“I’m not trying to force anything. I’m just trying to get you to remember how happy you were with her.”
Adrian scoffed and turned away. “Dad never understood this either. Why do you think I left in the first place?” He did his best to keep his voice calm, so the passing guests heading up the stairs wouldn’t overhear.
How could his parents, who should know him better than anyone else, not understand? Goldie had been so intuitive to guess his reasons for leaving. The woman was becoming more and more intriguing by the minute.
“You’re my son,” Mrs. Bear said. “I want you close.”
Adrian knew how sad she’d been since his dad died. He saw that same sadness swimming in her gaze now. He guided her away from the box and into a hug.
“I love you, Mom. But my life is in Chicago.”
“Your life belongs here.”
Frustration spiked through his veins. He thought his mom was opening up to him. He thought maybe this time she would hear him, but it was clear. She was just like his dad had been, stubborn and insistent. Nothing would change.
Adrian still felt like a rebellious teen when he was a grown man with his own highly successful business. His own life! His parents had never appreciated that. They never cared that he’d accomplished so much. It was why Adrian had been so determined to make something of himself, to prove to his father that his value didn’t lie in horses and ranch work.
Now, more than ever, he was determined to head back to Chicago to make sure his business continued to thrive.
“About Danica, I wonder if you two could talk. She might even—”
Adrian kissed his mom’s cheek and snatched a bagel from the counter. “Sorry, Mom. Gotta go.”
Danica could come all she wanted, but he wouldn’t be here when she did.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
GOLDIE WASN’T SURE IF IT was a fancy dinner or not. Two Pines wasn’t exactly a thriving metropolis. She guessed it had about as many restaurants as Baldwin had, where the nicest place to go was the local Dairy Queen.
Even so, this was a date—an actual date—with Adrian Bear. Goldie sifted through the clothing she’d packed. There wasn’t much by way of nice things. She opted for a loose floral shirt with three-quarter length sleeves and her favorite pair of jeans.
She checked her phone for the zillionth time that day, but there was still no email from Aunt Bethany. It had been three days since she’d contacted her since she’d left home. Why hadn’t her aunt replied?
The worst sense of worry began seeping in. What if the letter was a spoof? If that was the case, her mom wouldn’t have freaked out about it the way she had, but still, the suspicion wouldn’t go away. But who would have sent the letter and why?
Goldie did her best to staunch the unease. “It will be fine,” she told herself, trying hard to believe it. She would find answers eventually. For now, she needed to focus on what she could control, and tonight, it was spending time with Adrian.
She fluffed her hair and applied some sparkly lip gloss that added a bit of zing-pow to her appearance. “At least I have a way to pass the time.”
Her stomach fluttered at the prospect of an evening with him. Her hand still tingled where he’d held it. He’d also opened up to her, more than she ever expected he would. Had it been genuine or just part of the show for his mother? Mrs. Bear hadn’t been around when he’d first looped his fingers with hers.
At least Goldie wasn’t stuck grading papers as she’d previously thought. As she wasn’t one for sight-seeing—not on her own anyway; knowing her track record, she’d get lost all over again—she was especially grateful she had someone like Adrian to show her around.
Someone tall, smart, good-looking, with dark hair, great teeth, and a killer smile. Her whole body buzzed with anticipation. She checked the time, then her hair, when a soft knock rapped on the door.
Nerves jangling like bells, she made her way from the bathroom to the door, stopping to grab her purse along the way, and opened it to find Adrian standing there in his designer jeans, polo shirt, and tousled hair. He smelled like cologne and teasing possibilities. Her heart full-on banged in her chest.
His gaze raked down her frame and back up again. “You look amazing, Goldie Bybanks. Are you ready to go?”
“I could say the same about you,” she said.
Jordan passed behind Adrian with an armful of towels. “Get a room already,” he called over his shoulder.
“Don’t mind him,” Adrian said. “He’s just jealous because I’m the one with the hot date.”
Jordan’s voice trailed after them. “Actually, Taylor’s coming over later.”
Goldie giggled, joining Adrian as they made their way down the stairs. They passed through the open living room, the reception area and out to where Adrian’s Hummer was parked.
The sky was a painting of serenity and color. Clouds soaked up the splash of purples and oranges. Stars had already started to poke through the darkening blue canvas, and the moon winked at her. Goldie hugged her jacket tighter with her free hand.
“Where are we headed?” she asked as Adrian paused to open her door. She held onto the inner handle to prop herself up onto the leather seat.
“It’s a little place, but the food is amazing,” Adrian said as he climbed into the driver’s side. “Ever heard of Stano’s?”
“Like Spaghettios?”
Adrian laughed and backed out of the drive. “Nothing like Spaghettios.”
He left one hand on the stick shift, while the other was propped on the steering wheel. Leaning casually back, sunglasses in place, he was the picture of confidence and class. How did he get to be this way? What was it about men in fancy cars that made them hold themselves
