Keeping Her Close

by Carol Ross

  “I bet,” she said and focused on her plate. Kyle sensed that he’d stirred up a painful memory. Then she looked at him again. “You know, you’re the first person I’ve known longer than about fifteen minutes who’s never asked me about money.”

  “No way.”

  “Yep, aside from my friend Cynthia, whose family is also wealthy, or other wealthy people, it’s something everyone asks me about. I’ve been wondering when you would ask. You’re not even planning to, are you?”

  Kyle shrugged. “It hasn’t occurred to me. What would I ask?”

  “How about... What’s your dad’s net worth? How many cars do you own? What’s it like to be able to buy anything you want? Will you buy me a car? Do you drink champagne for breakfast? But my personal favorites are the backhanded insults and comments. ‘If I were as rich as you, I’d help people and give it all away.’ And, ‘I wish I could just work for fun.’ And then there’s my dad’s top pick, ‘It must be so nice not to have to worry about money.’ That one is just ridiculous, by the way, because whether you have money or not, you have to worry about money. And often, like in my dad’s case, it means you have other stuff to worry about, like privacy and personal safety. And—kidnapping, too, apparently. Although, lucky for me it’s not currently the fad. Not to mention Dad’s philanthropy, which he does a ton of. But you have to be extra vigilant about what organization you give the money to—If they’re legitimate, what they’re using it for, how much actually goes to the cause you’re supporting, etcetera. One little hint of fraud or deceit and it all comes back on you.”

  Kyle nodded. He could easily see how all of this would be true. “Those are all real questions you’ve heard?”

  “Yep. Most of them more than once.”

  “Wow.”

  “I know. People are weird about money. I admit it sounds like a cliché, but money, or even the possibility of it, can bring out the worst in people. People are cruel and demanding and they...”

  “And they assume things that aren’t true and want things from you that aren’t fair?” Kyle finished for her.

  Harper’s eyes went wide with appreciation. “Exactly,” she said. “We have the same emotional needs as everybody else. We’re ordinary human beings too after all.” Capturing his gaze again, Kyle had the sense that she was willing him to understand. Almost immediately, the moment evolved into something else. Her blue eyes darkened, and attraction collided between them. Chemistry, admiration, respect and just outright...enjoying her. His worst fear was being realized, and there didn’t seem to be anything he could do about it.

  Maybe it was good that he was leaving for the day. Getting out of here for a while would give him some perspective, ease these feelings, allow him to rebuild his defenses. Because right now all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and tell her he’d never be one of those people who’d hurt her.

  Breaking eye contact, she picked up her coffee mug and took a sip. Spell broken; he felt like a heel as reality swept in. Because he wanted things from her that weren’t fair, too, even though they didn’t have anything to do with her dad’s money.

  “This is a big part of the reason I don’t work for BEST anymore. His life is very complicated.”

  “You used to work for your dad?”

  “Yep. I think he hopes I’ll come back one day.”

  “Will you?”

  “No. I want...a simpler life. A home and a family and a job where I get to be outside. I’m more like my mom in that I’m only good at sitting still for short periods of time. At least, that’s what he tells me. More than anything, he wants me to be happy. I love that about him.”

  Kyle wanted her to be happy, too. But he wasn’t going to say that. Hoping to distract them both from this intimacy, he said, “Just so you know, you are far, far from ordinary.”

  “What does that mean?” she asked suspiciously, yet there was a hint of amusement in her tone.

  “It means that you have the kind of genuine weirdness that money could never buy.”

  “Kyle,” she said, with exaggerated sweetness, “that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” Then she threw her balled up napkin at him.

  * * *

  TWENTY MINUTES LATER, Kyle was on his way. Windshield wipers slapping a frenzied beat, he steered the pickup left at the end of Harper’s driveway. He traveled south on the highway until he reached the headland Harper had described the day they’d gone to Dungeness. He turned onto the private drive that accessed it. Heavily wooded on both sides, the narrow lane was lined with oversize rhododendrons and dense underbrush. Fifty yards ahead, a tall black metal gate appeared, blocking his path. Kyle hit the brakes, Harper-induced amusement fading, replaced by a surge of uncertainty.

  If this meeting went well, it would most likely be a turning point for him and Harper. Did he want that? Yes, came the immediate answer. But could he handle the repercussions? He didn’t know. Guilt battled with anticipation until he couldn’t tell one from the other. For the first time in his life, Kyle warred with his sense of duty. His head told him this was the right thing to do; his heart wished he was doing it for the right reasons.

  * * *

  “THAT’S GREAT, LANEY. Now hold the treat like you did before so that the kitty sees it...” Harper stood in the headquarters of Lucky Cats, which she’d discovered was a recent addition to Pacific Cove Veterinary Clinic.

  Harper had one camera attached to a tripod and held a remote in her hand so she could watch the cats, keep an eye on the LCD and take photos at the same time. Their “set” consisted of a long table, and a light gray-colored sheet tacked to the wall and draped over the front. Down below, two black kittens batted at the sheet’s edge.

  “Got it!” Harper called after capturing her feline subject with her little head tipped curiously to one side. “Adorable! Next.”

  Harper had every intention of doing exactly what she’d told Kyle she was going to do this morning. But then two things happened: her dad called to cancel, and Laney texted. Laney and Mia had a rare free morning with only two cat rescues on the schedule, which Nora, Levi and his girlfriend, Ty, were executing. Could Harper come in and help them photograph the cats ready for adoption? Harper hadn’t even considered turning them down.

  Only after she’d committed did she realize the pickle she’d gotten herself into. No way would she call Kyle and spoil his day off. She tried to analyze why this meant so much to her. Getting to know his family suggested more than a professional interest in the guy. Unquestionably, it was wading into friendship territory. Trying to repair, or at least understand, his relationship with Mia felt like more than friendship. Or, maybe, it was gratitude.

  She was incredibly grateful for everything Kyle was teaching her. Sure, he was being paid. But she’d come to depend on him, driving her around, helping pack her equipment, discussing ideas for what locations to explore next. They’d even taken to sharing the cooking, alternating lunches and dinners. But it was the talking and laughing and companionship she enjoyed the most. Those aspects weren’t part of his job. So that was it; he felt like a friend, and you did nice things for your friends.

  “Let’s do Annie next, Lanes,” Mia said, handing her an adult cat with black-and-white tuxedo markings.

  Laney took the docile cat and set her on the table where she immediately folded her lanky form into an unattractive crouch that made her appear both frightened and skeletal. Yikes. Harper recognized the cat from the photo Laney had shown her at dinner. She studied the animal critically. More sleek than skinny with long legs and a very shiny coat, the cat appeared graceful and athletic in person. Not sickly like Harper had initially thought. The problem, Harper realized, was simply that the cat didn’t photograph well. That odd resting pose and her wide-set eyes reflecting the camera flash made a deer in the headlights look relaxed.

  A frowning Laney said, “It’s so sad. Annie has been here for almost
a year. A lot of people think that black cats are the least likely to be adopted, but in our experience here, it’s black-and-white cats that get passed over the most. Plus, Annie is shy and not a kitten, and those two aspects make her waayyy less likely to be chosen.”

  “It is sad,” Mia agreed. “Especially because she’s so sweet and playful. She’s not antisocial. It just takes her a bit to warm up to new people. And she’s super smart.”

  “Yeah, watch this.” Laney lifted the cat again and set her on the ground. She produced a small round ball from the pocket of the apron she wore. “Levi taught her this trick.” Laney cooed, “Annie?” The cat sprang to attention. Laney tossed the ball. Annie bounded across the room and pounced, batting the ball here and there a few times. Then she gave it a hard chomp, brought the ball back to Laney and dropped it at her feet.

  “No. Way!” Harper watched with amazement as Laney did it again. “The cat fetches?”

  Laney grinned. “Yeah, it’s seriously amazing what you can teach a cat. To be fair, Levi is like gifted with them though.”

  “I have an idea,” Harper said. “Laney, how do you feel about being in the photo?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, I was thinking we could do a still shot of you with the cat cuddled in your arms. She seems so much more comfortable if she’s being held, which makes her more...attractive. Then, we can add a short video clip of her doing that trick. We’ll come up with a cool tagline and see how many clicks we get.”

  Mia and Laney exchanged excited glances. “Why didn’t we think of that?” Mia asked. “Videos.”

  * * *

  KYLE HAD ARRANGED to meet his mom at Mia’s vet clinic. Since it was Sunday, they were closed for regular appointments, but he knew Lucky Cats would be bustling with activity. He was early, so maybe Mia could put him to work for an hour or so until Nora arrived.

  His meeting had gone even better than he hoped and now all he had to do was form a strategy. Strange, how he was both anticipating and dreading what he had planned. He knew Harper would be thrilled, but that was also the problem. On one hand, he couldn’t wait to see her face when she realized what he’d done. On the other, the thought of her finding out why he’d done it significantly tempered that enthusiasm.

  Distracted by thoughts of Harper, he stepped through the door of Lucky Cats and did a double take because there she was. Harper. Chatting with Mia in front of an open laptop. And from the look of it, the conversation appeared serious. Her dad was not with her, which meant no security. The surge of fear that followed surprised him in its intensity. What if...? No. He wasn’t going to go all worst-case scenario right now. She was fine. But what was she thinking?

  Laney walked through the door that led from the clinic and spotted him. “Uncle Kyle, hi!”

  Mia and Harper looked up then, too, both appearing a bit startled to see him. Harper managed a small smile. Mia waved. He wondered what they’d been discussing.

  His favorite cat, Annie, was winding around his feet. Kyle leaned over and picked her up. She had the best purr.

  Laney said, “Harper is brilliant and the best photographer ever. Mia, I have a message here for you.”

  Since his family didn’t know the real reason Kyle and Harper were hanging out together, Kyle tacked on a smile and walked closer. “Is that right?”

  “She really is,” Mia agreed. “You should see what she’s accomplished. A few hours ago, I put new photos of Annie along with a video of her fetching on the Lucky Cats website, shared it on all our social media sites, and we’ve already received eight phone calls. That’s more than we’ve received for her in all the time she’s been here. Two people are coming in to look at her today. Can you believe that?”

  “That is great news. I’d adopt her if I could.”

  “Which you absolutely could do, if you decided to stay in Pacific Cove,” Mia said in a way that didn’t call for a response. She stood and walked to where Laney held out a tablet for her.

  With his back now to Mia and Laney, Kyle didn’t bother to hide his scowl. Careful not to reveal his surprise and frustration in his tone, he said, “I didn’t know you were volunteering here today.”

  Harper smiled, but he could see the concern dancing in her eyes. “I didn’t know I was either, but Laney called, and they had the morning free to photograph cats that need homes, so here I am.”

  “Here you are,” Kyle repeated.

  “What are you doing here?” Mia asked, joining them again.

  “Meeting Mom for lunch.”

  “That’s right. She mentioned that. Do you guys want to have lunch with us? We’re having sandwiches at Salmon Crackers. Harper has been here for hours. She’s earned her first volunteer lunch.”

  * * *

  HARPER COULD SEE Kyle’s hesitation. She knew he was surprised and possibly upset about her being here at Lucky Cats without telling him.

  “Sure,” Kyle said, “sandwiches sound good.”

  “I love their hot ham and swiss,” Harper added and began packing her gear. “Let me put my equipment in the car.”

  “I’ll help.” Kyle walked over and collapsed her portable studio lights. Harper picked up the tripod and camera bag and followed him outside.

  Once in the parking lot, she rushed to explain, “I can tell you’re upset.”

  “I wouldn’t say I’m upset. Surprised, yes.” Kyle opened the back of her SUV. “And now that I know you’re safe, I’m as much confused as anything. Harper, why would you come here without telling me? Why would you go anywhere without telling me? Where is your dad?”

  “Dad had to cancel. Approximately three minutes later, Laney called. I’d already promised I’d help with the cat photos, so I said yes. I realize that was a little impulsive, but I didn’t want to interrupt your day off.”

  “Impulsive,” he repeated with a shake of his head, “is not really the issue. I don’t want to change that about you. It’s actually very appealing how spontaneous you are.”

  Harper took a second to enjoy the compliment while Kyle seemed to gather his thoughts.

  “But I’d like for you to be spontaneous without being reckless.”

  “I see your point, but you’ve been putting in some long hours.”

  “My day off could not possibly be more important than your safety. This is my job for which I am being generously compensated. You are my job. I can’t do my job if you don’t communicate with me.”

  Her heart sank a little at that reminder. His job. She didn’t think of him as her employee. Why did she expect him to feel more for her just because she felt more for him?

  “I’m sorry. I took all the precautions you taught me.” Pulling out her phone, she showed him the display. “Look, I even have my phone, it’s charged and on with both your avatar and 911 front and center, in case I need help.”

  Kyle glanced at the phone before locking eyes with her again.

  She pointed at her hip. “I also have my pepper spray.” He’d gotten her a holster that attached to her waist.

  “Good. But please tell me next time, okay? I don’t care if it’s my day off or what I’m doing.”

  “Okay,” she said simply.

  Reaching out a hand, he curled it gently over her shoulder. Heat radiated from the spot, down her arm, through her body and right into the center of her heart. His next words left her reeling and gave her hope that she maybe shouldn’t feel. “Harper, just... I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  THE DISTINCTIVE CHIME from her phone alerted Harper to Kyle’s text. Groggily, she reached toward where it sat on the nightstand and saw that the time read 4:30 a.m. A bolt of concern zipped through her. Had something happened to her dad? Was there an emergency?

  Tapping the screen to open the text produced a cute GIF of the sun rising, Mandisa’s “Good Morn
ing” playing along with the animated cartoon. Relief flowed through her and left her smiling. She scrolled down to read the message: I didn’t want to scare you by showing up in your bedroom at this hour. (Who would do that?!) She laughed out loud and continued reading. But I need you to get up because we have someplace to be in about an hour. I’m coming over to get you in thirty minutes. You’ll need all your outdoor camera gear. Lunch is taken care of, and I’ll bring muffins and coffee for breakfast.

  Harper reread the message while trying not to read too much into its meaning. Throwing back the covers, she climbed out of bed and texted him a Good morning! and a thumbs-up emoji. No point in quizzing him about where they were going; she didn’t care. Kyle was doing a nice thing for her and she was going to let herself enjoy every second.

  Something had shifted in their relationship. Instead of the awkwardness she feared would linger after he’d found her at Lucky Cats, he’d let it go. She liked that about him, how when he said something was resolved it was. They’d gone to lunch with his family and had a great time.

  Harper had found an opportunity to chat a bit with Nora who even produced a couple of baby pictures of Kyle. She was delighted to discover he was the cutest little guy ever. The ensuing discussion about family photos had given Harper an idea. Now she just needed to run it by Mia and Josie.

  Twenty-eight minutes later, Harper heard Kyle let himself in through the back door.

  “Ready?” he asked as he stepped into the kitchen.

  “I think so. Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

  “Nope. Do you have all your equipment?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tripods?”

  “Left those in the car last night.”

  “Perfect.” He gifted her with a mischievous smile, making her stomach tighten with only good anticipation. “Let’s go.”

  Harper followed him outside. Kyle watched her arm the security system. Inside the SUV she found a travel mug of coffee and a box from Bakery-by-the-Sea on the console.