“Well, I wish him a speedy recovery then.” She looked around the office before talking again. “I wonder if I could get my keys?”
Adam tore his gaze from her face. She really was beautiful but seemed somewhat guarded. “Of course. What did you say your name was?”
“It’s Dakota Moore. I’m renting the cottage by the lake.”
Miss Dakota Moore. “Ah, Galway Cottage. That’s right. I remember Dad saying you’d taken the lease for twelve months. Your sister helped move all of your furniture in last week. Seems like a very capable and friendly lady.” He stepped back to his own desk and took a file from the inbox tray.
“She is. Such an organizer. She’s so pleased I decided to come to Cherry Lake that she felt the need to help me settle in.”
It didn’t take long to find the lease agreement with her name on it, a copy of her driver’s license attached for identification. For once, the picture did its owner credit. “Right, here we are. I need you to sign that you’ve received the keys and it’s all yours.” He slid the paperwork across the desk and handed Dakota a pen. “If you would initial where I’ve marked.”
She leaned down and started to pen her signature. A heavy silver pendant on a long chain around her neck swung over the papers catching his attention. The stamp on the back was one he recognized.
“Glitterz. That’s a Glitterz piece of jewelry isn’t it?” He should know. A hefty chunk of his last season’s paycheck went to the jeweler that stocked that high-end brand.
Dakota lifted her head and smiled at him, a smile that reached her eyes this time. “Yes it is. You certainly know your jewelry.”
“I should. I bought plenty of it over the years. One of my girlfriends was totally in love with the designs and exclusiveness of each piece. She gathered quite a collection while we were together.” Not that he regretted the gifts he’d given her, they’d been good together while it lasted. “Do you have many pieces yourself?”
“A few.” Pink tinged her cheeks as she finished signing with a flourish and handed the pen back to him. “My keys please, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.” He filed the paperwork, then opened the cupboard that held the keys and located the set for the rental. “Here you are. Address is on the key but you would have passed the cottage on the way into town. Welcome to Cherry Lake, Miss Moore.”
“Thank you. I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it.” She slipped the keys in her coat pocket.
He followed her to the door, keeping a hold of it against the wind while she pulled the knitted beanie back over her head, tucking the blowing strands of honey tinted hair out of the way. “I hope you enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you. I’m sure I will.” She stepped down one step and grinned at the little black dog hanging out of the car window watching her every move. “Sit down, Tiny. There’s a good girl.” The poodle sat on the driver’s seat, her gaze on her owner.
“Cute.”
“Yes, she is. Tiny Dancer won’t cause any trouble. I can promise you that. She’s a good dog and well trained.”
“I’m sure my father wouldn’t have let you lease the cottage if he thought otherwise. That’s an unusual name, fan of the ballet?” He leaned on the doorframe watching the dog getting agitated as her owner stood talking to him. Adam had no wish to see her leave.
“No. Elton John fan actually. Tiny is the dancer in this family. From the time I got her she would pirouette like a professional whenever she got excited.” She laughed, a soft tinkling sound that touched something in his heart. “I never could get both of my feet to work in sync enough to get through the first couple of ballet classes, much to my mother’s disappointment.”
Adam nodded his head. “Right, Elton John. One of my favorites too, especially his earlier tunes.” He held out his hand again. “It was nice to meet you, Dakota. If you need anything, please call. You’ll find Cherry Lake a pretty friendly little town where we all get to know one another.”
“I’m counting on it.” She withdrew her hand and skipped down the steps, turning back to him as she opened the car door throwing him a stunning smile. “Thanks. I’ll see you around then.”
*
She slid into her seat and let out a heavy breath. Talk about a hunk. The guy was model material. Tall with a firm frame, not overly muscular which she liked. Short blond hair with a slight curl at the front and the most kissable lips she’d seen in a long time. Just her luck she’d sworn off men or things might be very different.
Her father’s advice about her whirlwind romance had fallen on deaf ears at the time but she’d paid dearly for ignoring the wisest man she knew. Dumped by her fiancé a month before their wedding was enough to turn anyone off men. Roger’s final words still haunted her, popping up to remind her to think before she leapt next time. “I gave you everything. Stood beside you, backed you up and held your hand when you got overwhelmed with the fame. And what do you have to offer me now? A room in your parents’ condo while all we had is gone because of a stupid car accident. That was the lifestyle I wanted, Dakota, what I fought for. Not what you have now. I don’t think so.”
That stupid car accident hadn’t been her fault and she’d paid dearly for it regardless. Roger seemed to forget that the condo she’d had to sell to cover the medical bills was hers, not something he’d put anything into. And her career had already taken off before he arrived on scene, acting like he’d come to save her. From what, she’d had no idea. Shame she couldn’t see through him then, before he’d shown his
