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“Tell me what’s true about your relationship with her.”
“We did meet five years ago. We did have a connection. She had no clue who I was, and I loved that so much. Unfortunately, she was married. Unhappily, but still married. We shared a kiss. A magical kiss. She freaked out and left abruptly, but I was never able to get her or the kiss out of my mind. I didn’t see her again until the first time you saw her.”
“What about all her art in this house?”
“After we met, I looked into it. I was planning to buy a piece or two, to help her out, but for some reason, I was just drawn to her work. I can’t explain it. It’s like, if I couldn’t have her, I wanted the next best thing.”
“How did she end up here that day?”
“She had just found out about me buying all her art. She was pissed as hell. The timing was nothing more than a coincidence.”
“Or perhaps it was fate.”
I smile at the thought. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Why did she agree to this ruse? What’s in it for her?”
“She wanted to pay me back for the pieces I bought, which of course I wouldn’t accept. I told her if she stayed for the month, I would introduce her to three collectors. No guarantees, just the introductions. I’m presenting her with the opportunities. It’s up to her what she makes of them.”
“And what about your obvious attraction and chemistry? It’s mutual, I can tell.”
“We both feel it, but one of her conditions was nothing physical between us while we have this business arrangement. She said it would make her feel like a prostitute. I’ve tried to respect that. We’ve discussed it. In a week, when this is over, we want to give it a go and date for real.”
“Andie is already attached to her.”
I blow out a breath. “I know. I’m concerned about that if this goes south.”
She stands and kisses my head. “Well, see that it doesn’t. She’s wonderful. I don’t think a kinder, more genuine woman exists. I adore her.”
She starts to walk out of the room, but I stop her. “Mom?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you like Jenny?”
She pauses, as if choosing her words carefully. “Honestly, I never thought her intentions with youwere true and honorable. I can’t place my finger on anything specific. It was just my gut instinct. Perhaps I simply never connected with her. Amanda and I are cut from the same cloth. That’s why I understand her. You’ll never get anything but truth and honor out of her. She values that over anything materialistic. She’s lived withoutthingsbefore. Like me, there was a time where all she had was her moral compass. Hers points dead north. Of that, I’m sure.”
I nod in understanding and agreement. “You won’t tell her you know, right? I don’t want her to leave.”
“I don’t want her to leave either, but you might want to think about what’s going to happen come next weekend.”
“I will.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
AMANDA
I’ve run every red light on the way to my house, but when I arrive, there are no signs of Jade. Shit. Where would she go? My poor baby.
I walk in and turn on all the lights. Looking around, I can’t believe how empty it feels here now. I’ve only been at Beckett’s for three weeks and I’m already used to a house full of people and laughter.
My phone rings and I see that it’s Declan. I answer. “She’s not here.”
“Fuck. I screwed up.”
“No shit. She’s twenty-two. You can’t beat up her boyfriends.”
“He had his hands all over her body.”
