“That’s quite the assessment.”
“I’m good at figuring out people.”
“Apparently.” She pointed to the bottle of wine. “Technically that’s a gift, but I’d be happy to split it with you at dinner.”
“I’d like that.”
“Me, too.” She started toward the door, then turned back to face him. “It was nice to meet you, Mason. I’ll try to talk less next time.”
“I like the talking.”
“Most men don’t.”
“I’m not most men.”
She nodded and left. When he was alone—except for Charles—he sank into his desk chair and waited for the room to stop spinning. If Robyn Caldwell was half as interesting as he thought, he was in trouble. The kind of trouble that ripped a man’s heart from his chest and threw it on the side of the road. And because he was the biggest fool on the planet, he couldn’t wait.
ten
ROBYN UNPACKED, then took a quick shower. Her conscience clear, she was able to enjoy her surroundings and appreciate that she had such a beautiful place she could escape to. Once dressed, she opened the French doors to her balcony. The familiar view of palm trees, rooftops and the ocean beyond made her smile. Later, there would be a spectacular sunset.
Two gray cats strolled in. She petted both of them and checked their name tags. “Victoria and Mary,” she said with a laugh. “Nice to meet you. Charles II is hanging out next door.”
Neither cat seemed especially interested in the information. They walked out on the balcony and settled down in the sun. Robyn watched them, careful to keep her gaze straight ahead. No peeking toward Mason’s room next door, which shared the balcony with hers. She wondered if he knew they were neighbors.
He was an interesting man, she thought, stepping into flat sandals. Attractive and a thoughtful listener. He’d been gracious about her apology, which she appreciated. He had a nice face—strong and masculine. Good-looking enough to be appealing, but not so pretty that he would want more mirror time than her. Not that she was looking for anything. No way. She was barely out of her relationship with Jase. Even more compelling, until she figured out her mess of a life, she was staying away from men. The last time she’d gotten serious about someone, she’d given up college and her dreams. Yes, she’d been eighteen, but still. She’d thrown away so much to be with Cord, and while she didn’t regret her children, she couldn’t help wondering how things would have been different if she’d thought about what she wanted as much as she’d thought about what he expected.
“You can’t change history,” she murmured aloud, putting on a pair of diamond studs.
Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a text from Mindy.
Can you talk? Say yes! You have to say yes!
Robyn laughed as she quickly called her friend.
“What’s going on?” she asked by way of greeting.
“Dimitri and I kissed!” Mindy squealed. “I can’t believe it. It was amazing. I’m still shaking. He kisses like a god. I melted and nearly begged him to take me.”
Robyn sank into a chair. “You didn’t. Mindy, this is bad.”
“Don’t say that. I’m so happy, I’m floating.”
Robyn knew her friend wouldn’t listen, but she had to try to get through to her. “You’re risking your marriage for a few kisses? Come on, I don’t care how great he is, he’s not worth it. You could lose everything.”
“I won’t. Payne will never find out. You’re spoiling my news.”
“I’m not happy about your news.”
“You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am. This is me trying to save you.”
“I don’t want to be saved. I want to throw myself in Dimitri’s arms and enjoy every second. Can’t you be happy for me?”
Robyn didn’t know how to answer the question. “I think you’re making a huge mistake, but I’ll always be here if you need me.”
“Thank you. How’s life in Santa Barbara?”
“It’s sunny and seventy-five with about forty percent humidity.”
“Ugh. It’s about ninety-eight here, and the humidity matches.” Mindy laughed. “But I have Dimitri, and that’s all that matters. Gotta run. Talk to you later.”
She hung up before Robyn could warn her to be careful. Not that she would listen—Mindy was on a course, and Robyn had a bad feeling nothing was going to come between her and her illicit affair.
There would be consequences, Robyn thought, remembering how she’d felt the first time she’d found out Cord had cheated on her.
He’d gone to a trade show for the weekend, and she’d decided to surprise him in his hotel. Which she had, but there’d also been a woman with him in his bed. What Robyn remembered the most was how stupid she’d felt for traveling all the way to Orlando to do something nice and instead had learned her husband was a lying bastard who couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.
She hadn’t said anything. Instead she’d run back to her car and had driven home, then packed up the kids and gotten on a plane to Santa Barbara. Travel with a five-and a one-year-old hadn’t been easy, but Leo and Lillian had welcomed her. They’d enjoyed the kids, giving her time to figure out what to do about her marriage. They’d offered her a home for as long as she wanted, and had told her the money for college was still available, if she was interested. She could stay with them and go to UC Santa Barbara. Something she’d seriously considered.
Cord had kept calling her, but she’d refused to speak to him. A week after she arrived, he’d shown up, full of remorse, begging her to forgive him. He’d vowed that it was a onetime thing and it would never happen again. He told her he was devastated, not only for what he’d done, but for how he’d hurt her. He’d reminded her how much they loved each other and talked about their life together. He’d said exactly what she’d wanted him to say. In the end, she’d gone back to Florida with him. As far as she knew, he’d continued to be faithful for another few years. At least, that was her best guess.
She shoved her phone into her sundress pocket, only to have it buzz a second time. She grinned when she saw Austin had texted her again.
Back on land. So about this Mason guy. Is he an ornithologist?
When the kids were little, Robyn had explained that someone else would be inheriting the house. They’d speculated about who he was and what he was doing at that moment. Austin, learning about different professions in school, had latched on to the idea of the mystery inheritor being an ornithologist.
He doesn’t strike me as a bird watcher, but I’ll ask at dinner. You doing okay?
I miss you. Don’t tell the guys I said that, btw. It’s not manly.
Robyn smiled. Your secret is safe with me. I miss you, too, kid. She returned her phone to her pocket and left her room to go downstairs.
She found Lillian and Mason in the large, open living room, heads bent together as they talked. They turned at the sound of her footsteps. Mason stood while Lillian smiled.
“Unpacked and settled?” she asked. “Do you need anything?”