by Lisa Harris
“Only if it were true,” she countered.
“Oh, it definitely is.”
He always had known how to say the right thing, possessing enough charm to rival Prince Charming himself.
“Did I mention how good it is to see you again?” She reached down to examine what remained of her seventy-five-dollar heels and moaned at the ruined shoe. He picked up her book and purse, handing them to her. “Thanks. I didn’t know that the best man’s job description included taking care of the maid of honor.”
“Not a bad description in my opinion. Trying to escape the wedding reception?”
Lindsey squeezed the paperback into her purse. “My feet are killing me, and I didn’t think anyone would notice if I slipped out for thirty minutes. Of course, I didn’t expect you to beat me to my favorite hideout.”
“Your favorite hideout?”
She looked at the wall-to-wall bookshelves filled with everything from Grisham to Hemingway to Peretti. “I’m still a bit of a bookaholic, and Sarah’s father has always given me unlimited access to this room.”
“Now that you mention it, I don’t think I can ever remember seeing you without a book.” He stole a glance at his computer. “If we’re confessing, I suppose I have to admit to becoming a bit of a workaholic the past few years.”
“I’d say so.” The blue light of a laptop glowed on the coffee table. Lindsey’s brow furrowed. “Working during your best friend’s wedding reception?”
“An emergency in Amsterdam.” His smile faded. “Looks bad, doesn’t it?”
She dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand, ignoring her gut reaction. Just because her father had taken up permanent residency inside the World Wide Web didn’t mean Kyle was also stuck there. This situation was completely different. Kyle had to make a living.
Lindsey slid forward to the edge of the couch to unbuckle the strap of her broken shoe, mentally reviewing what Sarah had told her about Kyle.
First of all, he was still single. She could practically hear Sarah’s voice in her head, announcing the fact.
Secondly, Kyle lived in D.C., splitting his time between Washington and London with an occasional trip to Hong Kong or Eastern Europe. The fact that he lived halfway across the country removed any pressure. After tonight, they’d probably never see each other again. Considering she’d just dumped a half pound of chocolate frosting on his shirt, he was probably glad.
Thirdly, Sarah had told her that he was extremely successful, running his own security company. This was a plus to many single girls, but it wasn’t high up on her list. Money was nice, but she wasn’t going to fall for a bank account even if there was a handsome man attached.
The bottom line was, while she might be tired of always being a bridesmaid, she was even more tired of the constant matchmaking schemes of Sarah and her other friends. Perhaps being single was simply God’s plan for her life.
Lindsey held up the broken heel and shook her head. She undid the second sling back and plopped her feet up on the coffee table. “Sarah told me you’ve gone into the security business.”
Kyle started shutting down his laptop. “I spent a few years working in international finance and couldn’t believe how lax security was. I saw a hole in the market and decided to start a company. We deal primarily in fraud investigation and financial security systems. We’re just now expanding here in Dallas, so this visit is part business, part pleasure.”
“Sounds like an interesting line of work,” she said, thinking that she wasn’t the slightest bit surprised that he’d made something of himself.
“The hours are a bit crazy some days, but I love the travel perks. Sarah told me you’re working for an adoption agency?”
She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Not quite as exciting as seeing the world, but I feel as if I make a difference.”
“I’m sure you do,” he said.
Lindsey looked away from those intense sea-blue eyes and tried to convince herself that the odd feeling in her stomach had everything to do with the romantic atmosphere of her best friend’s wedding—and nothing to do with being in the same room with Kyle Walker. Or perhaps the salmon hors d’oeuvres she’d indulged in from the buffet weren’t agreeing with her.
She shot him another glance and saw him looking at her intently. She felt her breath catch and that odd feeling swelled. Was it possible that for once Sarah’s intuitions had been on target?
Kyle was surprised that an hour and a half had already passed. He and Lindsey had swapped story after story as they caught up on the past few years. He’d forgotten how much he used to enjoy being around her, talking to her. The unique way she interpreted life had always captivated him.
“The last time I saw you, you were making plans to intern in D.C. for the summer. Did you ever go?” she asked.
“Yes, and I ended up working for that same firm after graduation.” He lost his train of thought for a second as he admired her toffee-colored eyes. “And the last time I saw you, if I remember correctly, you had just received an A minus on your algebra final.”
“All thanks to you and your brilliant tutoring. Fortunately for everyone, my career has little to do with mathematics.” With her bare feet propped up on the coffee table, she looked content and relaxed. “College seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?”
He nodded. All except for that one day when he’d looked across a pile of math books at her and suddenly wondered what it would be like to kiss her. He’d be risking their friendship, but he thought it might be worth it. But before he’d had a chance to act on the notion, her mother’s cancer diagnosis had whisked her out of school. Out of school and out of his life. Missing his chance with Lindsey was one of his few regrets.
And now, all these years later, she was sitting across from him again, making him want to forget the urgent phone call from his coworker, Monday’s business meeting downtown and more importantly, the fact that he lived a thousand miles away. He hadn’t expected that seeing her again would dredge up these feelings and remind him of the dozens of times he’d wondered what would have happened if he’d asked her out all those years ago.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” played, jolting him back to reality.
Lindsey rummaged through her purse and then held up her cell phone. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“Not at all.”
He watched while she took the call, making a determined effort to rein in his unruly emotions. Somewhere between listening to his best friend say “I do” and watching him kiss his bride, Kyle had dropped off the edge of insanity. His life was fine. Complete. He didn’t need a woman to find happiness. He caught another glimpse of her beautiful eyes and wondered at the truth of that statement.
Lindsey’s face was pale as she flipped the phone shut.
Kyle leaned forward, sensing something was wrong. “What’s up?”
“That was the hospital. My father’s just been taken to the emergency room.”
TWO
Kyle watched as Lindsey grabbed for her purse, her hands shaking as she stumbled to her feet. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to go.”
“Whoa. Slow down.” He jumped up from the couch. “You’re not going out anywhere by yourself.”
“I’ll be all right.” She slung her purse across her shoulder. The rosy blush she’d had all evening had completely disappeared from her face. “Apparently he fell and hit his head.”
“You’re in no condition to drive.” He slid his laptop into his black leather briefcase before snatching up his tuxedo jacket. “I can drive you to the hospital and then take a taxi back to my hotel once I know everything’s okay.”
She stared at his shirt, tears suddenly glistening on her eyelashes. “Are you sure?”
He stopped himself from reaching out to touch her cheek. “Trust me. Even if they’re still here, which I doubt, Sarah and Brad won’t miss either of us.”
“You have a point.” She cocked her head. “What about your shirt?”
He gl
anced down at the chocolate smear, then pointed to the shoes she’d just picked up off the floor. “I’d say neither of us will win a prize in the best-dressed category.”
Her faint smile brought a tinge of color back to her cheeks. “I’ll go grab another pair from Sarah’s bedroom.”
“Good. I’ll let someone know where we’re going. I’ll meet you back down here in a couple minutes.”
The relief that washed over her face made him glad he’d been with her when the call came in. It also made him realize how much he’d missed her. And how much he didn’t want their time together to end.
He glanced at his watch. Nine forty-five. The hour time change from D.C. would make the late night even later for him, but he could grab a couple hours of extra sleep in the morning. All that mattered right now was getting Lindsey to her father.
Five minutes later, they were speeding down the freeway toward the hospital. Lindsey sat beside him, her fingers nervously toying with the strap of her purse. “I appreciate you doing this for me. You were right. I don’t think I could have driven.”
“It’s not a problem. It gives me a chance to see a bit of the city.”
Lindsey’s soft laugh filled the car. It was a laugh he’d like to hear more of. “I can think of prettier cities at night, but you’re a sport.”
He switched to the fast lane, thankful traffic was light for a Friday night. “Tell me what happened with your mother.”
Her heavy sigh caused him to wonder if he’d brought up the wrong topic. Upsetting her further was the last thing he wanted to do. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business—”
“No, no, it’s fine. My mother’s cancer went into remission for several years, and then came back pretty aggressively. She died four years ago.”
“I’m so sorry, Lindsey.”
“I still miss her a lot, but I’ve come to accept that she’s in a better place.”
“And your father? I always liked him. How is he?”
Her gaze drifted out the window. “For the most part, he was coping pretty well, until about eight or nine months ago.”
“What happened then?”
“He was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His prognosis is good, but I’m worried about him.” The lights of a passing semi caught her grave expression. “He’s become detached. And he’s concerned about money even though he has a sizable retirement fund.”
“Does he go out much?”
She shook her head. “Not anymore. He used to be involved with church and the local Rotary Club, but I think his friends have pretty much given up on him.”
Kyle let up on the accelerator and changed lanes again to allow a speeding car to pass him. “How does he spend his time?”
“On the Internet. And watching television.” She motioned for him to take the next exit. “I invite him to go places with me as often as I can, but most of the time he comes up with an excuse to not go. He wouldn’t even come to Sarah’s wedding.”
Kyle flipped on his turn signal and eased onto the exit ramp. The red glow of the emergency entrance announced the hospital ahead. His grip tightened on the steering wheel as memories of his last visit to the E.R. flashed before him.
“What about your family?” she asked.
“My parents retired to Florida and love it. My sister actually lives here in Dallas with her husband and twin daughters. I’m planning to have dinner with them tomorrow night. I don’t see them near as often as I’d like.”
“Sarah told me that your brother, Michael…” Her voice trailed off, as if she didn’t know how to finish the sentence.
Kyle swallowed. “He died about six years ago.”
“I’m sorry, Kyle,” she said, her voice full with sympathy.
“It was a shock to all of us.” He pulled up at the emergency entrance, glad to have a reason to change the subject. “I’ll park the car and meet you at the patient-information desk, okay?”
“Okay. Thanks.”
He met her ten minutes later and told her where he’d parked. “Any word on your father’s condition?”
She slipped the ticket into her purse. “I saw him briefly. They’ve admitted him for observation, which is standard for a head injury. Plus, his blood pressure’s elevated as well as his heart rate. But hopefully he’ll be able to go home tomorrow.”
Kyle shoved his hands into his front pockets. “Do you want me to stay with you for a while?”
She shook her head. “You’ve done so much already, Kyle, and you’ve got to be exhausted. I’ll be fine. Really.”
He wondered if she regretted not being able to prolong the evening as much as he did. “I enjoyed tonight. Even the chocolate frosting.”
“Me, too. It’s been too long.” She pushed the elevator button.
“Yeah, it has. I guess this is goodbye, then. It was great to see you again, Lindsey.”
“You, too, Kyle.”
“If ever you’re in the D.C. area, look me up.”
“I will.”
Neither of them said anything for a moment. He considered asking her out for dinner, but something stopped him. She had her own life to live in Dallas, while he had his in D.C. Another evening spent together wouldn’t change that. It was time to put the past behind him.
The elevator dinged and a group of nurses stepped out. Clearing his throat, he dug into his wallet, pulled out a business card and handed it to her before the elevator door closed. “I’ll be in the area a few more days on business. If you need something…anything…just call me.”
Lindsey took in a deep, calming breath and tried not to lose her temper. What she needed was a way to knock some sense into her father. From the moment she’d arrived in his hospital room, all he’d done was insist she go check on his cat. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to help—not at all. But it was late and the last thing she was worried about was Sammy, his Siamese feline. She glanced down at her father’s groggy visage and swallowed her frustration. She might as well indulge him. It was the least she could do.
She leaned over and pushed back a strand of curly gray hair from his forehead. He’d aged the past few months, and it had her worried. Something had to be done.
He squeezed her hand. “So you’ll go?”
She smiled and nodded. “Yes, Daddy, I’ll go. Can’t have you worrying about Sammy, now, can we?”
He knew she’d do anything for him. He was all the family she had, and despite the fact that he drove her crazy, she loved him fiercely.
Fifteen minutes later, Lindsey parked alongside the curb of her father’s ranch-style, brick home and shut off the engine. The neighborhood was relatively safe, but she still didn’t like being here alone at night. She stepped out of the car, locked the doors and set the alarm.
It was quiet. Too quiet.
I know you’re here, Lord. I just need an extra measure of your peace tonight.
She crossed to the mailbox and slipped in the key she carried in her purse. These days, her father didn’t even bother bringing in the mail and the box was always full. Pulling out a stack of envelopes, she tried to get a grip on her emotions. Her tattered nerves were ridiculous. It had simply been an emotional, draining day, between Sarah’s wedding and her father’s emergency trip to the hospital.
And Kyle.
She managed a smile. No. Seeing Kyle again after all these years had been the highlight of her day. Maybe even of her week.
A shadow lengthened against the walkway as she turned toward the house. She froze at the curb. Something rustled in the bushes that lined the front of her dad’s house.
Suddenly, a cat darted out of the bushes. She jumped back, smacking her arm against the side of the mailbox. The cat ran across the yard and out of sight.
Her heart pounded. She clutched the mail to her chest and hurried to the house. Cat or no cat, she’d had enough surprises for one day.
Lindsey opened the front door, turned off the alarm, then locked the door behind her as she called for Sammy. It bothered her that her father seemed
more worried about Sammy than the fact that he had just been admitted into the hospital. Or the fact that his only daughter was tromping around late at night to check on an animal that was more than likely sound asleep at the foot of his bed.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she walked past the ten-gallon fish tank and dropped the pile of mail onto her father’s orderly rolltop desk that sat in the corner of the living room. The top envelope caught her eye. She picked up the letter.
Regional Recovery Agency. A collection agency?
Her eyes narrowed. Why in the world was her father receiving mail from a collection agency? She opened the top-right drawer of his desk where she knew he kept his mail. There was a stack of opened notices all from the same company. She shook her head. There had to be a mistake. Her father had a perfect credit record. Or so she’d always assumed. He hated debt and had always worked to ensure she felt the same way.
She went to the open-planned kitchen, separated from the living room by a bar, and poured herself a glass of water. In the morning, all this would make sense. Her father would be released and he’d explain.
Except how could he explain a pile of letters from bill collectors? She set her glass down on the counter with a thud.
Identity theft?
The thought knocked the wind out of her. Was it possible? She went back to his desk and sat down. All the time he spent online didn’t ensure that he was knowledgeable about keeping passwords and credit-card numbers safe. There were so many predators out there these days that even regular mail wasn’t safe anymore.
Lindsey began flipping through the letters one by one. Bill collectors meant that the problem was substantial and couldn’t be solved overnight. She could call Kyle tomorrow. He would definitely know a thing or two about identity theft.
She rubbed the back of her neck and glanced around the room. Everything looked exactly the way it had when she’d dropped by three days ago with a dish of homemade lasagna and a loaf of garlic bread. The TV Guide and crossword puzzle lay on the armrest of her father’s recliner; the stack of CDs were neatly piled beside his stereo. Coffee-table books, her mother’s afghan and his worn slippers all lay in their rightful places. Even the fish tank, with its colorful African cichlids, still looked crystal clear.