“What do you mean?”
“Every time you enter this house, you become a different person. I know the owners are a little odd, eccentric, and maybe even a bit crazy, but what’s that to you? You appeared to be searching for something you’d lost just now—in a completely empty room.” She realized her voice had begun to rise the more she spoke, so she stopped and waited for an answer.
He seemed to be weighing his thoughts before he finally broke the silence. “You are correct; this house holds a mystery I need to discover. It is—it’s just—” He blew out a deep breath. “I just can’t—”
“Can’t what?”
“Ari, there are things you don’t know about me. Things—” He shook his head. “There is too much at stake here.” His expression turned stony.
She glanced around the room and narrowed her eyes. “Too much at stake here in this house? What is it you’re not telling me?”
“I can’t—”
“You can’t or you won’t?”
His brows furrowed. “Both. You wouldn’t believe me even if I could explain.” He stood.
Arianna didn’t know whether to be more irritated or hurt by Christopher’s confession. This house was her project, not his mystery. She couldn’t let it go at that.
“What are you talking about? What is this secret?”
Christopher said nothing.
“I’ve been here all these weeks working my heart out to make this house into the castle some madman wants. It’s a brand-new home, and I’ve seen every corner of it. If there’s a mystery, I think I should know about it. So please, Chris, what is it?”
He turned toward the door, making it clear he did not wish to continue the conversation. But Ari didn’t move. She had no intention of leaving it there. She needed to get to the bottom of his Jekyll-Hyde behavior. “So?” She stood but remained planted next to the sofa.
“There are things you do not know.” He said each word with emphasis, then gave her a look that warned her to not press forward.
But press forward she did. “Then please—enlighten me.” She took her voice down to a near whisper, biting back the frustration which had built to a near explosion in her heart—especially after the romantic weekend they’d just spent together in Denver.
Christopher paced, pain scribbled on his face. “We must leave now. There is nothing more that I wish to talk about.” He marched toward the front door.
She followed. “That’s it, then? No explanation?” She felt a mental slap to the face. It stung. “You could at least say the house is haunted, or something like that, except you know it’s not. No one has occupied this house. What mystery could possibly reside here that drives you to distraction every time you walk through that door?” She jabbed her finger in the air.
He nudged her through the very door she had pointed to—clearly done with the argument. Ari stumbled over the sill. She looked back to see Christopher focused on his car. He said nothing.
She’d hit a nerve—what it was, she had no idea. She wanted to remind him of the wonderful time they’d had in Denver and how close she’d felt to him, but the door firmly closed on any further conversation when Christopher slammed it shut behind her. Tears welled in her eyes. This was not the man she was falling in love with. This man had secrets, and secrets hurt. “I can’t do this, Christopher.” She stopped to face him.
“I should have never let it go this far.” His voice sounded flat—emotionless.
Arianna shook her head, incensed. “I’m sorry you feel that way. You don’t have to worry about it going any farther.” She hurried ahead and climbed into the car, wishing for any other way to get home.
She kept her head turned for the duration of the ride; she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her tears, but she couldn’t quiet the sobs bubbling up from her throat.
Christopher gently laid a handkerchief on her lap, letting his hand linger for a moment. She wanted to both swat it away and cling to it for dear life. No. A life with Christopher was not an option. He’d made that painfully clear.
She watched her phone. The second they crossed into cell phone service range, she punched some buttons. “Stop the car.”
“But we’re still miles from your apartment.”
“I’ve ordered an Uber—one service this small town does have!” She was out of the vehicle before it had fully stopped, then hustled across the street.
Christopher’s car never moved. He watched, his face expressionless, until the Uber arrived.
As Ari pulled up to her apartment, the first thing she saw was her red Subaru parked out in front. What had Christopher done? The repair estimate had been over a thousand bucks. She’d have to somehow pay him back. But how? After the way he’d treated her this evening, she never wanted to see him again.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Christopher closed the door to his own lonely apartment and collapsed on the sofa. He buried his head in his hands and groaned. “What have I done? What have I done?” The whispered question tortured him.
A folded paper tumbled from his pocket and landed on the floor between his feet. He’d found a new restaurant near the auto shop while picking up Arianna’s car. Certain she would like the food there, he’d taken a menu to surprise and treat her to supper. Peering down at it, happy diners stared back at him. He gave the menu a swift kick.
Evening shadows dimmed the room, but he made no effort to turn on the lights. Darkness gave him cover—a false cover, yet a cover just the same. He could hide from so many things, such as the way he’d just treated Arianna. Perhaps I am more like my father than I am willing to admit. He scowled.
Thinking about his father ignited a fire in his soul. Anger mingled with despair as he rose and began to pace the room. What was he to do? He paused as if listening for an answer. He’d not only lost access to the house that he’d needed so desperately—he’d surely lost Arianna.
He’d tried but failed miserably to nudge away the feelings he’d known were growing for her, but he could deny them no more. He loved her. The hurt in her eyes had burned a hole in his heart. And I could not explain any of it—she wouldn’t have believed me if I’d tried. I should have tried.
The room had fully darkened. He looked around with wild eyes until they fell on a candlestick. One of the few remaining items he’d brought in his satchel from two hundred years ago. He felt his way through the blackness for a match and lit the candle. The burning wax smelled of nineteenth century England. He placed it on the table and pulled his chair close. Suppertime had come and gone, but his appetite had vanished back at the Somers’ house, along with Arianna’s smile. Instead of eating, he spent the next hour watching the flame dance, transporting him to a happier time and place. Still, mocking shadows cast on the walls and ceiling—dark and foreboding—fought for space in his memories. Dark memories of the past fought against bright memories of his time with Ari.
Who was he kidding? He’d never been happier than when he’d held her in his arms. He angrily pinched the flame on the candle, snuffing out the light, and made his way to bed. “I need to make this right.”
****
Tuesday morning rainclouds still hovered, fitting for Christopher’s mood. He thought of all the work Arianna had gone to the day before to keep the floors from being damaged. The floors at his family’s house; the floors at her work project; the floors he’d never be welcome to walk again.
He sat in his squad car a full hour earlier than necessary. He’d been transporting Arianna to and from work for over a week, but now he had time to spare. The slight scent of her perfume still hung in the air. He breathed in deeply, wishing to cling to it.
His phone buzzed, signaling a text. He grabbed it, hopeful it would be from Ari.
The text read, You have been entered into a drawing to win dinner for two. His eyes jumped to the end. Ironic. It was from the restaurant he’d planned to take her last night before he messed everything up. He tossed the phone onto the seat beside him. He thought about
picking it up again and texting her, but then he spied the handkerchief he’d given her to wipe her tears laying on the floor of the car. And he was the one who had put those tears there. Abandoning the idea, he drove to work early.
Christopher spent the rest of the week feeling helpless and hopeless. How could he possibly catch his father doing something illegal if he couldn’t get into the house to uncover his secret? Break in? No. Having seen the alarm system arming the house, he knew he’d never get away with it. Not to mention, getting caught as a police officer would not only get him kicked off the force, he’d also face jail time.
Add to that his worry for Arianna. He hated the thought of her ever being exposed to such a vile person as his father—his critical eye appraising her careful work—the thought repulsed him. He didn’t think Father would physically harm Ari, but now, knowing a little more about what Father was up to, he felt uneasy. She might stumble upon something she shouldn’t. His blood ran cold at the possibility.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Arianna went through the motions at the Somers’ house. Immersing herself in her work had once been rewarding, but now, with nothing to look forward to at the end of each day—no ride home with Christopher—her life felt empty.
On several evenings, she had the urge to call him and apologize—to just be done with the hollow feeling in her heart. Then the realization that she had nothing to apologize for quieted the urge. Try as she might, she couldn’t erase Christopher’s angry face as he’d rushed her out the door of the house that had somehow come between them.
He’d been using her to get to the house—for whatever reason. He probably never cared for her at all. Doubts infected her. Then there were the kisses. Her heartbeat accelerated just thinking about his warm lips on hers. He’d kissed her with so much tender emotion. Of course, he had to be convincing. So many failed relationships marched through her mind. Hadn’t she sworn off men like Christopher?
The weeks dragged on. Mr. Somers came alone again on Friday for the fourth week in a row. Sometimes he’d hole up in his office, saying little to her. Other weeks his glares and harsh criticisms created palpable tension. One misstep and she was sure he’d fire her. Why he disliked her so, she didn’t know. Worst of all was the dark cloud that followed him, as if surrounded by a crowd of demons. She wished the other family members had come so she might have an opportunity to speak with Sarah—if she could get her alone. Thoughts of the girl’s journal still lingered in the back of her mind, and they were disturbing. She hadn’t forgotten Mr. Somers’ threat, but didn’t care. She worried for Sarah and felt that somehow the journal connected Christopher to the Somers’ house, although she couldn’t figure out how that could be. The anguish on his face when he’d read it still haunted her.
****
“Tasha!” Ari’s frown instantly turned into a huge grin as her boss arrived and pulled her into her arms for a warm hug.
“This looks amazing!” Tasha held Ari back and her gaze danced around the Somers’ house. “Give me the tour.”
After nearly three weeks of moping, Arianna was more than grateful for her boss’s timely visit. She brought welcome encouragement, praise and advice, and Ari needed to see a friendly face now more than ever.
They slowly went from room to room while Arianna pointed out what had been done thus far. She also carried her notebook containing pictures of what hadn’t yet arrived.
“I love these side chairs—so Victorian. Walnut, right?” Tasha ran her hand along the finely engraved wood.
“Yes, and the cushions are covered in chenille.” Ari beamed.
“We just don’t get to decorate in this style much anymore. I bet you’re in heaven.” Tasha’s eyes sparkled. “I know how much you enjoy those old-fashioned British eras.”
Ari nodded. “There is just so much history in it. But I won’t bore you with all that.”
Tasha let out a breath. “Thank you.” She laughed. “I love designing, but history”—she shrugged—“not so much.”
“How long can you stay? Please say you’re staying all week.”
Ari had anxiously anticipated Tasha’s visit. It was her job to oversee the ongoing projects, which meant she traveled from site to site to check out progress, fix problems, and lend a hand. Ari didn’t so much need the help as she did the company.
“I can stay for a few days, but I’ll have to get back to Denver by the weekend.”
“Only a few days? Well, okay, let’s make the most of it.” Arianna could hardly contain her excitement. She loved working with Tasha and revered her as one of the most talented designers she’d ever met. Even more important, at least to Ari, Tasha was kind. Exactly what the doctor ordered.
Ari hugged her again. “I’ve needed an extra pair of hands and someone with vision around here. The landscapers just ignore me when I ask about color schemes.”
“Imagine that,” Tasha said with a glint in her eyes.
The two put their heads together and studied Ari’s notebook.
****
“Arianna,” Tasha said, in her boss voice the next day, “you have gotten entirely too thin. Do you ever stop to eat?”
Ari blushed, realizing she rarely thought of food while she was on the job—especially in the dark frame of mind in which she’d been. “Well, as you can see, this part of town isn’t exactly booming with restaurants. I should pack a lunch, but I’m always too tired at night to think about it and too rushed in the morning to do it.” A guilty smile played on her lips. “I really should have been more considerate of your needs. I guess I just didn’t think about it. I’m sorry.”
Tasha didn’t back down. “It’s lunch time now, and I don’t care if we have to drive a few miles to find some food. We’ve earned a break, and we’re going to take one.”
Arianna was happy that she finally had an ally. Since Christopher had disappeared from her life, she felt more alone than ever. He’d always reminded her to eat.
“Where do you recommend we go?” Tasha asked.
Only being familiar with a few restaurants in town, Ari suggested they go to Abby’s Diner. “I’ve just been there a few times, but the food is delicious.”
Nearly thirty minutes later, they were being ushered to a booth at Abby’s. With her eyes on the hostess, Arianna didn’t notice that, in some places, the black and white checkerboard flooring rose and fell unevenly. Her foot caught the corner of a protruding tile, knocking her off balance. She flung her arms out to right herself as someone reached out and steadied her. Her eyes flew to the diner she’d nearly hit to thank them. Christopher. She felt heat burn in her chest and rise to her face.
“Christopher.” She regained her balance, but her mind remained muddled. “I—we—uh, this is my boss, Natasha Tate.” She finally recovered enough to get out a coherent sentence.
“It is very nice to meet you, Ms. Tate,” Christopher said in his perfect British accent. Ari’s heart pounded so hard, she feared he could hear it. Traitorous heart.
“It’s nice to meet you as well, Mr.—” Tasha arched her brows in question.
“Flemming,” both Arianna and Christopher said in unison.
“I’m sorry.” Arianna motioned to Christopher. “Tasha, this is my…uh”—she grimaced—“this is Christopher Flemming. And.” She looked at the man sitting adjacent to Christopher, dressed in a similar uniform.
“Joe. You can just call me Joe.” His face broke into a boyish grin.
“And you said you didn’t have any friends here in Pueblo, Ari.” Tasha’s eyes twinkled.
Ari tried to will away tears she felt burning in the backs of her eyelids. She finally glanced at Christopher and saw a mirror of her own feelings in his eyes—feelings of sadness, loneliness, and longing. Then her gaze dropped to her arm, and she realized he still held it. He must have realized it, too, as he promptly released his grip.
“I’m back.” A woman wearing thick make-up and tight clothing pushed her way onto the seat next to Christopher, forcing him to mov
e over. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She draped a possessive hand over his.
Joe looked at Ari and cleared his throat. “Uh…this is Charlotte.”
“Call me Char.” The woman batted her lashes.
Ari’s heart couldn’t take any more abuse. She brushed at an errant tear, then promptly turned away. Without a word she tugged on Tasha’s arm, motioning her to follow the hostess, who hadn’t seemed to notice her customers had stopped. They took the offered menus and scooted into a booth.
“What was that about?” Tasha asked in a hushed voice. “It’s obvious that he”—she pointed in Christopher’s direction—“is more than a friend. And why the tears? Is it that horrid woman?”
Ari hadn’t noticed the tears flowing freely now. Fighting to regain her composure, she struggled to find words to describe the relationship she had with Christopher—or at least, once had.
She usually saved these types of conversations for Maggie, but, for whatever reason, she’d not even told Maggie about what had happened between her and Christopher. She didn’t have the heart. Or, perhaps she hadn’t wished to relive something she honestly didn’t understand. Things had been so perfect in Denver.
But here sat Tasha, looking directly into her swollen eyes, wanting to help. Arianna told her everything, from tripping the alarm to the hurtful conversation that seemed to end it all.
Tasha listened intently, as a mother would to her daughter. She placed her hand over Ari’s. “The last thing you need is a man who keeps secrets. I’m glad you ended it before things got too complicated.”
Arianna had no idea how much she needed the release from holding in the pain Christopher had caused her. It felt liberating to tell someone and, in return, have her feelings validated. But who was Charlotte? Christopher hadn’t wasted any time moving on.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Christopher shook his hand free of Charlotte’s grasp. Of all times for her to show up. After she’d stormed off when they’d first met, he thought he’d never see her again. “Do you mind? We’re having a private conversation here.” He was in no mood to be nice. He could only guess what Ari was thinking about now.
Time Twist Page 13