Page 50 of Hibiscus Heights

“We asked Deb to dinner,” Teddy said, clearly proud of his efforts.

Jen’s eyebrows rose with interest. “Did you now?”

“I’m afraid I have to decline,” Deb said to the boys. “I have quite a lot of work to do here at the hotel, and I promised Duke a run on the beach later.”

“Can we come?” Teddy asked.

Jen raised her brow in a warning look. “We talked about this. Adults need some alone time. Besides, I bet she’s tough to keep up with.”

Disappointment clouded their faces, and a pang of guilt struck Deb.

Jen turned back to Deb. “I heard you’re the one to beat in the annual marathon.”

“Maybe in my age category.” Sailor beat her last year.

Jen had a curious smile on her face. “I think you should join us later. My mom told me about you.”

That intrigued Deb, but just then, a familiar voice called her name.

Matteo strode across the lobby to her. He was impeccably dressed in tailored slacks and a crisp shirt. A wine carrier was slung over his shoulder, and he greeted her with kisses to both cheeks. “I hoped I’d see you here.”

From the corner of her eye, she saw Teddy’s eye bulge, and he slapped a hand to his mouth. Mason nudged him to be quiet.

Deb was surprised. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“I have an appointment with Ryan and the director of food and beverage about my wines.” He nodded at Jen and the boys. “Forgive me if I’m interrupting.”

Deb noticed Jen’s gaze flicking between her and Matteo with interest. “This is Mason and Teddy. And Jen, their aunt.”

“A pleasure,” Matteo said, smiling warmly.

The boys, however, seemed less enthusiastic about this new arrival. Teddy’s lower lip jutted out slightly while Mason studied Matteo with poorly concealed suspicion.

Mason tugged at his brother’s sleeve. “Let’s go back to the room before Dad wakes up.”

Jen nodded. “It was nice to meet you finally, Deb. I hope we’ll see you around the hotel. And thanks for making sure the boys didn’t have to wash dishes in exchange for their lunch.”

“I was happy to do it.” Deb smiled, recalling how they met.

As Jen led the boys away, Deb noticed Teddy looking back at her, his little mouth turned down with disappointment. She gave him a little wave of encouragement.

Whitley, who had been keenly observing the entire exchange as if watching a play, cleared his throat. “Mr. Kingston is waiting for you. Shall I show you to the executive offices?”

Matteo turned to Deb. “Would you like to join us?”

“I need to meet with the painters. Good luck with your meeting.” Deb was eager to escape this sudden tangle of relationships surrounding her.

She hurried toward the meeting room, her chest tightening. The boys’ attachment to her was touching but troubling. Jen’s curiosity made Deb wonder if Grant had confided in her their history that she had worked so hard to forget. And Matteo’s appearance had only complicated matters.

Deb drew back her shoulders. She was at work, this was her profession, and with the official reopening event looming, she had little time for personal drama. While her heart ached for those motherless little boys, Grant and Matteo were distractions. And in her experience, the men would be fleeting at best.

Still, as she thought of Mason and Teddy, an image of what might have been lodged deep within her.

14

Deb set out along the beach, and Duke trotted beside her. With deliberation, she steered away from the Majestic Hotel and its complications. The tide was low, exposing a wide stretch of packed sand perfect for running.

“Come on, Duke,” she called, picking up her pace. She was eager to burn off the stress of the past few days.

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