CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
WHITNEY
Barbara joined Whitney and Nick. “The meeting went well, don’t you think?”
“Yes. Better than I thought it would. But again, social media made the group seem more dangerous than they are. Zane could be very charming, but he was also an accomplished liar after the drugs took hold,” said Whitney.
“Changing the focus of the group was smart,” Barbara said to her. “Even though the meeting was tame, it took courage to come here to talk to the group. It could’ve gone a very different way. That’s why I’m glad you called, Nick.”
Nick smiled. “A promise is a promise. There was no way I wanted Whitney to face what could’ve been a hostile crowd.”
“I see. Well, let’s go back to the house and relax. We all deserve it,” said Barbara. She turned as Todd approached.
“I’ve got all the information you wanted,” he said, handing Barbara a zippered leather folder.
“Thank you. Take the rest of the day off. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow morning.”
Todd smiled at Whitney. “Thanks for being so understanding about Cynthi and her friend. She texted me that they both are sincere about helping you.”
“Good,” said Whitney. “I need all the help I can get to make Zane’s tragic death help others.”
Barbara signaled to a limo in the parking lot and the black car rolled up to the front of the building.
“Hop in,” she said. “We might as well be comfortable on the way to my house. Champagne, anyone?”
Whitney grinned. “I’ll have some. I can’t tell you what it means to have this worry off my mind.”
“And technically I’m on vacation, so why not?” said Nick.
Barbara lifted the bottle of bubbly wine out of the ice bucket placed in the back seat holder and with a deftness that surprised Whitney uncorked the bottle with a soft pop.
“Very nicely done,” said Whitney.
“Did I ever tell you my father was a bartender?” Barbara said.
Whitney shook her head. “No, but he taught you well.”
“Yes, indeed,” said Barbara filling three tulip glasses with the wine. “Here’s to Zane’s foundation,” she said, lifting her glass.
Whitney and Nick raised their glasses. “Hear. Hear.”
“This is such a crazy business, but one I love,” said Barbara. She studied Nick. “If you ever want work doing commercials, let me know. That face of yours could launch a lot of products.”
Nick laughed and shook his head. “Not my kind of thing. But thanks for the offer.” He and Whitney exchanged looks of amusement.
###
Whitney could tell Nick was impressed when the limo pulled up in front of Barbara’s massive, lovely home. In Lilac Lake there were some beautiful houses, especially in the new subdivision Brad and Aaron were developing. But they seemed humble in comparison, nestled against a wooded background.
Barbara showed Nick to his suite next to Whitney and said, “The two of you can pretend I’m not here. I’ll be stuck in my office for a while and then I’m going out and won’t return until very late. One of those parties I must attend. My housekeeper has made a meal for you. All you’ll have to do is help yourself. In the meantime, enjoy the pool.” She gave them a roguish grin. “After I’m gone, skinny dipping is allowed.”
Whitney gave her a quick hug. “Thank you, Barbara. You’ve been so understanding and helpful with all this business with Zane’s fans.”
“You’re a very lovely woman,” said Barbara. “It’s my privilege to represent you. You might want to step back for a while, but I’ll make sure opportunities come your way.” She winked at Nick. “But I understand you want to take some time with this handsome guy.”
She left them in Nick’s suite.
Nick shook his head and smiled at Whitney. “I can see why Barbara is so successful. She doesn’t miss a thing about what’s going on with you and, I’m sure, her other clients as well.”
“I’m pleased she’s giving me time and space,” said Whitney. “So, tell me about this phone call you made to her.”
A sheepish grin crossed Nick’s face. “You know I was pretty ticked off about the pictures in the news with that other guy, Hollywood dressed, and all. But I got calls from both Dani and Taylor telling me not to believe it, that you were out there to meet with Zane’s fans. After the text I sent to you, I couldn’t stand by and let you confront a hostile group without me. I promised to protect you. So, I called Barbara.”
Whitney wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his broad chest. “That’s so sweet of you.” She touched his shoulder and gently fingered the flesh wound. “But what if it had turned violent and you got hurt or killed? I’d never forgive myself.”
Nick lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “It’s my job to protect others, Whitney. It’s what I choose to do. If I get hurt, it’s no one else’s fault, simply part of my work. Understand?”
She swallowed hard and nodded.
“Let’s take advantage of being in this beautiful place and go for a swim in the pool. And later, skinny dipping sounds like fun.”
She laughed at him wiggling his eyebrows. “I think so too. I’ve missed you.”
###
After a delicious meal of a cold salad plate the housekeeper had put together, including cooked shrimp, pieces of lobster, and French bread served with a crisp, cool pinot grigio, Whitney was ready to take a walk with Nick, as he’d suggested.
They stepped outside the gate to the house.
“This is nice. We can do the pool later,” Nick said. “I want to walk off the dinner. I’m not used to lounging around and doing very little.”
“I understand. I want to walk too. It’s a gorgeous neighborhood. Mindy would love it.”
Nick laughed. “When Dani drove me to the airport both dogs were in the back of her car. They curled up together and went to sleep.”
“Mindy will miss Pirate when Brad and Dani move into their house,” she said, taking hold of the hand Nick offered her.
“When will that be?” Nick asked.
“As soon as possible. Certainly, by Thanksgiving because they want their wedding there,” Whitney said.
“And Taylor’s wedding?”
“She and Cooper are planning a wedding next summer. So that pretty much leaves me with the cottage, which is fine with me. I love what we’ve done to it.”
“It’s really beautiful the way you’ve fixed it up,” said Nick. “Nice and peaceful.”
Whitney laughed and held up a hand. “Not yet. But we’re working on getting answers about the ghost, a young woman named Carol, supposedly. Crystal’s friend, Summer, is helping us find a way to encourage her to leave.”
“Ah, yes. I remember Summer. She’s quite talented, if you believe in those things.”
“Well, I may have had my doubts, but I’m convinced now that supernatural things can happen.”
“Good enough,” said Nick agreeably.
They continued walking through the gated neighborhood admiring one house after another.
“How do you feel about your cottage now?” Nick asked when they returned to Barbara’s house.
“These houses are gorgeous, but I still love the cottage. It has family history behind it and that’s what makes it precious. GG has filled Lilac Lake with pleasant memories for all of us.”
Nick beamed at her. “That’s the answer I was hoping for. It’s getting dark. How about that swim Barbara was talking about?”
Desire swept through her as his lips met hers. She gave herself to the feelings he created inside her. This was what she wanted. Somehow, they’d work things out.
###
Whitney met Nick by the pool. He was already in the water and waiting for her. She opened the towel and let it fall to the surface.
She saw the way Nick’s eyes lit at the sight of her and smiled. She knew every woman wanted her man to look at her as if she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
She climbed down the steps to meet him and laughed when he swept her up in his strong arms, drawing her to him. It was obvious he was as anxious for this time as she.
He kissed her and then took off swimming.
She quickly followed.
After doing a few laps together, they sat on the steps at the shallow end of the pool. Nick tugged her onto his lap, facing him. She was thrilled by his response to her and nestled closer, soon moving with him in a kind of dance as old as time.
When they’d calmed, Nick said, “I love you, Whitney. I think it’s time for you to meet my mother.”
Whitney remembered what a big deal it was for Dani to meet Brad’s family. “That’s an important step. Are you sure?”
“If you’re not ready to make a commitment to our relationship, tell me and I’ll postpone it.” His gaze bore into her.
“I think it’s time,” Whitney said. “I love you too.”
Nick’s smile lit his face. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly on each cheek, the tip of her nose and finally on her lips where he deepened the kiss.
They climbed out of the pool and wrapped towels around themselves.
“Your place or mine?” said Nick.
Whitney grinned. “Why don’t we try them both?”