Page 65 of Lochlan

She leans forward, cradling the cup of coffee in both hands. She glances over her shoulder at Kenzie's bedroom door, then back to me.

“I don't know why you agreed to give her that letter,” she says, her voice barely a whisper. “And don't worry. I haven't read it and neither has Kenzie, but that's beside the point. I want you to know that she didn't use the proof you gave her.”

“It's none of my business. When I gave her the letter, she was free to do what she wanted with it.”

“I understand, but I know Kenzie won't tell you this. But when she had an opportunity to use the letter, she chose not to. She said it was too personal to share in that no one else had a right to read it. Kenzie told me she regretted taking advantage of you. She admitted to the club that she failed and walked away from Crimson Beaches because of what she did to you. She threw away a chance to partner with Poppy and now she's looking for a new club.”

“Thank you for telling me this.”

“Telling you what?” Kenzie says, appearing in the doorway, glancing from me to Pru.

Pru gets up. “I told him I used organic sugar and unpasteurized milk in his coffee. I left your cup on the counter. It's my turn to shower and change. It was nice meeting you, Lochlan.”

Kenzie moves to the kitchen to pour her coffee. She doesn't speak until Pru has closed her bedroom door. Kenzie's hair is wet and pulled back in a loose ponytail. She's in a cropped black turtleneck and jeans with no shoes…and she’s beautiful. When she's finished making her coffee, she takes the seat Pru vacated. “Is that package on the side of your chair the reason for your visit?”

I sit my coffee down on the table beside the chair. “Aye, it's the reason I'm here. But before I show you what I brought, I need to give you some context.” I lower my voice. “Will we be overheard?”

“It's definitely a possibility. Would you like to go somewhere else to talk?”

“I think it's wise. My car is outside; why don't we take a drive?”

Kenzie tucks her legs into my sports car, and I shut the door. I walk a few feet from the car and take out my phone to make a call. My conversation is short; it doesn't take long to arrange a place. I'm back in my car, backing out of the parking lot.

“I found a place for us to talk,” I say, shifting the car into gear and pulling out into traffic. I expect Kenzie to ask where we're going, but she says nothing. It's not until the car climbs the hill that she turns to me. “Are we going back to the mansion?”

“When Granda was shown the mansion, the agent told him the owner would only accept a month's rental. He liked the place and agreed to it. He said to call Aubrey and let him know that I'd be coming if I wanted to use the house.”

“Is Fiona still living there?”

I grip the steering wheel at the mention of her name. I don't want Fiona intruding on my time with Kenzie. “No, she moved out the day Granda left. Fiona has leased a house near the winery.”

She glances out the window but gives no response. I try to start a conversation, but she responds with short answers. After a time, I stop trying to engage her in a chat, sink into my own thoughts, and drive.

When we pull into the driveway, Aubrey is there to meet us. He opens the door to help Kenzie out of the car.

“Welcome, Mr. Lochlan, Miss Kenzie.”

I push out of the vehicle, popping open the trunk to retrieve the package. Aubrey is next to me before I lift it from the boot. “Good to see you again, Aubrey,” I say.

“I'll have your package brought to the conservatory.”

“Thank you.”

“I know you didn't request this, but if you would like to stay for dinner, the staff is still available and your room is as well,” Aubrey says.

Kenzie glances away at the mention of our room.

“Thank you. We'll let you know after our meeting.”

“Very well. If you will follow me, I'll escort you to the conservatory.”

The room is exactly as we left it: a bright space with flowers inside and out, with couches and chairs placed to enjoy the view of the garden and the mountains. Kenzie takes a seat on a couch while I pull up a chair to sit in front of her.

Kenzie's gaze darts around the room, and she appears anxious. She agreed to the meeting without hesitation. Why the concern?

“Did you tell Aubrey we would stay for dinner?”

I glance back to see if he's left the room. “When I phoned Aubrey, I told him we would like to use the conservatory for a meeting, nothing else. I only want to talk; there's no ulterior motive.” This doesn't seem to relieve her fears. “You've only had coffee, and it's past noon. Would you like to have lunch here?”

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