Center Stage
Page 12

“Investment.”
“And you’re sure?”
No, he wasn’t sure. His chest hurt, his palms were sweaty, and he felt as though Zach had socked him in the gut. But he was crazy about the woman who had made it very clear that marriage was not an option. However, maybe an investment in her livelihood was.
“I think it would be an awesome opportunity for some renovating the area. She’d do the rest.”
Zach nodded slowly. “I’ll look into it.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back with my files.”
“How about I pick you up at lunch, and we’ll head out to Steve’s. Since you mentioned it, I’ve had a hankering for it.”
“Sure.” John walked out of the office.
For a man who didn’t like commitment, he’d sure made one, and now Regan would start asking questions—that part he was sure about.
Arianna had successfully found the coffeemaker. Why she’d packed it with the bathroom items she wasn’t sure, except those were all of the last items she’d packed.
The house was beginning to look more like a home.
She’d gone to the store and bought groceries. There was, in fact, a Starbucks at the end of the street so she stopped. And because she couldn’t help herself, she picked up some of that imported beer John drank.
Now she looked around and thought how barren it all was. She’d felt more at home in John’s basement earlier when she’d gone through the door, which they’d left unlocked, and placed the beer and replacement Hungry Man dinners in his refrigerator.
It wasn’t something she needed to get worked up over. She’d given him her word that she wasn’t one to sleep around either, and she wasn’t. They’d kidded that they were boyfriend and girlfriend. She’d been very candid about never wanting to be married or have babies. But as she sat down on her own couch and turned on her own TV, she missed him.
New relationships were the hardest, and she’d had her share. When they started, you missed the person. You wanted to sleep at their place always. Phone calls and text messages could get you through the day, but it was never enough. Then there was the need to move in together and talk about futures. That was when it usually went wrong.
So where did they go now? They already lived together. Neither of them wanted marriage. Was this all there was to them?
She rested her head back against the couch.
She needed her sister. Regan would know what to do. It had only been two days, and she knew she was about to spill it all. All she could hope was that John wouldn’t be upset.
Arianna sat on Regan’s couch and held Spencer as he slept. One thing was for sure, the Kellers made beautiful babies.
She’d played with Tyler after lunch until Regan had put him down for a nap. Now the house seemed quiet. She wondered how her mother ever managed with four kids who were all within four years in age.
Regan strolled back into the living room and sat down on the opposite end of the couch. “I think he already likes you.”
“What’s not to like? I’m here to spoil them rotten.”
“Yes, you do that well.”
Spencer stretched in her arms. “Thanks for letting me come out.”
“Are you kidding me? I’m so happy you’re here for good. That once every few months thing was okay, but I’m glad to have my sister back in town.”
“I will try not to intrude.”
“As you can see, my daily conversations need some adult interaction.”
Arianna nodded. “I just couldn’t sit in that house anymore. I’m all unpacked, but it was too quiet. New York is never quiet.”
“And I’m sure your tenant doesn’t make much noise either.”
There was a heaviness in her heart when she thought about it. She hadn’t even heard him get ready and leave for work that morning. She’d awaken in his bed, alone.
“He’s the quiet type.”
“Yes, but other than Zach, I’ve never met a better man.”
Arianna ran her thumb over Spencer’s tiny hand. “He’s been very helpful with the house.”
“I’ve heard he’s fed you a few times too.”
She laughed. “Yes. I can’t seem to buy him a meal. But I did get him some groceries when I went to the store, to pay back some groceries he shared.” That was as far as she wanted to go with her admission.
“I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but I think he has eyes for you.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Because he nearly drove over Carlos to pick you up at the airport the other day. He’s talked about you for months, asking how you were, and what you were doing next.”
“He did?” Her voice creaked. She’d had no idea.
“Sure.” Regan shrugged as if it were no big deal. “I think he’s had eyes on you since Zach’s father passed away, but he’s not one to make a move.”
Arianna adjusted the baby on her lap, more out of nervous energy than necessity. “He’s mentioned he’s not the type to remarry.”
“Nah, but just think of how perfect that would be for you. You never want to get married either.”
“Still, a relationship is a relationship.”
“Yes, and you’re not against relationships. You’re against the whole issue that there is a document that says you belong to someone else.”
Her sister knew her so well.
“What would you say if I told you I was interested in him?”
Regan shifted and leaned in closer. “I’d say you have good taste. He’s a very handsome man.”
That he was. “What if I told you I kissed him?”
Regan lifted an eyebrow. “I’d say you’re very bold.”
“That’s no news there.”
“No, but I would assume it didn’t go too well. John’s worried that all women are too young for him.”
“He does have an issue with age difference.”
Regan scooted closer. “He’s only in his early fifties. That’s not too old.”
And didn’t she know that, too? Damn! She’d never been with a man who had more energy, and she certainly wasn’t going to complain.
“I like him,” Arianna admitted to her sister as much as to herself.
“And he likes you, so what’s holding you back?”