Page 56 of Enthrall Shadows
“Goodness, no. My advice, stay away from his past.” Sadness shone in his eyes. “If you knew what they did to him, you’d see him differently.”
“How do you see him?”
Cameron went to answer, and then stopped himself.
“What are you two discussing?” Cameron’s father called us back over to rejoin them.
“Ask Mom about the Cole Foundation,” said Cameron. “She loves that subject.”
“Thank you,” I said, grateful for the insight.
I tried to get Henry’s attention, let him see that his brother wanted to talk with him, but he didn’t notice. He was too deep in conversation with Chantelle.
I discreetly watched for any sign of chemistry between them. They were discussing another Cole function planned in a few weeks. Henry had another speech to prepare.
He gave me an intense look to remind me I’d ruined his last one. His focus remained unnervingly on me.
“How do you know each other?” asked Chantelle.
Henry moved closer to me. “Lotte is one of our dearest friends.”
I waited for the punch line, the moment of humiliation to follow, but none came. Henry rested his palm on my spine.
“What do you do for a living?” asked his mother.
“I’m a psychologist,” I replied, prepared for that question.
His mom appeared impressed for a second and then turned her attention elsewhere.
“I hear you do a lot of good work for the Foundation,” I caught his mom’s attention. “I’d love to hear more about it.”
Victoria brightened as she proceeded to share her passion for fund-raising to support their charities. Our conversation flowed and Mrs. Cole even laughed at my jokes.
“Do you work in a clinic?” asked Chantelle.
“Lotte’s an old friend of Cameron’s,” Henry interjected. “He’s been keeping her hidden. Now that I’ve discovered her, I’m reluctant to let her out of my sight.”
“I can imagine,” said Chantelle with a forced smile. “By the way, I love this house. Who owns it?”
“It’s beautiful,” I agreed.
Henry nodded, appearing curious about this, too.
We all turned toward his mother for the answer.
“Don’t you just love it, Henry?” his mom asked, her eyes sparkling with delight.
I felt a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach.
I looked at Henry to see his reaction.
His mom raised her hand in defense. “You can’t stay in that hotel indefinitely,” she said. “It’s not respectable.”
Cameron tapped on his mom’s arm, his expression frustrated. He’d tried to warn his brother of Victoria’s meddling.
This was a surprise housewarming party.
“The pool is twenty feet deep,” said his dad. “Earthquake safe.”
