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“Of course it matters. Why don’t you golf anymore?”
“After the accident, my injuries made it impossible.”
“And now, can you play?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t tried.” He rotated his left shoulder. There was a dull pain, but thanks to lots of therapy, his range of motion was almost one hundred percent. “Not that anyone could golf out here.”
“It looks like at one point it was beautiful.”
“It was.” His mind conjured up an image of the golf course in its prime. It had come with the house and it had been gorgeous, with water hazards and sand bunkers. It might have been a short course, but it had been a fun way to while away a lazy summer afternoon with friends. Those carefree days seemed like a lifetime ago now.
“It’s a shame to let it go to ruin. Have you ever considered restoring it?”
He shook his head. He just couldn’t imagine golfing when he had so much uncertainty and guilt weighing him down. “I stopped by to let you know that I need to go out for a while.”
Her eyes widened and her mouth gaped open, but she quickly recovered her composure. “I didn’t know you ever left here.”
“I don’t unless it’s necessary.”
Unasked questions filled her eyes, but she was smart enough to leave them unspoken. “Is there anything you need from me while you’re gone?”
“Yes. I put a screenplay on your desk. I know you enjoy mysteries and I was interested in your thoughts. The sooner, the better.”
“Thoughts? As in a pro-con list?”
He hadn’t thought of that, but it wasn’t a bad idea. “Sure. That works for me.” And then he added, “I’d really appreciate it.”
“Well, when you put it so nicely, I’d be happy to do it.”
So nicely? He didn’t think he’d said it in any special manner. Perhaps she meant since he didn’t growl at her. Was Gabrielle having that much of an effect on him?
“I’ll be gone most of the day.” He turned to walk away.
“Do you mind if I ask where you’re going?” When he turned back to her, she added, “You know, in case something comes up while you’re gone.”
“I’ll have my cell phone. The number is listed on your computer.”
“Oh, okay.” She tried to hide it, but he caught the hint of a frown. “But there’s something I want to discuss with you.”
He checked the time on his phone. “It’ll have to wait.”
When he turned to walk away, Gabrielle said, “But it won’t take long—”
“I can’t be late. I’ll talk to you when I get back.”
Without another word from either of them, he strode away. He could have told her about his meeting with his attorney, but he didn’t want to get her hopes up. He felt the pressure every time she looked at him. She wanted the truth as much as he did. If only he could remember.
* * *
This was pointless.
Gaby sat behind her desk later that afternoon. Deacon still hadn’t returned. The fact that he’d been gone for hours worried her. Perhaps she should have pushed harder to learn his destination, but she doubted there was anything she could say to get him to open up.
She was quickly coming to the conclusion that no matter what she tried, Deacon wasn’t going to let his guard down with her. He was a very determined man. But at least he didn’t growl at her any longer. That had to mean something, right?
And now that she had him considering the fund-raiser, she had to make it extra special. It was her ticket out of here without jeopardizing the deal for her father.
The fund-raiser needed to be something different. Something that would attract big names with big money and also attract the press. She told herself that concluding their deal early was the only reason she was so invested in these plans that kept her up at night. Because there was no way she was trying to improve Deacon’s image.
