Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon)(42)

 

Besides, she saw no reason to call it quits with Trip until she met someone who wanted something more than casual sex. It wasn’t like a bunch of men carrying little black velvet boxes were lined up at her doorstep.

 

“I’ll take your word for it.” Avery shrugged. “Anyhow, I looked into a little artisan community called Todos Santos, about an hour or less outside of Cabo. It might be a nice afternoon trip.”

 

“Sure. I’m up for anything.” Desperate to get Avery out of her office before her friend discovered Trip, she said, “Listen, I hate to rush you, but I’ve got to prepare for my appointment.”

 

“Call me later about dinner.”

 

Kelsey waved as Avery waltzed out the door and turned toward her physical therapy clinic. Once Avery was out of sight, Kelsey sagged against her desk and let loose a whooshing sigh. She placed Cowboy back in his crate and called to Trip, “Coast is clear. You can come out now.”

 

When Trip emerged, he looked agitated and uncomfortable, stuffed back in his snug jeans. “Not a fan of being interrupted.”

 

“Sorry.” She reached out toward him, then remembered the street-level windows and dropped her hand.

 

“How about I come see you later tonight?” He stepped closer, but a quick glance at the street outside kept him from touching her. Still, the heat of his body pushed against her skin.

 

She should say no. She should stop pretending he might actually want more than a superficial fling. She should end this nonsense before she proved her sister right and lost her heart. A couple of weeks more, it whispered, despite common sense. “Sure.”

 

A mix of satisfaction and relief flashed in his eyes before he turned to go, then he paused. “You never mentioned your trip to Cabo.”

 

“Avery, Emma, and I are taking a little girls’ trip.”

 

Trip grinned, although his expression grew distant. “Three pretty girls in bikinis. I’m guessing you’ll be surrounded by guys before long.”

 

Was he jealous? Her stupid heart sped up at the idea. Why was she so prone to spinning fantasies instead of facing reality?

 

“No wonder Grey’s been grumpy lately.” Trip blew out a breath and then glanced at the animal crate and smiled. “Like the name, by the way. If you want, I’ll watch Cowboy for you while you’re away.”

 

Aw, Cowboy was their cat—except “they” weren’t really a couple, and no one could know that Trip had given her the kitten.

 

“That’d be hard to explain. Don’t worry, though. Fee will love to be in charge of him for a few days.”

 

Trip chuckled. “If she can break away from Lolly.”

 

He remembered the doll’s name. That had to mean something, didn’t it? Or was she just grasping at anything—anything—to turn Trip into the man she wished he could be instead of the man he insisted he was? If only he’d always act like the cock of the walk instead of showing hints of a warm, caring man, she wouldn’t have to fight so hard to keep perspective.

 

“True.” Kelsey stepped away from Trip and toward her desk, needing space from him to get her head back together. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I do have an appointment in a bit.”

 

“With Wade?”

 

“Actually, yes.”

 

“Is this about that property at the edge of town?” Trip’s gaze narrowed while he placed his hands on his hips.

 

“Yes.” She crossed her arms. “I know that makes you unhappy, but you’d better resign yourself to it. If it makes you feel better, I’m going to persuade Wade that the design of the project should be in keeping with the Victorian look of town.”

 

“I’m hardly the only one in town not thrilled with the idea of another Kessler development. When you all hit a roadblock with the zoning board or whatnot, remember I warned you not to count on this one.” The cool tone in his voice sent a shiver down her neck. But she wouldn’t give in so easily.

 

“And I told you, I know what I’m doing. This transaction involves private parties, not public land. People may gripe, but there’s nothing they can do to stop it, especially when a chunk of that land is zoned for light commercial use.”

 

Trip opened his mouth and hesitated, as if he was considering saying something important. Ultimately he didn’t. Instead, he lapsed into his playboy persona, winked and pushed open the door to the street. “I’ll see you later.”

 

 

 

Trip handed his carry-on bag to the attendant and then boarded his dad’s Learjet 60XR late that afternoon, eager for takeoff. Things must be dire for Deb to have sent the jet to bring him home right away. Consumed by an abnormal bout of panic, he texted Kelsey to cancel their plans.