Page 37 of Two Hearts' Subterfuge

“Sure. I’d like that,” she answered. “I’ve been reading up on all the landmarks around town.”

They walked in companionable silence across the icy beach, heading toward the path leading up to Crystal Rock, located on the edge of Dragonfly Pointe.

“Desiree and Marc were married at the top of Crystal Rock,” she said as they climbed along the path.

Ben halted. “Really? I didn’t even realize that they’d been here before.”

“Desiree did some training here and the two of them bought a home here in Crystal Rock years ago, located at the edge of town near one of the lakes. Our family has always had to lay low,” she admitted. “Although your Dad would have helped make the wedding arrangements since your family owns the property.”

“I sure hope that we can change that part about laying low someday,” Ben said as they reached the peak of Crystal Rock.

“Me, too. Oh,wow. This is beautiful,” Aylin said, her eyes sweeping across the panoramic view.

“It is,” Ben said, speaking softly as he reached out, gently turning her face towards his. “I’m going to kiss you now, Aylin. I hope that’s alright?”

“It is. It would have been alright ten years ago too,” she admitted, giving him an impish grin.

Ben laughed, but then he gently touched his mouth to hers.

He kissed her gently at first before all control broke loose. And then they were kissing with a passion unlike any she’d ever known.

When they finally broke apart, they smiled. And another ten minutes later, when snowflakes started falling lightly upon them, they silently made their way back down from the peak of Crystal Rock along the trail.

Chapter Twenty-Three

When they returned to the Inn, his parents were actually waiting for them inside the restaurant at the same table where Ben had left them earlier.

Dad gave him a wink. “How about a drink to celebrate?”

Ben rolled his eyes, glancing at Aylin, who grinned. He paused momentarily. She was so beautiful. He could hardly believe what was happening between them. But it was crazy how everything felt so right.

“If Aylin’s going to move in, we’re going to have to get some furniture,” Ben observed, ordering a beer from Callie, their waitress.

“You two should be able to take care of furnishing the kitchen, living room and bedrooms this weekend. You’re also free to help yourself to anything we have at the storage warehouse,” Mom said.

“I’ll have one glass of Chablis,” Aylin said to Callie. “I really do need to get to some of the finish work inside the shop this afternoon.”

“And then the two of us are going to be going out for dinner tonight,” Ben announced.

“We are?” Aylin said. “That’ll be nice.”

“What time would be good for you?”

Aylin shrugged. “Seven, maybe.”

“Dress casual. We’ll eat at the Crystal Rock Tap and then I’ll drive you out to the house so you can take a look,” Ben said.

“I’d like that,” Aylin agreed.

“Okay,” Dad said. “Now that all four of us are here, let’s talk about how this is going to work. Ben. Tomorrow, I’ll be sending out my security team to your house. Do you want to be there?”

“Maybe to be sure that they don’t install a bunch of equipment where we don’t really want it.”

“I’ll just have them call you. I won’t have them install the interior wiring until you arrive. They can get started outside with the cameras first.”

Ben nodded.

“It’ll probably take them a couple of days to make sure that it’s extra secure. We’ll insert underground electronics around the perimeter with sensors. I’ve been wanting to try them out.”

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