Cliffhaven: A Novel Of Romantic Suspense by A. M. Grimm

Author:A. M. Grimm [Grimm, A. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lilac Lake Press, LLC
Published: 2023-10-02T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

“What a downpour!” Caroline took in the sight of Elizabeth, the sodden blanket still draped over her shoulders, and Adam, his clothes dripping onto the stone floor. She’d met them in the hall, dressed for dinner in tan trousers and an ivory blouse that set off her porcelain skin. “I didn’t know you two were together.”

“We weren’t.” Elizabeth took a step away from Adam, biting her lip. “I got caught in the rain, and Adam gave me a ride home.”

Caroline looked back and forth between the two of them, a satisfied smile spreading over her face. “Tony has dinner ready. I thought the four of us could eat together.”

“I’ll go change,” Adam said, smiling tentatively before disappearing into the west wing.

“Let me take this for you,” Caroline said, unwrapping the blanket from around her shoulders. “I’ve got a bottle of cabernet breathing in the dining room. Would you like a glass?”

“I’d love one. But I need to get out of these wet clothes.”

“I’ll bring the bottle to your room, and we can chat while you dress.”

After retrieving the wine and two crystal glasses, Caroline made herself at home in Elizabeth’s room, curling up on the velvet chaise by the fireplace. She poured a glass of the plum-colored wine and handed it to her.

“Have you heard from the police about who might have vandalized your car?”

“I called the station yesterday, spoke to an Officer Ogie, but he said there are no suspects.”

Caroline tucked her strawberry-blonde hair behind one ear. “It was probably just teenagers. But let me know if you have any other trouble.”

“I will.”

She pulled her suitcase from under her bed, and Caroline gasped. “You haven’t even unpacked yet! Oh, I’ve kept you so busy, you haven’t had a chance. Let me help.”

Before she could stop her, Caroline opened the Jacobean armoire and began hanging her blouses and pants. Anxiety prickled over her skin, but she said nothing as Caroline systematically unpacked her clothes.

“Oh, this sweater is gorgeous! Want to wear this for dinner?”

She took the proffered sweater and turned her back to Caroline before peeling off her wet shirt. To combat the churning in her stomach, she turned her gaze to the bedroom window. The sky had cleared, and the setting sun was a ball of orange fire sinking slowly into dark blue waters. “I could look at this view forever.”

Caroline frowned. “Don’t the cliffs make you feel . . . exposed?”

“That’s part of what makes it seem so wild here, like nothing is protecting you from the elements.”

“You seem to enjoy it in a way I never have.”

“You never loved it here?”

“I did, as a child. But Cliffhaven doesn’t feel like my home anymore. I don’t think it ever will.” Caroline sipped her wine, looking wistful. “But maybe that’s not a bad thing. I’d like to believe it means we haven’t figured out the perfect use for Cliffhaven yet.”

Elizabeth pressed her lips together. She was starting to have definite ideas about the perfect use for Cliffhaven. But

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.