Page 79 of Billionaire Unexplained: Kaleb

Startled by hearing another voice in this particular spot, I turned my head to look at the woman who had politely asked to join me.

My eyes went to the horse that was grazing beside Bella.

I’d been so lost in thought that I’d never heard this woman approach on horseback.

Even though Kaleb had told me that other people had permission to use the river property, I’d never seen anyone here before.

I nodded, curious to find out who she was and why she was here. “Sit,” I encouraged her as I moved to the side of the blanket I’d brought with me.

“I’m Lauren Collier,” she said as she sat with what I assumed was her lunch and put her hand out. “I love it here, and Kaleb lets me come whenever I’m around.”

I shook it, bemused, not recognizing the name.

I didn’t recall Kaleb ever mentioning her name before.

“You’ve never heard about me,” she said apologetically. “I can’t say I’m surprised. I’m usually pretty forgettable. I’m staying with Tanner for a few weeks.”

She was pretty in an understated way, with dark blonde hair that was in a thick braid, and gorgeous blue eyes that were well hidden by a pair of glasses.

Oh, God, could this be the female that had broken Tanner’s heart?

Kaleb had mentioned that he’d pointed that woman out at The Mug And Jug the night I’d stupidly downed those sluggers, but I didn’t remember it…or the woman I’d seen that night.

Even though she had been polite, I suddenly wanted to punch her in the face.

“You’re staying…with Tanner?” I asked cautiously.

“Not staying with him like that,” she said, flustered. “I mean, we’re not sleeping together. We’ve never slept together. He’s kind of like an overprotective older brother, but we’re not related. I’ve known Tanner all my life. He was my brother’s best friend. After my brother Keith died, Tanner unofficially adopted me because my brother was my guardian.”

Okay, this definitely wasn’t the woman who had broken Tanner’s heart. “I’m sorry about your brother,” I said automatically because I knew what it was like to lose your only remaining family.

I was glad she wasn’t Tanner’s heartbreaker because I actually liked this woman.

She looked like the girl next door, and she was obviously intelligent. Tanner apparently cared about her, which was good enough for me.

“You grew up here?” I asked in a friendlier tone.

“I did,” she said as she opened her lunch box. “I left about eleven years ago to go to college. I got a PhD in economics. I’m a market researcher in Boston, but I really want to move back to Crystal Fork. Tanner is trying to help me find a place so I can move back permanently.”

“So you’re actually Doctor Collier,” I mused.

Okay, this woman was beyond intelligent if she had an advanced degree in economics.

She wrinkled her nose. “No one calls me that except when I’m at work, and honestly, I don’t think Tanner has realized yet that I’m a grown up. He still treats me like I’m a child, even though he’s only ten years older than I am. I adore him, but he can be incredibly annoying at times.”

I laughed. “I’m starting to think every Remington brother is extremely overprotective of the people they care about. I’m Anna by the way. I’ve been staying with Kaleb, but I’ll be going back to Los Angeles soon.”

“Because you have to perform at the awards show,” she said in an awed tone. “I saw the commercials about your upcoming performance. You don’t have to use your cover story with me. I already know that you’re Annelise.”

My eyes went wide as I stared at her. “Tanner told you?”

She shook her head as she chewed and swallowed a bite of her sandwich. “No,” she finally said adamantly. “Tanner would never betray a secret. I saw you at The Mug And Jug a few days ago when you were there to get coffee with Kaleb. I recognized you. I’m a huge fan of your music. But I’d never tell anyone. Do you prefer to be called Anna or is that part of that whole cover story, too?”

“I do go by Anna with people I know, so I’d be happy if you’d use that name, too. How do you know about the cover story?” I asked curiously.

I really didn’t mind that this woman knew the truth. I didn’t know her, but I got the feeling she could keep a secret. She’d known for a few days, and apparently hadn’t told anyone.

“You’re joking, right?” she asked as she shot me a small smile. “This is Crystal Fork. Everyone talks about anyone new in town. I’ve heard all about you and Kaleb already. Honestly, I suspect that I’m not the only one who knows your true identity, but this town protects their residents and anyone close to them.”

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