Page 49 of Enthrall Shadows
She bowed her head. “That was rude of me.”
“Apologizing?” I said. “Thought I’d never see the day.”
She elbowed me playfully.
“Do you miss Big Bear?” she asked.
“Now and then.”
“Were you lonely?”
“Dex kept me company.”
There were lonely times, I suppose, but I kept myself busy. I enjoyed hiking along wooded trails with Dex and painting landscapes—generally letting the days pass by without circumstance.
“You left Big Bear because Cameron needed you?”
I studied her. “You’ve heard my story?”
Cameron had faced prosecution for his relationship with Mia because he’d personally taken on her complex therapy. She had saved him during that difficult time.
“Why don’t you stay with Cam?” she asked.
I leaned back. “I’ve caused enough problems.”
Guilt still lingered over my actions.
Over a year ago, I’d inadvertently sent Mia hurtling off to Europe into the center of a potential disaster.
Being kindhearted, Mia had forgiven me—but I would never forgive myself.
“Your brother adores you,” said Lotte, as though reading my mind.
The plate of mussels arrived and the delicious aroma of fine wine and garlic wafted around us. The waiter placed a few onto Lotte’s plate and then mine, setting the dish between us.
Having to give up fine-dining had been hard during deployment. We’d lived off ready-to-eat meals.
I savored each mussel with gratitude. There was no doubt I was a foodie.
“At the party, you mentioned house hunting.” She dabbed her mouth with a white linen napkin. “Any particular neighborhood?”
“My realtor favors Bel Air.”
“So very you.” Her face cracked into a smile. “And so close to Chrysalis.”
I was polite enough not to mention that Encino had once been known as the porn capital of California. I’d done my homework, too, when I’d received her address.
Still, the impressive area had shaken off that reputation.
“What do you like to do when you’re not enthralling?” I asked playfully.
“I’m learning to paint.”
I flinched. “Who told you?”
I guessed it was either Cameron or Mia. They were the only ones who knew I’d used that addictive art form to quiet my mind.
“Told me what?”
