I would never leave. Marys Place is my heart and soul. Im not looking for advancement and stock options. Her expression grew shuttered. Youre still the same Wyatt, trying to plan my life, arent you?
Not planning, just suggesting. Im trying to make conversation and obviously failing badly. He was terrible at relationships. Always had been. Im rattled. I never thought Id see you again.
I know exactly how you feel. Her eyes, as verdant as a spring meadow, glimmered as she glanced at him. There was guarded, as if shed known great sadness, but in them the compassion shining in them was undeniable. What hed always loved about Mariah was her big heart.
At least he wasnt alone in his nervousness now. He cleared his throat, relaxing a little. I should have apologized back then. I didnt mean to make you unhappy when we were together.
Perhaps we were young and just too much alike.
No, there were differences. I wasnt pretty, for one thing. I didnt wear my hair in curls. He chose humor because it was safer. Feelings werent his forte. Intimacy wasnt his strength. I never tried out for the dance team.
Funny, but I was talking about being stubborn. Headstrong.
Ill admit to those traits. For what its worth, I am sorry.
Me, too. Im glad to see youve done well, Wyatt. Success looks good on you.
Not as good as it does on you. He couldnt help noticing the gold ring glinting on her right hand. No ring on her left. Had she divorced, too? He winced, knowing that pain. He still bore the scars. He squared his shoulders, trying to figure out the best way to end this and walk away before she figured out his history. Say nice to see you, good luck with the shelter, hope the donation helps.
Mom! A strapping teenager trotted in their direction. He had Mariahs cinnamon-brown hair and shimmering green eyes.
Mariah, a mother? Wyatt couldnt say why that threw him. He took a step back. It was good seeing you, Mariah.
Wait, dont go. Not until you meet my son. Pride lit her up. Wyatt, this is Jake.
Hey, I know you. The kid in jeans and a gray sweatshirt with Marys Place emblazoned across it had to be in his midteens. A tall, athletic looking boy, he almost matched Wyatts six-three.
Hard to believe Mariah had a teenager. She must have married young, right out of high school.
Youre the dude in the pictures.
What pictures? Okay, call him curious, Wyatt had to know. Did Mariah keep any evidence from their old days?
The pics in her yearbook. The kid danced, light on his feet, like a basketball player waiting for an opening. Plus theres that old photo in her desk drawer. You are him. My moms old boyfriend.
I apologize, Wyatt. Im not responsible for the way he turned out. Mariah rolled her eyes, amused. She might be making excuses, but love for her son shone on her beautiful face. It was unmistakable. Now off with you, kid. Whatever it is, Ill be there in a minute.
The TV crew is set up and wants an interview. Theyre already taping and stuff. Jakes smile was like Mariahs, too, wide, generous and flashing. So, what was my mom like when she was my age? Trouble, right?
Lots of trouble. Always in and out of detention. The principal threw up his hands. Didnt know what to do with her.
I knew it. Moms no different now.
Hey. Enough tall tales. Mariah interrupted before their teasing could go any farther. Shed never been in detention in her life. Off you go, troublemaker. Ill deal with you later.
Her threats dont scare me. Laughter flickered in Jakes eyes. So, you live in Buffalo now?
Just moved from Manhattan. Ive got properties and an office here, but Im still hunting for a house. Been thinking about coming back for a while. Its nice to be here. Attractive, manly crinkles creased the corners of his eyes, adding character to his face. These days, Im trying to dial things down, take life a little easier.
Cool. Hey, I saw your old team picture. Jake focused the power of his easy grin on Wyatt. Do you still play basketball?
I used to. A few years ago I was on a gym league in the city. A bunch of friends and I burned up the court.
Awesome. Im on my school team, but Im in another league, too. We have a game tonight. Im trying to learn as much as I can.
Good for you. You never know. It might lean to an athletic scholarship when you need it.
Exactly when had she been left out of the conversation? Honestly. Mariah couldnt believe it. If she waved her hands for attention, would either of them notice?
I already thought of that. I want to be a veterinarian, so Im hoping for at least a partial scholarship. Excited to find someone new to talk over his plans with, Jake didnt pause for breath. Im keeping my grades up, too. Maybe Ill get something academic, but in this economy
There are no guarantees, Wyatt finished. Sounds like youre doing everything right. Youre covering both bases, athletic and academic. Mariah, youve got a smart son.
So I hear. Jake, please go tell Sally and her crew Im ready for the interview I promised her.
Sure. Mr. Royce? If youre looking for a team, theres a league at the Lake Shore Community Center you might want to check out. You know, if youre interested. Jake skipped backward, as if reluctant to end things with his new buddy.
Thanks. Ill look into it. Wyatts chuckle rumbled, warm and pleasant, as he watched her son dash off. True kindness deepened the flecks of dark blue in his eyes. Something in Mariahs chest fluttered, against her will. She had a soft spot for the man, and his kindness to her son only made it worse.
Hadnt that been the real problem when shed been dating Wyatt all those years ago? Hed been incredibly decent. Bossy, but decent. Just too irresistible. Good thing she wasnt tempted now.
Thats quite a kid you have there. Emotion crossed his face. It looked like sorrow. Hes you.
Me? No, hes smart and funny and fantastic. He was born that way.
Like I said, hes you. The hint of sorrow faded as Wyatt braced his hands on his hips, looking powerful once again. A friend of mine used to be a pro ballplayer. He runs a basketball camp in the summers. It would be a great experience for Jake. I can try to get him in.
Why did her guard go up? Wyatt was only being Wyatt. Thanks, but no.
Well, think about it. And when it comes to college, Im a Harvard alum. I can put in a good word for him. If he wants to get into a top vet school, hell want the best undergrad education he can get.
Wyatt. Her stomach bunched up into one tight, impossible bunch. Ive got it covered.
Sure, but Im just trying to help. Throw out ideas.
I dont need help. She softened the words as much as she could, hoping he would understand. The tangled knot in her stomach expanded until it filled her entire middle.
You mean you dont want my help. A muscle ticked in his square jaw. This man was used to running a successful company, and he looked the part, with his polish and authority.
But she didnt need any mans authority. Not back in high school, not in her marriage and not now. Hed crossed a boundary she wasnt comfortable with. I appreciate what youre trying to do, but I can handle it.
But she didnt need any mans authority. Not back in high school, not in her marriage and not now. Hed crossed a boundary she wasnt comfortable with. I appreciate what youre trying to do, but I can handle it.
I didnt mean to take over. The muscle in his jaw bunched again with tension. Apology pinched the corners of his eyesalong with sincerity. That was another reason why it was easy to like Wyatt. He took a breath and eased back a bit. Sorry. Didnt mean to overstep. It was good seeing you, Mariah. Ive always wanted the best for you.
Me, toofor you. Her throat closed as she watched him walk away. Even his gait posture of his strengthshoulders squared, back straight, his dark suit a shadow among the bright colors of the crowd.
Shadows clung to her too, ones shed thought shed banished with counseling, determination and the new life shed built. Wyatt had stirred up memories of Jaspers control issues and temper. Times best forgotten.
What a nice man. Sunni sidled up to her, turning to watch Wyatt in the crowd. I cant believe you went to school with Wyatt Royce. The Wyatt Royce.
It was a lifetime ago.
I think he likes you. Did you see the way his eyes lit up when he looked at you?
It must have been a trick of the light. Honestly. She squeezed her friends hand, glad for Sunnis friendship. Wyatt was the past. But this day, this moment? It was a gift, and Mariah was deeply grateful to Nellies for it. The womens shelter in Toronto was full of wonderful people who had been there when she and Jake needed them desperately. The shelter shed founded and ran here in Buffalo was fashioned after Nellies. Thanks to Wyatt, her dreams for expanding Marys Place were coming true.
Well, I think hes really something, Sunni gushed. So down-to-earth. Not to mention incredibly good-looking.
I know where youre going with this. Mariah turned and waved at the reporter waiting for her. The sun had disappeared behind gathering clouds. Im not going to see him again, and even if I did accidentally bump into him, Im not interested.
Just hear me out. Youve been single a long time. There are good men out there. Im thinking Wyatt Royce might be one of them.
Sunni didnt know him like Mariah did. A drop of rain fell, brushing her cheek as she glanced over her shoulder. No sign of Wyatt. Shed lost him in the crowd. Emotion lodged in her throat, feeling strangely like loss.
How foolish was that? There was no way she and Wyatt were ever meant to be.
Chapter Two
Mom, its time to go or well be late. Jake strode into the kitchen dressed in his team sweats, dragging his duffel with him.
Mariah turned her attention back to stacking plates in the dishwasher. Im ready. All I need is my coat. Do you have all your stuff?
Yep. I triple-checked. Guess what I found? Something clanked against the counter. A flash of silver caught her eye.
Ugh, no. She groaned. Not that picture from high school. She refused to look at it. I should have tossed that thing ages ago. I dont know why I didnt. Its just one Id forgotten about.
Like I buy that. Jake hooked his gym bag over his shoulder and grabbed his coat. I think he still likes you.
What a thing to say! Wyatt Royce was over me long ago, I assure you. She dried her hands on the towel slung over the oven door handle. Why are you so interested, anyway?
Curiosity, Mom. There was a tell-tale sparkle in his eyes. I cant picture it. You, my age? It boggles.
Why? Youve gone through the yearbooks. Youve seen those pictures of me as a teenager.
Yeah, but pictures dont tell the whole story. He led the way through the house. Mr. Royce would know all the good stuff about you.
There is no good stuff. Just boring, straight-A me. She wriggled into her jacket, remembering the girl shed been, so in love with Wyatt. After a few quick months, theyd broken up and hed left town.
Not going to believe that for a second, Mom. I looked him up on the internet.
You what?
Its no big deal. Her son bounced out into the crisp night. Not unless you still like him.
No! Absolutely not. She closed and locked the door. How could you do such a thing?
It was easy. I just typed his name into a search engine.
Funny. Thats not what I meant.
Its no big deal, Mom, Jake repeated, circling around the SUV parked in their driveway. Hes megarich. He was on the cover of last months Financial Weekly magazine. FYI, hes not married.
Thats information I dont need to know. Honestly. She hit the remote and the locks popped. Get in, smarty.
Hey, Im just making conversation. Jake dropped into the front passenger seat. I saw the way his eyes got all bright and shiny when he looked at you.
She settled behind the wheel. Must have been an optical illusion.
Yeah, right. Her son rolled his eyes. Im thinking hes interested. Hey, you could have married him instead. That makes him my almost-dad. Funny, right?
Really hilarious. The engine roared to life. She shifted into Reverse and twisted in her seat. Of all the people she could have run into today, why did it have to be Wyatt? Headlights shot through the darkness, so she waited for the approaching car to pass. It pulled up short and swung into the driveway next door.
Looked like the Lindstroms were home. Mariah backed into the street in a quick arc, spotting the family emerging from their vehicle. Tension radiated from the husband like heat from a fire, and his wife walked behind him, silent, her head down. Their young daughter trailed behind, her footsteps dragging. It wasnt the first time Mariah had noticed the familys deep unhappiness. She had caught Lyn crying, hands to her face, on her back deck last week, and had gone over to help.
That used to be me. She gripped the steering wheel, gave the car a little gas and zipped by the house. One last glance at the husband, hands fisted at his sides, brought it all back. Jaspers anger, Jaspers misery. Living like a second-class citizen in her own home.
She would never trust a man, she vowed as she nosed the car down the street. Not ever again.
* * *
He couldnt get Mariah out of his head. He hated that hed upset her. Shed tried to hide it, but couldnt, not from him. Wyatt stared out the condominiums windows at the city lights sparkling in the dark.
What do you think of the property? The Realtors high heels tapped on the marble as she sashayed into view. Its a quality building in a good location. The bank is willing to negotiate. High-end real estate like this is hard for them to unload.
Its a good deal. He took another look around the cavernous, high-ceilinged living room. It was just what hed been looking forbut it wasnt what he wanted.
We can write up an offer and see if we can nudge the asking price. Lauren, the Realtor, tapped closer. We wont know until we try. Should I get my paperwork?
No. This isnt the right place for me.
Then I have three more properties to show you tonight. Maybe one of them will be just perfect.
Hmm. Noncommittal, he ambled across the room, his steps echoing. Hed been putting off buying a place to live for years, ever since Delanie had asked him to move out of their Manhattan home. It had been hotel living since then. Id like to look at some houses.