Faux Vows, True Desires

Keith punched in another number on his phone, the firmness in his voice unmistakable, "I'm heading to Pinehurst tomorrow. Make the arrangements." He was determined to deliver the cash to Darlene in person!

And he needed to catch up with Lucinda, see if she had any savvy tips up her sleeve for coaxing Darlene into revealing a bit more than she intended. Now more than ever, Keith trusted Lucinda's judgment.

Her intuition was spot on.

Not to mention her predictions!

It was almost a shame she wasn't reading fortunes under some bridge in the city.

Darlene's unexpected visit had robbed Keith of a full night's sleep; four hours was all he managed before dawn crept in.

Short as his slumber was, Keith woke up feeling refreshed and energized, his mood buoyant.

First thing, he dialed Lucinda's number.

To let her know he'd be visiting today.

Lucinda's delight was palpable through the phone, though tinged with confusion, "Keith, weren't you planning on coming over for Tiffany's wedding? Why the sudden drop-by on a Monday?"

She was going to hand in her resignation at the company today.

After Tiffany's wedding, she planned to move back to Skywatch.

Post-resignation, her time would be devoted to preparing for Liam and Tiffany's wedding.

"What, not happy to see me? Or perhaps you're worried I'll be a third wheel, cramping your style with Stefan?"

Keith teased.

Watching his sister and her husband all lovey-dovey always left him feeling like he was being force-fed a diet of romance.

Sometimes it even made him consider looking for love.

All thanks to the lovebirds, his sister and brother-in-law.

want to spend time with you first. Out with it, why are you really coming over? I don't buy for a second it's just because you

with mock indignation. "Last night, well, more like one in the

"So, did you finally see her face? Was it Darlene? How did you thank your lifesaver? Any chance you offered yourself in return? I have two brothers, and the elder one's all settled. You're the only bachelor left, Keith. If it turns out to be Darlene, you

debt of saving a life can certainly be

are you

you. Mom and Dad aren't pestering you about marriage, so it falls to me to take up the mantle. Even though you're ten minutes older, I'm married; I've

Keith was speechless.

elders, but Keith got

I can't be sure it was Ms. Darlene," Keith confessed, "She wasn't willing to reveal her identity, and I didn't want to press her. But when I spoke to her up close, I caught a scent I recognized. Next time I

breaking your own 'three-meter rule' just for

knew it. Her brother was an amazing catch, and she was certain that once

actually

heartily

a

he saw the masked woman in his room, his only thought was relief. He had people scouring everywhere for her, and here she was, showing up on her own accord. In his excitement, he'd completely forgotten his rule about women not getting

forgotten, but he had also intentionally

I'm

testing

him with a clear purpose: to have him cancel his contract with Cipher Detectives and get

wouldn't be put

was her

sowing seeds of doubt, Keith would never have linked Darlene to the shadowy

Darlene's agility and sharp wit, his lips

unravel her secrets, one layer

เอนเอ

to stubbornly offer yourself

Learn from Owen?

he could do

to woo anyone, so

admired the masked woman, nothing

me? Pushing me out the door like

being on your own, no one to care for you.