He wished things between them had been different, but he was glad that he’d had the chance to know her, regardless of their past. Women as strong and selfless as her were rare, and knowing one made him feel like he’d been given a gift.
Lana hung up the phone and was watching him with a suspicious frown. “What?” she asked.
Caleb couldn’t keep his distance, even though he knew that was the smart thing to do. Any excuse he could find to touch her, he took advantage of. This was one of those times. Caleb squatted down so he was on eye level with her. She had the most amazing eyes, with so many shades of blue, that for a second he found himself distracted.
Caleb blinked and focused on what was happening. He kept his voice low, though by now, it wasn’t a big issue if their listeners knew what was happening. The bugs would be gone within the hour. “In a minute, they’re going to do a sweep. You might not like what they find, and I think it wil be easier on you if we go grab some food and let them work.”
She arched a dark brow. “You think that I’m going to let complete strangers into my office to rummage around? I just got finished cleaning up from the last guy who did that.”
“These aren’t strangers. They’re with me.”
“Are you staying with them while they do this sweep thing?”
“No, I’d go with you.”
Lana shook her head. “I’d rather stay.”
“You sure? This can be hard to watch.”
“I’m good at doing the hard stuff,” she replied.
Caleb gave her a smile and tucked some hair behind her ear. “I know you are, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Let’s get out of here for a while. Go see the kids at the youth center. Get your mind off of it.”
She went tense as if he’d slapped her, and the center of her eyes shrank to frightened pinpoints. What the hel?
“What?” he asked her in a low, urgent voice.
She swalowed and blinked, and just like that, the fear was gone, leaving behind a smooth mask of neutrality. “Nothing.”
“What are you afraid of?”
Just like that she shut down, and al the warmth in her eyes evaporated. “I’m fine. Going to the youth center is a great idea. I’l meet you in the car.” She grabbed her backpack, tossed him the office keys, and left the building.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The youth center was stuffed ful of kids, their cheerful noise ricocheting off the high ceiling of the gym. The thrum of bouncing basketbals and squeak of tennis shoes filed one side of the gym while the other was quieter. Three long tables lined the space, and several of the volunteers sat with kids, reading to them or helping them with their homework.
Lana just stood in the doorway, drinking in the joy she’d created. It was a happy place, a safe place. At least for everyone but her.
Kara saw her come in and crossed the large room with Phil hot on her heels. Kara wore a starched white shirt under her tailored peach pants suit. Her hair was in an elegantly casual updo, showing off the sparkle of diamond studs in her earlobes. She was such a classy-looking lady, it was hard to believe she was also a kiler.
Lana felt Caleb’s wide hand smooth over her back as if trying to comfort her. She straightened her shoulders and cleansed her expression of al emotion.
“Back so soon?” asked Phil, giving Caleb a scowl. “We didn’t expect to see you today.”
“I needed a break from planning the auction,” said Lana, praying her voice wouldn’t shake.
“I’ve heard. Anything we can do to help?” asked Kara in that elegantly rich voice of hers that made Lana’s skin crawl.
“No, thanks. It’s under control.”
“That’s not what I heard. Is it true the hotel canceled?” asked Phil.
Lana swalowed an ugly word. Bad news traveled too fast, even for a city the size of Columbia. “Yes, but we’l find another one.”
The front door of the youth center opened and Lana’s sister, Jenny, stormed in, carrying her son, Taylor. Lana flinched and tried to cover it before anyone could see.
She didn’t want Jenny or Taylor anywhere near Kara. She needed to get rid of them. Now.
Lana felt panic bubbling up inside her as she tried to figure out the best way to protect her family.
From beside her, she heard Caleb say, “It’s under control.” His deep, calm voice brushed over her raw nerves, soothing them.
She could do this. Al she had to do was act normal—like nothing was wrong. Kara didn’t even have to know who Jenny was. Hopefuly the family resemblance wouldn’t give them away as sisters.
Jenny set down Taylor, who ran eagerly across the room on chubby legs toward Lana. She stepped away from the group and bent down to catch him in her arms, enjoying the solid weight of her two-year-old nephew.
“Kiss?” he asked, angling his cheek for the greeting he expected.
Lana gave him a kiss and he squirmed in her arms, pushing against her so he could get down. Lana didn’t let him go.
Jenny stomped up to Lana. Her dark hair was a mess, as if she’d been running her hands through it. Or possibly trying to pul it out.
“Do you have any idea how much you upset Mom?” Jenny demanded. “I’ve spent the past two days listening to her cry. You’re going to go home and apologize to her if I have to drag you there myself.”
“I’m sorry. I realy am. I didn’t mean for you to be the one to deal with Mom.”
“You should have thought about that before you told her you didn’t need her.”
Taylor pushed hard against Lana’s neck in an effort to get down.