Free Honest Betrayal by Dara Girard Page A

eyes and calm presence were nice to come home to. She was content with her life and her job as a clerk at The Bath Shop. It was his fault the marriage had hit rough spots. He hadn’t given it enough time. He hadn’t been there as a husband. He’d grown restless, but he wouldn’t this time.
    They ate in silence. Neither of them were great conversationalists. This trait had drawn them together as high school seniors. He remembered asking her out after months of practice and staring at her across the aisle in Chemistry class. She said yes, to his surprise and relief, and things progressed from there.  At times he wished they had more to say to each other, but he didn’t want to bother her and it wasn’t really that important. Fiona was definitely someone he could see himself growing old with.
    He put his arm around her waist. “What are you doing after this?”
    “Visiting my mother. You?”
    “Nothing much.” It wasn’t true, but he hadn’t told her about the theater. Stephen didn’t want to let her know that for two seasons he had been sneaking back stage to watch the set being built and the lighting production. But perhaps keeping it a secret was keeping a part of him from her. If he wanted their relationship to be different he’d need to be different. This was something they could talk about. He cleared his throat.  “Actually, I was thinking of going by the Alandale Theater. They’re going to start production on a new play.”
    Fiona reached for a pear. “So?”
    “So, they may need some help with the set design. I could perhaps help with the lighting.”
    She took a bite then held the pear out to him. He shook his head. “That theater has been having performances for over twenty years. I’m sure their lighting director knows what he’s doing. You wouldn’t want to upset him by telling him what you think he’s doing wrong.” Fiona took another bite, quickly wiping some pear juice flowing down her chin before it stained her blouse.
    Stephen felt his enthusiasm falter. “Yes, well I thought if I could help... Give them some new ideas.”
    “The director might hate them.” She set the pear aside. “You know how those artistic guys are. They like to run the show. Just stick to what you know.” She cupped his chin when she saw his face fall. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to discourage you. You have such a kind heart. I know you want to help, but think of something else. Something you’re good at.”
    “I’m good at lighting.”
    Her hand slid slowly up his thigh and her voice turned seductive. “I wasn’t thinking about that.” She began kissing him and pushed all thoughts of the theater away.
    ***
    “Let me understand this,” Miles said as he and Hunter sat at their desks. “You’re going to meet her mother?”
    Hunter tapped his chin. “It does sound a little absurd.”
    “Sounds brave.”
    “It’s my part of the bargain. I meet her mother and she meets—”
    “The entire Randolph company and their family and friends.”
    “It’s not that bad.”
    Miles leaned forward. “And your grandfather.”
    “I’ll handle him.”
    “Does she know how big this event is?”
    “Won’t matter.” Hunter clasped his hands behind his head. “I’m thinking of seducing her.”
    “Can she be seduced?”
    “Any woman can be seduced.”
    “You’ll get in trouble with an attitude like that.”
    Hunter lifted a brow. “That’s good. I can handle trouble.”

CHAPTER FIVE

    Two days later, Brenna and Hunter chose Whalton Park for their crash course lunch meeting. Brenna sat on a bench and stared at her list, too absorbed to hear the squeal of children at the playground or the zip of bicyclists passing by. Everything had to work out or the whole plan would fail.
    “I see you brought your cane,” Hunter said, glancing at the object that took up most of the bench. “Do you usually allow it to have its own seat?”
    “It keeps me from getting hit on.”
    “Do you whack potential