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“I’m much better off at work, Therin.” Ruby sighed over the line. “All that time off and I’m liable to get into more trouble.”
“Well, the offer still stands if you change your mind about taking more time.”
“Thanks, Therin. Listen, I’ll call when I have more info about those lighting crews.”
“Sounds good.” A soft knock fell to Therin’s bedroom door when he set down the phone. “It’s open,” he called.
Kianti ventured no farther than the doorway. “Dinner’s here.”
He nodded, taking in the length of her before leaving the armchair. “I’ll be out in a sec. You don’t have to wait for me.”
Kianti turned to leave the room but changed her mind. “Therin? I’m sorry for what I let you think…I know you said it because you care.”
Therin nodded even while the voice inside his head demanded that he tell her the truth. In the short while he’d known her, during the few stolen moments they’d shared, he’d fallen in love with her.
Kianti didn’t know what to make of his silence, so she nodded and turned again to give him his privacy.
“Um…” He waited for her to turn again. “There’s a piano down in one of the lounges. The desk knows you want to practice, so they’ve sectioned it off. No one should disturb you there.”
Her smile wavered. “Thanks.”
Stares lingered for a time before they parted ways.
Dinner was a strained quiet affair. The Mahi and vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned. However, the effects of the lengthy trip finally began to grate at them once they’d had the chance to wind down. Silent decisions had been made on both sides—to call it a night following the delicious meal.
Kianti offered no argument when Therin leaned over to set a pill to the edge of her saucer. She took it without argument, too plain tuckered out to make an issue of it. The doorbell buzzed and they each gave a start at the interruption.
“I’ll go.” She dabbed a linen napkin to her mouth.
“What for?” Therin queried around a bit of Mahi.
“You’ve got business.”
“Ah.” He waved off her reasoning and pushed back from the table. “My staff needs to see that I haven’t been lying about you.” He was on his way to the double gold-trimmed maplewood doors.
“Aside from Vaughn, none of them believe I know you, let alone have a relationship with you.”
Kianti blinked at his words and would have appreciated hearing more on their “relationship.”
The bell sounded again, though, just as Therin turned the lever. Vaughn Burgess entered along with Gary Bryce and Peter Stanson. The group arrived with hearty greetings and handshakes. They quieted and grew downright subdued when they spotted the petite cinnamon-brown beauty at the table across the living room.
“Kianti Lawrence. Gary Bryce and Peter Stanson.” Therin grinned, taking great enjoyment in their awe.
Vaughn gave each man a nudge when they simply stood there gawking. Gary and Peter finally stepped forward to shake hands with Kianti.
“It’s nice to see you again, Ms. Lawrence,” Vaughn said, offering his hand next.
“My wife and I really enjoy your work,” Peter said once he’d regained his verbal abilities.
“Thank you so much. I hope I’ll have the chance to meet her during Therin’s event.”
“We’re honored to have you be a part of this,” Vaughn said.
“I’m the one who’s honored.” Kianti smiled and then clasped her hands together. “Well, guys, that trip really wiped me out. I think I’m gonna go turn in. Good night.”
There was another round of handshakes and lingering looks toward Therin before she left the room.
Still grinning over his associates’ reactions, Therin smoothed a hand across the front of his T-shirt and resumed his place at the table to finish the last of his Mahi.
“Jesus, Ther.” Gary was still looking in the direction Kianti had exited. “Vaughn must be some kind of talker to convince you to leave her in California.”
Therin grinned. “It wasn’t easy.”
“She’s so little,” Peter noted.
“Hmph.” Therin drained his bottle of Sam Adams. “Don’t let that fool you. She’s a tough one.”
“Sorry for bothering you here your first night back, man.”
Therin shrugged toward Vaughn. “Anything wrong?”
“Nah, nothing like that.” Vaughn took a seat at Kianti’s place. “Everything’s on schedule. The first members of the organization are arriving and have already checked into their rooms.”
