Page 36 of Finding Love

CHAPTERTWELVE

Brook was stretched out on the lounge chair, Willy happily sleeping on the towel she’d laid out on the chair next to her. The energy from the sugary pastry and cup of coffee she’d had for breakfast had been dissipated by the laps she’d swum.

She’d even enjoyed a turkey sandwich that had magically appeared on the kitchen table when she’d gone inside for a drink. A full dog bowl and water bowl had appeared for Willy.

They had taken a walk after lunch, but since all the homes were behind tall iron fences, the walk was short and pretty boring.

When they’d returned, she decided the pool was the best place to enjoy the rest of her day.

Now, as the warm sun washed over her, she allowed herself to drift in and out as she dreamed about what life could be like with Ryder.

Willy’s low growl shook her from the daze and she sat up.

She watched in both horror and amazement as Edith Montague strolled across the patio towards her.

That’s who Ryder had been engaged to. Her mind snapped and, suddenly, she felt stupid for not remembering it sooner.

The scowl on the socialite’s face was a look Brook had never seen in all the glammed photos and videos of the beautiful woman.

Edith was, according to all the magazines, a natural beauty. Her flawless pale skin and her long golden locks were the envy of all. Including Brook.

Why hadn’t Brook at least put on a touch of makeup or brushed her hair before heading downstairs that morning?

“Who are you?” Edith asked with a jab of a perfectly manicured, pink-tipped finger towards Brook.

Brook sat up a little more and tried to paste on a pleasant smile.

“I’m Brook Masters and this is Willy.” She motioned to the dog who was watching the newcomer with caution.

Edith didn’t even spare the little dog a glance.

People who didn’t acknowledge dogs were, in Brook’s mind, walking on the pathway to hell.

“I’m sorry.” Edith’s full lips curved up. “What I meant to ask was, what in the hell do you think you are doing here?”

Brook swallowed and tried to figure out how to tell the woman that she and Ryder were… involved. But before she could open her mouth, Edith waved her hand and looked bored.

“You and your mutt can leave. You are no longer wanted. Leave, before I call the police and have you removed.” Edith turned suddenly and marched back into the house.

Brook glanced down at Willy, who let out a huff and lay down again.

“Yeah, I can’t believe the gall of her either. She actually thinks you’re my mutt.” Brook chuckled.

Willy groaned and closed his eyes, no longer entertained.

Deciding the best way to handle Edith Montague was head-on, she pulled her clothes on over her swimsuit and made her way into the house.

She walked in to hear Edith making demands to more than a half dozen staff members. It was the first Brook had seen of them that day. Since Ryder had left, there hadn’t been a soul around, though she knew they were there. The sandwich hadn’t made itself.

Still, she didn’t know why there were suddenly more than six people rushing around to do Edith’s bidding.

“And when Mr. Gallant returns from the office, I expect dinner to be ready for us,” Edith said sharply.

Brook froze. Mr. Gallant? Ryder’s father? But he was dead… then it dawned on her. Edith was talking about Ryder.

Brook relaxed and stood just inside the doorway as Edith continued to boss the staff members around. She listened as Edith demanded fresh flowers to be placed in each of the rooms as well as fresh linens on all of the beds in the house.

As if Ryder was going to personally be sleeping in each bed himself. The thought flashed in her mind of her and him enjoying themselves in each room, going from bed to bed, pleasing one another.