The Desert Flowers--Rose by Judith Keim

Author:Judith Keim
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary romance, Women's romance fiction, Family relationships, Women's literary fiction, Contemporary women's fiction
Publisher: Wild Quail Publishing
Published: 2021-01-28T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

WILLOW

After sharing an early light supper with Lily, Willow decided to take a walk. The last of the day’s golfers were putting out at the 18th hole when she approached. She stopped to see them. Golfers were a group unto their own, taking advantage of every playable moment of daylight on the course. She moved on and stopped again when she heard her name being called.

“Willow! Wait up!”

She turned to find Dan running toward her.

“Hi,” she said, pleased to see him.

“Where are you headed?”

“Nowhere. Just letting off some steam and trying to get into a better frame of mind for tomorrow.”

He frowned at her. “What is it with you and Brent Armstrong? When he came to pick up Tiffany after work, he was very polite to her and me. Is it something between just the two of you?”

“Mostly,” she admitted. Brent was cocky and full of himself like some guys his age who acted that way when trying to prove themselves in business. It didn’t make Brent more likable, but she understood that others might think of him in a better light. Soon enough, they’d discover the mean boy beneath the polished man. It wasn’t up to her to make sure they did.

“Mind if I walk with you?” Dan asked.

“No. I’d enjoy the company.” Her voice held a note of pleasure she couldn’t disguise.

His lips curved into a smile that showed a dimple. “I’d like to get to know you better.”

“Not much to tell. I’m an only child whose parents work for Alec. Because of him, I went to the hotel school at Cornell. I’ve been trying to decide where to go from there. I was teaching at Boston University before Alec requested that I come home.”

He laughed and shook his head. “Your attempt to make it seem boring has only piqued my curiosity. There’s a whole lot more to that story, I’m sure.”

She grinned. “Tell me about yourself.”

“Like you, nothing much to tell. You already know Tiffany is my stepsister. I have a much younger stepbrother, too. Mom’s second husband is a nice guy. My dad? Not so much. But it’s all good. No big complaints.”

“Sounds like things are pretty normal. How’d you get into the fitness program?”

“I played all kinds of sports in high school and then hurt my knee. When I was undergoing physical therapy, I realized I wanted to know more about the field. I studied it in college and practiced for a few years. When I met Alec, and he offered me the chance to run a fitness program here, I thought I’d try it out. I’ve been here for almost a year, and I love it.”

“You gave Rose, Lily, and me a tough workout program. We bonded pretty quickly during the sessions.”

“They seem like exceptional people,” said Dan. “But then, they must be if Alec wanted their help.” His gaze rested on her. “You too.”

She felt warmth rush to her face. “Thanks.” She hadn’t realized how much she’d needed to hear his compliment. It was nice to be acknowledged.

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