Page 37 of If We Never Met

"It's perfect," he replied. "I love the neighborhood. It's close to everything."

"It's on the higher end of your price range," she couldn't help noting.

"I think it's worth it."

"Are you ready to make an offer?"

"I need to sleep on it."

"Of course."

"But don't wait too long," her mom said. "Houses go fast in this neighborhood. It would be nice to have you close. We could take walks together."

"I'd love that."

As they exchanged a warm look, she cleared her throat, feeling very much like a third wheel. "Just let me know what you decide. I'll send you the disclosures tonight."

"Excellent."

"We're going to walk down to the lake now. It's so pretty at dusk," her mom said. "I made a curried chicken salad earlier. It's in the fridge if you're hungry before I get back."

"Thanks." She sighed as she locked up the house. It felt like her mom and Mark were on a runaway train. She just hoped that train didn't crash.

When she returned home, she went into the kitchen and opened the fridge, then closed it again. She wasn't hungry. She was restless. She needed a walk, too, or maybe a bike ride, but it would only be light for another hour.

As she was debating her options, her phone buzzed. She reached into her bag, noting the missed calls and texts from Lizzie, but the number lighting up her phone was not familiar to her. She almost didn't answer.What if it was the media?Well, she could always hang up.

"Hello?" she said tentatively.

"It's Dante."

Her stomach clenched at his deep, husky male voice. "Hi." Her hand tightened around the phone.

"Lizzie gave me your number. Have you heard about the photos?"

"Yes. Hannah stopped by the shop to show them to me."

"I'm sorry, Keira."

"It's not your fault."

"We need to talk about how to handle this."

"Is there anything to handle? It's done, right?"

"I'm afraid it could just be the beginning," he replied. "Can you meet me somewhere private, somewhere we won't be seen?"

She thought about that. The photographer had already been to the inn. And by now, he might know where she lived, too. But she did have one idea… "There's a cabin that my realty company is getting ready to sell. It's not on the market yet, but I have the key. It's on the east shore of the lake. Do you have a car?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I'll text you the address and then head over there."

"I'll see you soon."

His parting words sent a thrill of anticipation through her. It was stupid. This wasn't a date. They were just going to talk, sort things out, but still, she couldn't help running upstairs to change her clothes and fix her face. It might be the last time they'd see each other, and she was going to look good, give him something to remember. It might be the only satisfaction she would get.

Before Dante could leave his room, his phone rang. It was Nikki. They'd been missing each other for the past few hours. He had to take the call.

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