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“Mmhm,” he mumbled. “Would you like to come inside?”
Say no, Dahlia. Say, no.
“Sure.” My wide-eyed gaze found him, and I wasn’t sure, but maybe he smiled. It was a subtle reaction, but there.
You’re an idiot. I mentally pictured my inner self falling back dramatically into a chair, in defeat.
I stomped my feet a little heavier than was necessary and planted my palm against my forehead as I walked behind him up the steps. This was the stupidest thing I’d ever done in my life. And that was saying a lot.
Come on, Dahl, he’s your “uncle.”
Out of habit or instinct, I wasn’t sure which one. I added air quotes around my disturbing thoughts of him (I still didn’t believe he was my uncle; there’s no way!) and almost ran into the back of him as he turned toward me. Startled, I tripped when my foot caught the bottom step, and I fell forward, my knee cracking painfully against the wood. Jack reached out and wrapped his large hand around my elbow, lessening the blow. I was grateful, but by the look on his face, he must have seen my physical interpretation of my thoughts. I felt my face turn a dark crimson in mortification. He was probably getting a kick out of my humiliation.
“You alright?” His voice had taken on a low timber, and the crimson on my face spread quickly.
Nodding, I said a little too loudly, “I’m fine.” The words came out broken, so I coughed to cover it up.
I waved off the support he offered, which seemed to linger a little longer than necessary, and brushed the dirt off my jeans. He moved the thick rug I hadn’t noticed was there earlier and removed a hidden key from under it. Seriously, a key under the mat? Isn’t that a draconian practice these days? People in the city had cameras and alarm systems and still didn’t leave a key under the mat. I suppose out here in the middle of nowhere, burglary wasn’t too much of an issue.
I followed him inside and continued my mental chastising because I was seriously putting myself in danger. Why hadn’t I just given him the package and left? Because Mother had precise instructions, Dahl, you must be sure he’s who he says he is. I really wished my brain would shut up! Was this inheritance worth risking my life for?
My eyes wandered around the expansive room, and I couldn’t control my face as my jaw dropped at the beauty of this cabin. The little I’d seen through the window was nothing compared to being inside. The fireplace was far grander than I’d given it credit for, and the matching chairs settled before it looked large enough to sleep in. Their soft cushions beckoned me, and I had a sudden vision of me sleeping soundly while covered in a plush throw, a book forgotten on my lap. I ran my hand across the leather as I daydreamed and only snapped out of it when Jack cleared his throat.
He must think I’m crazy. Showing up here, saying I’m his niece, drooling at his appearance, and now daydreaming like a lunatic in front of his fireplace. I slipped my hands into the pockets of my red coat, hoping that would help me keep my hands to myself.
I turned to him, “How long have you lived here?”
“A few months.”
“This place is gorgeous.” I couldn’t help but allow my gaze to roam up the stairs, intruding on his privacy. I had to reel my thoughts in as they tried to wander to his bedroom and what it would look like.
“Mmhmm.” God, the way he murmured. It was dangerous.
“So,” I said, returning my gaze to his. When his hazel eyes met mine, I could have sworn he looked amused.
“So.” He mused. Jack was a man of few words. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.
“Did you know you had a long-lost sister?” I needed this conversation to go somewhere, anywhere, so I could leave.
“I don’t have a sister.” He deadpanned, and I felt my pulse leap with unease.
I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I didn’t. I just stared at him in shock that he was letting the lie go so quickly. If he wasn’t going to play along, why did he invite me in?
I wasn’t sure, but regardless, I had one big problem. I needed proof he wasn’t my Uncle Jack before I could let this all go. And then, once I proved that, I had to find the real Uncle Jack. But I’d come this far. And I was willing to see where this would take me.
I returned and held his stare, not breaking our silent battle of wills. One of us would have to relent at some point, and I wasn’t backing down. I never gave up on a fight. Who are you kidding? You’re just teasing the both of you at this point. You need to march your butt out that front door, climb into your car, and leave, Dahl. Now.
“You want to stay for dinner?” I couldn’t hide the surprise on my face at his question and told myself to refuse.
But instead, I said, “Dinner sounds great.”
CHAPTER 4
I was wrong if I thought Jack was a man of few words. He was a man of NO words.
He fits in the category of the strong, silent type, for sure. And during dinner preparation, cooking, setting up his dining room table, and during the act of eating, we said nothing. Not a word, and I didn’t want to admit that I didn’t mind that. We exchanged glances occasionally, and I could have sworn I saw his lips turn up in half a smile through the hair covering his chin and top lip. But he hid it well, and the only thing that truly gave him away was the spark of interest I saw swimming in his eyes every time I caught him peering at me over his steak.
And now, here I am, sitting in front of his massive fireplace, a blanket covering my legs as I contemplated my next move. While I might be basking in the silence and realizing how much I loved it, I had to find proof he wasn’t Jack Lawrence, and I had to find it fast.
