was in jeopardy! Or was he only trying to get to me, to ensnare me, to—

  “Cass, I’m sorry if I upset you. I had to wait until you were stronger and your head was clear before I told you. I swear to you that my only motive in revealing the truth is to prevent you from being taken in by him if he’s up to no good. Please don’t think the worst of me for what I did.”

  “You said you didn’t know she was married, Peter, and I believe you,” she told him, and—oddly—she did, this time.

  Peter smiled. “Thank you, Cass, that means a lot to me, more than you can imagine. Maybe I should meet with him and have a serious talk, see if he drops any clues about his intentions toward you.”

  “I would prefer it if you didn’t do that, Peter. I don’t have a doctor’s appointment with him until the twenty-nineth and I only see him as a friend on occasion. It could just bring the past to life again for naught. I promise to be on guard with him, and I won’t let him take advantage of me to spite you. If he’s up to no good as you said, he’ll do or say something to expose himself. I do like him and since I don’t have many friends here, I’d hate to lose one over a problem that might not exist.”