Page 12 of If We Never Met

"I appreciate your discretion."

"You should, because Keira is one of my best friends. And we usually share everything, but she respected our proprietor-guest confidentiality agreement."

He smiled. "Is that a thing?"

She grinned back at him. "It is at my inn. But why don't you join us for a drink?"

He was still debating his answer when Keira joined them. She gave him an uncertain look. "Hi, Dante."

"Keira."

As they stared at each other, Lizzie cleared her throat, then moved back into the living room.

"Is everything all right?" Keira asked. "You were being chased by a photographer the last time I saw you."

"I managed to get away. I'm sure he snapped some pics of my back, but they won't sell without the money shot."

"Your face?"

"Yes."

She gave him a long look. "Should I recognize you? Clearly, you're some sort of celebrity. But I don't know who you are, and Lizzie won't tell me."

"You didn't look me up?"

"I don't automatically go online when I meet someone to figure out who they are."

"You just came here instead."

She gave him a sheepish smile. "Okay, you got me. I was curious after the way you left. Want to save me the trouble of looking you up online?"

"I'm a baseball player."

"Really? What team?"

"Miami."

"What are you doing here?"

"Rehabbing my shoulder at the Whisper Lake Rehabilitation Center."

"I didn't realize you were injured."

"You wouldn't know it until I tried to throw a curve ball. But I had surgery six weeks ago in Denver, and Dr. Grayson Cole prescribed rehab here in Whisper Lake."

Her eyes filled with understanding. "That makes sense. Grayson is Lizzie's older brother. I've never met him, but I've heard he's a brilliant doctor."

"Hopefully his brilliance will allow me to return to my career."

She gave him a sympathetic smile. "You must be itching to do that. It's the middle of the season, isn't it?"

"Yes. I'm trying to get back on the mound before the season is over."

"I'm guessing if you have paparazzi chasing you, that you must be really good."

He tipped his head in acknowledgment. "My team won the World Series last year, and I was the winning pitcher. I take it you're not a baseball fan."

"I've been to a few games in Denver to watch the Rockies play, but I don't really follow the sport, or any sport for that matter. Sorry."

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