nodded. “I’ll pick you up at seven.” He moved to his desk to retrieve her attaché, and without pause laid a hand to her back and walked her to the door. Handing her the briefcase, he looked into her eyes. “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night, Cara.”
Cara nodded, biting her lip to keep from making a snarky retort like, You’re blackmailing me into this. What choice do I have?
But in fact she did have a choice. She could’ve made up an excuse not to have dinner with him. Maybe that would have been the wiser move. Yet Cara had been curious, not only about the advice Kevin wanted, but to learn what had become of her friends in Somerset.
After leaving him, she’d lost touch with so many people and she’d always regretted that. Maybe it was time to renew those friendships while she was here.
Cara bounded out of Kevin’s office with a bounce in her step. This wasn’t how she’d envisioned her encounter going—especially succumbing to Kevin’s kiss the way that she had—but her goals were in sight.
And that was all that mattered to her.
Cara walked the distance to her hotel, willing to trudge the ten blocks in high heels rather than hailing a cab. It was a good way to cool off from Kevin’s melt-your-heart kiss and his blatant blackmail. She didn’t know which of the two disturbed her more.
She’d had little power over Kevin’s kiss. From day one, she’d never been able to resist him. That’s why she’d stolen off in the middle of the night four years ago, fearing that if she’d told him her plans he’d convince her to stay. He’d make his argument, as he had so many other times, and kiss her into oblivion.
But she’d thwarted his blackmail attempt. Somewhat. She could take some satisfaction in that. He’d wanted a week with her when it was clear their marriage was over, and she’d offered him one night. Some might not think it a victory, but Cara knew how determined Kevin was and his compromise certainly meant a win, small as it might be.
Cara clutched her briefcase and thought of the divorce papers inside. Soon, she’d have the independence she needed to expand her business without relying on her mother’s money, which she’d managed to do so far. Since leaving Kevin, she’d looked forward to being her own woman and was proud of her accomplishments. Everything she’d achieved, she’d done on her own. Though her mother had offered to fund her dance studios, Cara wanted to make it on her own. So Cara viewed negotiating with Kevin to get him to sign the divorce papers as a business proposition—a means to achieving her goal.
“Soon, Cara-Bella,” she whispered, smiling at the nickname her dance instructors had bestowed upon her, claiming she danced like a princess.
Soon, you’ll have what you came here for.
As she moved along the sidewalk, taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Houston, gradually her steps slowed to a stroll. She calmed herself by window-shopping, glancing at the familiar storefronts, noting which had revamped their exteriors and which had gone out of business, replaced by newer, more upbeat trendy shops.
People moved along the sidewalks at a quick pace, but that didn’t stop her from spotting Alicia Montoya across the street, bogged down with several shopping bags. She waved, trying to get her attention. “Alicia!”
Alicia swiveled her head and saw her. Surprised, she smiled and waved back, then gestured toward the street corner. Cara met her there after crossing the street.
“Cara, it’s so good to see you!” She gave her a double-armed, shopping-bag hug.
Cara chuckled and knew the first moment of actual joy since coming to Houston. She hugged her back. “Alicia, I’m happy to see you, too. It’s been years.”
She and Alicia had become friends in her first years of marriage with Kevin, despite her brother’s objections. Alex Montoya didn’t want his family involved with any friends of either Lance or Mitch Brody. Both those men had been close to Kevin since their college days, along with Justin Dupree and Darius Franklin. Alex’s extreme hatred carried over to anyone involved with the five men of the Texas Cattleman’s Club.
“Yes, it has been. I wish we had stayed in touch,” Alicia said quietly.
“I’m really sorry about that, Alicia. I went through a hard time. Leaving my home and everything I knew…wasn’t easy. I needed to make a clean break.”
Alicia’s chocolate-brown eyes softened. “I understand. But you’re here now.”
“Yes, I’m here for two weeks. I’d actually planned on calling you, so I’m doubly glad I spotted you. Looks like you bought out the store.”
Alicia glanced down at the shopping bags she held. “I know, I went a little crazy. I don’t shop much, so I had some making up to do. Where are you staying?”
“In a hotel just down the street. Do you think we can get together while I’m here?”
“I was just going to suggest that. We can meet in Somerset for lunch.”
“Sounds great.” Cara handed Alicia her business card. “Here’s my cell number. I’m looking forward to it.”
Alicia smiled when she read the card designed with two dancing figures silhouetted by twinkling lights. “Dancing Lights. I like it, Cara. I’d heard you opened a dance studio.”
Cara shrugged. “All my gymnastics and cheerleading really paid off, I guess. We teach all kinds of dance at the studio. It keeps me out of trouble.”
Thoughtful, Alicia glanced at the card again. “I’ll call you at the end of the week. I have to meet Alejandro now. He’s expecting me.”
Cara nodded. She couldn’t send a greeting to Alicia’s brother. Not when he’d tried to break up her friendship with Alicia, simply because she’d married Kevin. Guilt by association didn’t sit well with her.
“Okay, I’ll see you soon. I’m really looking forward to it.” The sentiment held true—Cara wanted to renew friendships she’d allowed to dissolve when she’d left town. Alicia was a sweetheart and had lent a compassionate ear to Cara when her marriage had fallen apart. She’d love to get acquainted with her again.
Cara stopped in the food court of the Galleria and picked up an Asian salad for dinner before heading to her hotel. When she entered her room, she kicked off her shoes and sat down on the bed, exhausted from the turmoil of the day.
Not two minutes later, a knock came at her door. She groaned and lifted herself off the bed. “Yes,” she said, opening the door to a hotel employee.
“Mrs. Novak? This came for you. Special delivery.”
An “ohh” escaped from Cara before she realized it. The young man handed her a dozen black calla lilies and lavender orchids, beautifully arranged in a vase.
“Thank you,” she said and gave him a tip before closing the door. Admiring the lilies, she set them down on the dresser and plucked the card out.
She read the note. “I didn’t forget your favorite.” Tears stung her eyes for a second. She knew the exotic flowers were from Kevin. Cara had a thing for the unique-colored lilies and it had been the one extravagance she’d
