Page 49 of Billionaire Unexplained: Kaleb

Millie stopped in fairly often when Kaleb was at work, and I’d took Bella over to visit her ranch. She was such a sweet, motherly kind of woman that it made losing my own mother slightly less painful when I hung out with her.

I also stopped into The Mug And Jug as often as possible.

I’d gotten very fond of Silas, and whether I wanted it or not, he was always there with some kind of advice or kind words.

Basically, I’d learned that Silas Turner was a total fraud. I’d come to suspect that his flirtation was more about making women feel good about themselves than his desire to hook up with any of them. He cared about the people in this town more than he wanted to admit.

“You coming back will make Ray happy,” Kim told me in a frustrated voice. “He still hounds me at the salon almost every day. He knows that if anyone knows where you are, it’s me.”

I closed my eyes, hating myself because my agent was still bothering my best friend because of me. “God, I’m so sorry.”

“I’m not,” she answered immediately. “He’s annoying, but I enjoy messing with him sometimes. That man is full of himself. I know he’s a friend, but he’s stepping miles over the line right now. It’s none of his damn business where you are and what you’re doing. You’re a grown woman. You’ve met all your obligations. You lost both of your parents, and you still kept on working until you finally cracked under a tremendous amount of pressure and grief. Have you heard anything from the detective working on the case?”

“Nothing,” I replied, frustrated. “I check in with the detective often. They won’t tell me much because it’s an active investigation, and I don’t even know if they have a suspect yet.”

“Then I think it’s safer if you stay there in Montana. Maybe the police aren’t saying it, but it worries me that you could be a target, too.”

“Sometimes I wonder if all this has something to do with me,” I agreed. “Maybe it’s someone who hates me and wanted to get back at me by killing my parents.”

It was a horrible thought for me, that my parents could have died because of me or my career. But it wasn’t impossible, either. I still couldn’t think of anyone who had a beef with my mom and dad.

“It could also be random,” Kim said firmly. “I guess we won’t know until they get some leads on who did it and why. I just want you to be careful, just in case.”

“I’m always careful,” I assured her.

“What are we doing with your hair when you come back to Los Angeles?” Kim questioned. “You’re performing at the awards show and you’re up for multiple awards. You’re going to have to do a public appearance almost as soon as you get back. Are you keeping your new look?”

“I guess I should switch things back again,” I said hesitantly. “Or get as close as possible.”

I’d been such a mess when I’d left California that changing my appearance back to Annelise again had been the last thing on my mind.

“I can color it and do some hair extensions. Your hair won’t look exactly like it did before your transformation with your natural hair, but I can make you look like Annelise again.”

Honestly, I liked the woman I saw in the mirror now, but people had expectations. I wasn’t sure what changing my look would do to my career.

“I wish I could keep my current style and my natural hair color,” I confided. “I think I forgot what it looked like. I’ve been a blonde most of my adult life.”

Someone had suggested the change when I’d first broken into the music business, and because I’d become successful, I’d always stayed a very long-haired blonde.

“If that’s what you want, do it,” Kim said firmly. “You look gorgeous. Personally, I think your natural color and the cut suits you better.”

“Not to mention the fact that it’s a lot easier to maintain,” I mentioned. “I love you, but you know I hate all the hours I have to spend in that salon chair. Keeping up the color, the highlighting, and length was a pain in the ass. All I have to do is blow-dry it now, and getting my hair dry doesn’t take forever.”

“Then keep the more natural look. Think about it,” Kim suggested. “You have some time to make a decision.”

“Not that much time,” I said pensively.

“Then I guess you better get moving on seducing that gorgeous man of yours,” she teased. “Try not to let thoughts of your future color the way you live in the present moment. You sound happy for the first time since your parents died. Wallow in that. Enjoy every private moment you have with Kaleb while you have the chance.”

“I will,” I promised her.

We said our goodbyes and I disconnected the call.

“What are you really afraid of, Anna?” I asked myself out loud as I settled at the piano to work on a song.

There was probably a simple answer to that question.

I was afraid that once I’d gotten that close to Kaleb, I was probably never going to want to leave.

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