The Trouble with Time

A Magical Christmas Romantic Comedy

Chapter One

Krisana Carter had thirty-seven minutes to figure out why the hotel staff couldn't follow instructions that a reasonably intelligent twelve-year-old could understand. She'd spent the better part of the morning correcting mistakes, answering questions, and trying not to lose her temper. The retirement celebration she'd been hired to organize was scheduled to begin at two, and she still had a dozen things to check before the guests arrived.

"Patrice, tell me somebody found the missing table linens." Krisana spoke into the headset tucked against her ear while studying the arrangement of chairs surrounding the dance floor.

"They were delivered to the wrong ballroom. I've got two of the hotel staff bringing them now," Patrice answered. "And before you ask, the florist is on the way with the replacement roses."

"Thank goodness. If I see one more pink carnation, somebody's going to get hurt." Krisana checked another item off her list and turned toward the enormous cake positioned near the ballroom entrance. The decorator had done an excellent job replicating the client's company logo in gold and navy frosting. At least one thing had gone according to plan. "I'm going to check the cake and make sure the kitchen has the correct schedule. Call me if anything else goes wrong."

"Do you really want me to do that?"

Krisana sighed. "Only if the building catches fire."

"Got it. No calls unless there are actual flames."

She disconnected and slipped the phone into her pocket. As she approached the cake, she noticed a man standing beside it, studying the elaborate decorations with an expression of mild amusement.

He was tall, handsome, and dressed in a charcoal suit that looked considerably more expensive than anything she could justify purchasing for herself. His dark hair was neatly trimmed, his beard was close-cropped, and his rich brown skin seemed almost luminous beneath the ballroom's chandeliers. She guessed he was in his mid-thirties.

He was also standing entirely too close to a cake that had cost her client nearly two thousand dollars.

"Excuse me," Krisana said as she approached him. "Can I help you?"

The man turned, and she found herself looking into the most extraordinary dark eyes she'd ever seen. There was something strangely captivating about them, but she wasn't about to let a handsome face distract her from protecting that cake.

"Possibly," he answered with a pleasant smile. "I was admiring the workmanship. It's quite impressive."

"Thank you. Now, could you please step away from it?"

He glanced at the cake and then at her. "Am I in danger of damaging it?"

"Not if you step away from it."

His smile widened. "A reasonable precaution." He moved several feet away, clasping his hands behind his back. "Better?"

"Much." Krisana examined the cake to make sure he hadn't touched anything. Satisfied, she turned back to him. "Are you one of Mr. Whitcomb's guests?"

"No."

"Are you with the hotel?"

"No."

"The catering company?"

"I'm afraid not."

Krisana studied him. "Then why are you here?"

"I was curious."

"About what?"

"Retirement."

She blinked. "Retirement?"

"Yes. It's a fascinating concept, don't you think?"

"Not particularly. Most people work until they're old enough to stop, and then they retire."

"Some people retire much earlier."

"Good for them." Krisana glanced toward the ballroom entrance, where two employees had finally appeared carrying the missing table linens. "Look, Mr..."

"Bellamy. Theodore Bellamy." He extended his hand.

She hesitated, then shook it. "Krisana Carter."

"An unusual name. Very beautiful."

"Thank you." His compliment was delivered so naturally that she almost forgot she was supposed to be getting rid of him. Almost. "Mr. Bellamy, this is a private event, and we're still preparing for the guests. Unless you have some business here, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Theodore, please. And I apologize for intruding. I hadn't realized the room was off-limits."

"That's all right. The coffee shop is through the lobby if you're looking for somewhere to spend a little time."

He glanced at the tablet tucked beneath her arm. "You seem extraordinarily busy."

"I'm an event planner. Busy is pretty much my natural state."

"Do you ever stop?"

"When I'm asleep."

He laughed. It was a rich, appealing sound that made her want to smile despite herself. "Surely you allow yourself an occasional break."

"When I have time."

"Ah. There's the problem."

"What problem?"

"You keep waiting until you have time instead of deciding to make some."

Krisana stared at him. "Did you just wander into my ballroom to give me a motivational speech?"

"Not intentionally."

"Because I can assure you, I don't need one."

"I wouldn't dream of suggesting otherwise." He glanced toward the employees arranging linens on the tables. "But I suspect the people working here are perfectly capable of functioning without your supervision for fifteen minutes."

"You haven't met them."

"An excellent point."

She laughed before she could stop herself. The man was definitely strange, but there was something appealing about his manner. He spoke with the confidence of someone accustomed to being listened to, yet there was nothing arrogant about him.

"Tell me something, Mr. Bellamy. Are you always this determined to interfere in other people's business?"

"Only when I find them interesting."

Krisana raised an eyebrow. "And you find me interesting?"

"Very."

He didn't look away or attempt to soften the answer with a joke. For a brief moment, she found herself wondering whether he was flirting with her. She hadn't been on a date in so long that she wasn't entirely certain she remembered what flirting looked like.

"Well, that's flattering, but I really do have work to finish."

"Then allow me to make a suggestion. There's a coffee shop in the lobby. Have one cup of coffee with me, and afterward, I'll leave you to your responsibilities."

She laughed. "You don't give up easily, do you?"

"I've found that patience is often rewarded."

"And what happens if I say no?"

"I'll thank you for the conversation, wish you a pleasant afternoon, and leave."

Krisana studied him. That was a perfectly reasonable response. She had to give him credit for that, although she still couldn't understand why a handsome stranger was so determined to buy her coffee.

Her phone vibrated. She checked the message from Patrice confirming that the roses had arrived and the linens were being arranged. For the first time all morning, there wasn't an immediate crisis demanding her attention.

She looked up at Theodore.

"Fifteen minutes."

His smile widened. "Excellent."

"And I'm buying my own coffee."

"As you wish."

"And if my phone rings, I have to answer it."

"Of course."

"And no more motivational speeches."

He chuckled. "I'll do my best."

Krisana shook her head. "Something tells me I'm going to regret this."

"I sincerely hope not."

The coffee shop was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday afternoon. Krisana selected a small table near the windows while Theodore went to the counter to place their orders. He returned a few minutes later carrying two cups and a small plate with a slice of lemon pound cake.

"I didn't order cake," she said as he sat across from her.

"I know. I ordered it."

"Why?"

"Because it looked delicious."

She glanced at the cake. "Are you planning to eat it?"

"I thought we might share it."

Krisana smiled. "You certainly have a talent for getting your way."

"Only occasionally."

"Something tells me that's not true."

He pushed the plate between them. "Fortunately, we have fifteen minutes to discover whether I'm trustworthy."

She laughed and picked up her fork. "All right, Theodore Bellamy. Tell me about yourself."

"What would you like to know?"

"Let's start with something simple. What do you do for a living?"

"I'm involved in time management."

Krisana paused with her fork halfway to her mouth. "Time management?"

"Yes."

"Corporate consulting?"

"Not exactly."

"Scheduling?"

"Among other things."

She lowered her fork. "You're going to have to do better than that."

He smiled. "I oversee the orderly progression of certain activities."

"That sounds like something you made up."

"It's an accurate description."

"Of what?"

"My responsibilities."

Krisana stared at him before bursting into laughter. "Theodore, are you in the witness protection program?"

He looked genuinely surprised. "No. Why would you ask?"

"Because I've never met anybody who could use so many words to tell me absolutely nothing."

He laughed. "My apologies. My occupation is rather difficult to explain."

"Apparently." She took a bite of cake and considered him for a moment. "All right, let's try something easier. Are you from Dallas?"

"No. I'm visiting."

"Business or pleasure?"

"A little of both."

"Where do you live?"

"Some distance from here."

She set down her fork. "You know, this is starting to feel like an interrogation where the suspect has been advised not to incriminate himself."

Theodore laughed so hard that he nearly spilled his coffee. "I assure you, Krisana, I'm not involved in anything illegal."

"That's exactly what somebody involved in something illegal would say."

"Then I'm afraid I have no defense."

She shook her head, smiling. "You're a very strange man."

"I've been told that before."

"I bet you have."

Their conversation turned to her business, and Krisana found herself telling him about some of the more memorable events she'd organized. He seemed particularly interested in weddings, asking whether she enjoyed helping couples celebrate the beginning of their lives together.

"Most of the time," she admitted. "Although some couples spend so much time worrying about the perfect wedding that they forget they're supposed to be getting married."

"That seems unfortunate."

"It is. I had a bride last year who spent nearly an hour arguing with the photographer because he took pictures of her left side."

"Was there something wrong with her left side?"

"Apparently, it wasn't her good side."

Theodore considered that. "Did she have a different face on the right?"

Krisana almost choked on her coffee. She grabbed a napkin, laughing as she wiped her mouth. "No, Theodore! She just thought she looked better from that angle."

"Ah. That makes considerably more sense."

"Does it?"

"Not particularly."

She laughed again. The man had an unusual sense of humor, and she couldn't always tell when he was joking. She suspected that was part of his charm.

"So, what do you do when you're not managing time?" she asked.

"I enjoy music, traveling, reading, and occasionally observing people."

"Observing people?"

"People are fascinating. Their habits, their choices, the things they consider important. I find it all rather interesting."

"You sound like an anthropologist."

"I've known a few."

"Have you traveled much?"

"Quite extensively."

"Where's your favorite place?"

He considered the question. "That changes. I enjoyed Florence tremendously, although I preferred it before the streets became so crowded."

"When was that?"

"Quite a while ago."

Krisana laughed. "You make it sound like you visited during the Renaissance."

He smiled. "The architecture was extraordinary."

She studied him, wondering whether he'd deliberately avoided answering another question. Before she could press him, her phone vibrated again.

A message from Patrice.

Everything is under control. Where did you disappear to?

Krisana checked the time. Twenty-eight minutes had passed.

"Oh, goodness."

"Something wrong?" Theodore asked.

"I told you fifteen minutes."

"Yes, you did."

"It's been almost thirty."

"Twenty-eight, actually."

She stared at him. "Do you have a stopwatch hidden somewhere?"

"No."

"Then how do you know that?"

"I have an excellent sense of time."

"Of course you do. You're in time management."

He smiled. "Precisely."

Krisana shook her head and reached for her purse. "I really have to get back."

Theodore rose as she stood. "Thank you for having coffee with me."

"Thank you for the cake. And the company."

"I enjoyed both."

She smiled. "So did I."

For a moment, they stood facing each other. Krisana expected him to ask for her telephone number, but he simply smiled and wished her a successful afternoon.

That surprised her.

After all the effort he'd put into convincing her to have coffee, she hadn't expected him to let her walk away so easily.

"Well, goodbye, Theodore."

"Goodbye, Krisana."

She turned toward the lobby, then glanced back once before entering the corridor. He was still standing near their table, watching her with a small smile.

She smiled back.

Maybe she should have given him her number.

Then she remembered that he was practically a stranger who'd refused to tell her anything useful about himself.

Probably better that she hadn't.

The retirement celebration went beautifully. Mr. Whitcomb was delighted with the decorations, the food received numerous compliments, and even the flowers behaved themselves. By the time the last guests departed, Krisana was exhausted but pleased with the outcome.

She was reviewing the final expenses with Patrice when her phone rang.

The number wasn't familiar.

"Carter Celebrations. This is Krisana."

"Good evening, Krisana. I hope I'm not interrupting."

She recognized the voice immediately.

"Theodore?"

"I'm delighted you remember me."

She smiled. "It's only been a few hours."

"Yes, but I enjoyed our conversation and thought I might ask whether you'd consider continuing it."

Krisana glanced at Patrice, who looked up from her paperwork.

"Continuing it how?"

"Over dinner tomorrow evening."

Krisana hesitated. She barely knew anything about this man. In fact, she knew remarkably little considering they'd spent almost half an hour talking.

Still, she'd enjoyed herself.

And she hadn't been on a proper date in ages.

"Dinner?"

"Yes. Perhaps seven o'clock, if that works with your schedule."

She smiled. "Seven sounds good."

"Wonderful. Do you have a preference for restaurants?"

"Somewhere with good food where we can actually hear each other talk."

"I believe I can arrange that."

"Good. Send me the information."

"I will. And Krisana?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for agreeing. I'm looking forward to seeing you again."

His sincerity caught her off guard. "I'm looking forward to it too, Theodore."

She ended the call, still smiling.

Patrice was staring at her.

"What?"

"Don't 'what' me. Was that the handsome stranger who talked you into taking a coffee break?"

Krisana laughed. "Yes."

Patrice leaned forward. "And?"

"And what?"

"Girl, don't play with me. What did he want?"

"He asked me to dinner tomorrow evening."

Patrice slapped both hands against the desk. "Finally!"

Krisana jumped. "Would you calm down?"

"No! Do you have any idea how long it's been since you've gone on a date?"

"Yes, Patrice. I was there."

"Then you understand why this is exciting."

"It's dinner, not an engagement announcement."

"At this point, I'll take what I can get." Patrice grinned. "Tell me about him. What's his name?"

"Theodore Bellamy. He goes by Theo, or at least he told me to call him Theodore."

"How old?"

"Mid-thirties, I'd guess."

"Single?"

"I assume so."

"You assume?"

Krisana laughed. "I didn't ask him for his tax returns and marital history over coffee."

"What does he do?"

"Something involving time management."

Patrice's eyebrows drew together. "What kind of time management?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"Where does he live?"

"Some distance from here."

Patrice stared at her. "Krisana, did this man tell you anything?"

"Not particularly."

"And you agreed to dinner?"

"He was charming, funny, and very handsome. Besides, we're meeting at a restaurant. I'm not inviting him to move in."

Patrice sat back, smiling. "I just hope he's normal."

Krisana groaned. "Please don't start."

"I'm just saying. After that last one..."

"No." Krisana held up her hand. "We are not discussing my ex or his oddities. That subject is closed."

Patrice raised both hands. "Fine. I won't say another word."

"Thank you."

"But you have to admit..."

"Patrice!"

Her friend burst out laughing. "All right! I'm done."

Krisana gathered her paperwork and slipped it into her bag. She was too tired to continue the discussion, although she knew Patrice would bring it up again first thing Monday morning.

As she prepared to leave, she thought about Theodore's smile and the way he'd watched her throughout their conversation. He'd seemed genuinely interested in her, and she couldn't remember the last time she'd enjoyed talking to a man quite so much.

Still, there was no denying that he was unusual.

Krisana had an unfortunate history of attracting odd men. Some were harmlessly eccentric. Others had revealed peculiarities she'd rather forget.

She hoped Theodore Bellamy would be different.

Because handsome or not, she wasn't in the market for another man who needed a warning label.

Chapter Two

Krisana arrived at the restaurant ten minutes before seven. She had considered being fashionably late, but that seemed silly. If Theodore Bellamy was anything like he'd been during their coffee date, he would probably be able to tell her exactly how many seconds she'd kept him waiting.

She handed her keys to the valet and studied the restaurant's entrance. It was an elegant establishment with tall windows, polished brass doors, and soft lighting that gave the place an inviting atmosphere. She'd heard of it but had never eaten there. The prices were a little higher than she normally spent on dinner, even when she was treating herself.

Inside, a hostess greeted her with a warm smile. "Good evening. Welcome to Vincent's. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, under Bellamy."

The woman's smile widened. "Of course, Miss Carter. Mr. Bellamy is already here. If you'll follow me."

Krisana followed her through the dining room, admiring the tasteful décor. Tables were arranged far enough apart to allow private conversations, and soft instrumental music played in the background. She noticed several couples dressed elegantly, which reassured her that the dark green dress she'd chosen wasn't too formal.

Theodore stood when he saw her approaching.

And good Lord, the man looked even better than she remembered.

He wore a tailored navy suit with a crisp white shirt, the top button undone. His dark hair was neatly groomed, and his close-cropped beard emphasized a strong jaw and a smile that could probably convince a woman to forgive him for almost anything.

"Krisana." He stepped forward, his smile widening. "You look absolutely beautiful."

She smiled. "Thank you. You're looking pretty good yourself."

He glanced down at his suit. "I'm pleased you approve."

She laughed. "Have you always been this formal?"

"Not always."

"Well, that's reassuring."

The hostess smiled as Theodore pulled out Krisana's chair. Once she was seated, he returned to his own. The hostess handed them menus and promised that their server would be with them shortly.

Krisana glanced around. "This is a beautiful restaurant. Have you been here before?"

"Once or twice."

"Is that how you managed to get a reservation on such short notice?"

"Something like that."

She looked at him over her menu. "We're starting already?"

"Starting what?"

"The mysterious answers."

He smiled. "I wasn't aware that I'd given one."

"Theodore, you could have just said yes."

"Then yes."

She laughed. "You're going to be a handful, aren't you?"

"I sincerely hope you won't find me troublesome."

"Oh, I already find you troublesome. I just haven't decided whether that's a bad thing."

His smile widened. "Then I'll endeavor to make it a good thing."

A waiter approached and introduced himself. Krisana ordered a glass of red wine, while Theodore requested sparkling water. After taking their dinner selections, the waiter left them alone.

Krisana set down her menu. "All right, Theodore. We spent almost half an hour talking yesterday, and I still don't know much about you. Tonight, I intend to remedy that."

He leaned back comfortably. "An admirable goal."

"Let's start with where you're from."

"I was born in a rather secluded community."

"Where?"

"Quite a distance from Dallas."

She gave him a look. "Could you narrow that down to a state? A country? A continent?"

He laughed. "Somewhere considerably colder than Texas."

"That doesn't narrow it down much. Almost everywhere is colder than Texas."

"An excellent observation."

Krisana shook her head. "You really aren't going to tell me, are you?"

"It's not that I'm unwilling. It's simply a rather complicated place to explain."

"Is it on a map?"

"Not one you're likely to have seen."

She stared at him. "Are you from another planet?"

Theodore laughed so heartily that a woman at a nearby table glanced in their direction. "No, Krisana. I assure you, I'm very much from this world."

"Well, that's something. I was beginning to wonder."

She sipped her wine, watching him over the rim of her glass. There was something fascinating about his manner. He never appeared uncomfortable with her questions, and his answers were delivered with such confidence that she almost believed he was being forthcoming. Almost.

"What about you?" he asked. "Have you always lived in Dallas?"

"Most of my life. I was born here, although my family moved around a little when I was younger."

"Because of your parents' work?"

"Mostly my father's. He worked in transportation management, and his company transferred him a few times before we settled back in Dallas."

"Is he retired now?"

"Yes, and he's enjoying every minute of it. He's become one of those men who believes retirement gives him unlimited authority to supervise everybody else's business."

Theodore chuckled. "A common affliction, I'm told."

"You have no idea. He retired three years ago, and now he spends his mornings calling my mother from different rooms in the house to ask where she put things."

"Does she answer?"

"Only if he's looking for something important. Otherwise, she tells him to use his eyes instead of his mouth."

Theodore laughed. "Your mother sounds like a practical woman."

"She is. They've been married forty-three years, and I honestly don't know how she hasn't smothered him in his sleep."

"Perhaps she loves him."

"Oh, she absolutely does. That's probably the only reason he's still alive."

He smiled, but there was something thoughtful in his expression. "Forty-three years. That's quite an accomplishment."

Krisana shrugged. "They've had their ups and downs, but they're happy. My dad still brings her flowers for no particular reason. She complains because he'd rather buy roses than remember to pick up milk, but she always puts them in a vase."

"Does he remember the milk eventually?"

"After she calls and threatens him."

Theodore laughed again. Krisana liked the sound. He seemed genuinely amused by ordinary things, almost as though the simplest stories about people's lives were new and fascinating to him.

"Do you have siblings?" he asked.

"Two. An older brother and a younger sister. My brother lives in Houston with his wife and kids. My sister is in Atlanta."

"Are you close?"

"Very. We don't get together as often as we'd like, but we talk all the time. My sister calls whenever something goes wrong in her life, which means I hear from her at least three times a week."

"Is she younger by much?"

"Five years. She's thirty-five, married, and the mother of two children who apparently believe their grandmother's house is Disneyland."

He smiled. "And your brother?"

"He's forty-four and has three kids. Two boys and a girl. They're all teenagers now, so he's aging about twice as fast as the rest of us."

Theodore's expression changed for a fraction of a second before he laughed. "Children do have that effect on their parents."

"Do you have any?"

"No."

The answer was so quick and definite that Krisana almost smiled.

"Well, that was refreshingly straightforward."

"I do try."

"Have you ever been married?"

"No."

"Engaged?"

"No."

"Serious relationship?"

He paused. "Not one that resulted in anything permanent."

Krisana raised an eyebrow. "That's an interesting way to put it."

"Is it?"

"Most men would just say they'd dated someone."

"I suppose they would."

"Have you?"

"Yes."

She waited for him to elaborate.

He didn't.

"Would you care to expand on that?"

"Not particularly."

Krisana laughed. "At least that was honest."

"I find honesty preferable."

"Except when someone asks where you're from or what you do for a living."

He smiled. "Those subjects require more explanation than I'm prepared to inflict upon you during dinner."

She studied him. "You're either hiding something or you're the most private man I've ever met."

"Perhaps a little of both."

"Well, at least you're giving me fair warning."

Theodore leaned forward slightly. "Tell me more about your business. You mentioned yesterday that you've been organizing events for several years. What made you decide to start your own company?"

Krisana recognized the change of subject immediately. He was good at that. Every time the conversation approached something personal about him, he managed to redirect it toward her without making the transition seem particularly abrupt.

Still, she enjoyed talking about her business, and he seemed sincerely interested.

"I worked for an event management company for almost eight years. Eventually, I realized I was doing most of the planning while somebody else collected the biggest portion of the profits. So I decided to take a chance on myself."

"Was it difficult?"

"Terrifying. I had enough savings to keep things going for about six months if I didn't get any clients. Fortunately, I had a few people who were willing to give me a chance."

"And now?"

"Now I have more business than I know what to do with some months, and other months I wonder whether I should have kept my regular paycheck."

He nodded. "But you enjoy it."

"I love it. Even when I'm threatening florists."

He laughed. "Especially then, I suspect."

She grinned. "Only when they deserve it."

Their food arrived, and for a while, the conversation centered on the meal. Krisana had ordered grilled salmon with a lemon-butter sauce, while Theodore selected a steak. Both dishes were excellent, and she found herself relaxing as the evening progressed.

She also discovered that Theodore had an extraordinary knowledge of history.

It began when she mentioned a documentary she'd watched about ancient Rome. Before long, they were discussing architecture, historical figures, and the differences between modern cities and those of centuries past.

"I think people romanticize the past," Krisana said as she cut another piece of salmon. "They imagine beautiful palaces, elegant clothes, and grand celebrations, but nobody talks about the smells."

Theodore laughed. "The smells?"

"Absolutely. No modern plumbing, questionable sanitation, animals wandering through the streets. I love history, but I wouldn't want to live through most of it."

"That's a sensible position. Some historical periods were considerably less pleasant than they're portrayed."

"You sound like you know from experience."

He smiled. "I've studied them extensively."

"What period interests you most?"

"That's difficult to answer. Every era has offered something extraordinary, although I'm particularly fond of the Renaissance."

"Art?"

"Among other things. The advances in science, architecture, literature. It was a fascinating period."

"I've always wanted to visit Florence."

"It's beautiful."

"You've been?"

"Several times."

"Really? What would you recommend seeing?"

"The cathedral, certainly. The museums are extraordinary, although some of the older buildings have lost a little of their original character."

Krisana laughed. "You sound like somebody who was there when they were built."

Theodore paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. "Do I?"

"Yes. You're very opinionated about buildings that are hundreds of years old."

He smiled. "I've always appreciated good craftsmanship."

"Well, if I ever go to Italy, I'll have to ask you to help plan the trip."

"I'd be delighted."

She studied him. "You know, for somebody who refuses to tell me where he lives, you're awfully willing to discuss places you've visited."

"Travel is considerably more interesting than my address."

"Not when I'm trying to figure out whether you're secretly married with six children and a wife waiting for you in another state."

He laughed. "I assure you, there is no wife."

"Six children?"

"None."

"Secret girlfriend?"

"No."

"Woman locked in your basement?"

Theodore nearly choked on his water. He grabbed his napkin and coughed while Krisana burst out laughing.

"Good heavens, woman! What sort of men have you been dating?"

"You don't want to know."

"I believe I'm beginning to understand why you're cautious."

She smiled, although the question reminded her of experiences she'd rather not discuss. Thankfully, Theodore didn't press the subject.

Instead, he asked about her interests outside work, and she found herself admitting that she hadn't made much time for herself lately.

"I used to attend concerts, visit museums, and go to the theater. Now it seems like every time I make plans, a client calls with some emergency."

"Then perhaps you need someone to remind you that your time belongs to you as well."

Krisana laughed. "There you go with another motivational speech."

"My apologies."

"You don't sound sorry."

"I'm not entirely."

She shook her head. "You have a habit of saying things that make sense while somehow managing to be irritating."

"A remarkable talent."

"Apparently."

They ordered dessert, sharing a slice of chocolate cake and a small dish of vanilla custard that Theodore insisted was worth trying. He was right. It was delicious.

By the time their plates were cleared, Krisana realized they'd been talking for more than two hours.

More accurately, she'd been talking for more than two hours.

Theodore had contributed plenty to the conversation, but most of what she'd learned about him involved his opinions, interests, and extensive knowledge of history.

She still had no idea where he lived or exactly what he did.

Oddly enough, she wasn't nearly as bothered by that as she thought she should be.

He'd listened to everything she'd said. He'd asked thoughtful questions, remembered details from their coffee date, and made her laugh repeatedly. There hadn't been an uncomfortable silence all evening.

And he hadn't spent half the meal talking about himself.

That alone put him ahead of several men she'd dated.

When the waiter brought the check, Theodore took care of it before Krisana could reach for her purse.

"Thank you for dinner," she said.

"It was my pleasure."

"I had a wonderful time."

"So did I."

He studied her for a moment, and his expression became slightly more serious. "Krisana, may I ask you something?"

She laughed. "Finally! A question that isn't about my family or my business?"

"Would you consider accompanying me to the symphony next Saturday evening?"

Her eyebrows rose. "The symphony?"

"Yes. There's a performance I believe you might enjoy."

She considered the invitation. "I haven't been to the symphony in years."

"Then you're overdue."

She smiled. "That sounds suspiciously like another motivational speech."

"I'll have to work on that."

"What time is the performance?"

"Eight o'clock. I thought we might attend together and enjoy a late dinner afterward."

"A late dinner? How late?"

"Whenever the performance concludes. There's a place I'd like to take you."

"Another mysterious restaurant?"

"Something a little different."

Krisana tilted her head. "Different how?"

"It's a surprise."

"Oh, Lord. Theodore, you do realize surprises can be dangerous?"

"I assure you, this one will be pleasant."

"That's exactly what people say before something goes terribly wrong."

He laughed. "Then you'll have to trust my judgment."

She studied him. He was smiling, but there was something almost hopeful in his expression. For all his confidence, he seemed genuinely uncertain whether she'd accept.

That pleased her more than she wanted to admit.

"Is it formal?"

"Yes. Formal attire would be appropriate."

Krisana raised an eyebrow. "As in evening gown formal?"

"If you'd like. I intend to wear a tuxedo."

She smiled. "Well, look at you, Mr. Fancy."

He glanced down at his suit. "I wasn't aware that formal clothing had acquired a title."

Krisana burst out laughing. "Theodore, I swear sometimes you sound like you stepped out of another century."

He smiled. "I've been told I have an old-fashioned manner."

"You certainly do." She took a moment before answering his invitation. "All right. I'd love to go."

His smile widened. "Wonderful."

"But I have one condition."

"Name it."

"No more vague answers about where we're going after the concert. I need to know whether I should wear shoes I can actually walk in."

He chuckled. "That's a reasonable concern. There may be a little walking involved, but nothing strenuous."

"A little walking where?"

"You'll see."

Krisana sighed dramatically. "I should have known better than to ask."

Theodore escorted her outside, where the valet had already been notified to retrieve her car. The evening air was pleasant, and Krisana appreciated the warmth after the restaurant's cool interior.

She turned toward him while they waited. "You know, I still don't know much about you."

He smiled. "You know several things."

"Such as?"

"I enjoy history, music, good food, and your company."

"That's a start."

"I also dislike unnecessary complications."

She laughed. "That's funny, considering you seem determined to make everything complicated."

"Only the interesting things."

"Well, I must be fascinating."

"Very."

The way he said it made her smile fade slightly. There was no teasing in his expression now, only genuine interest.

She looked away for a moment, suddenly conscious of how close they were standing.

The valet pulled her car to the curb.

Theodore stepped forward and opened the driver's door for her, but she didn't immediately get in.

"I really did enjoy tonight," she said.

"As did I."

"And I'm looking forward to Saturday."

"So am I."

He hesitated, then reached for her hand. His fingers were warm and his touch gentle.

"May I call you tomorrow?"

Krisana smiled. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't."

His answering smile was enough to make her stomach flutter.

Good grief. She was forty years old. She shouldn't be reacting like a teenager because a handsome man held her hand.

Yet there she was.

"Goodnight, Theodore."

"Goodnight, Krisana."

He lifted her hand and pressed a light kiss against her knuckles.

She stared at him.

He released her hand and stepped back with a smile.

For a moment, she didn't know what to say. No man had ever kissed her hand before, and she wasn't entirely certain how she felt about it.

Actually, that wasn't true.

She liked it.

A lot.

She slipped into her car, smiling as Theodore closed the door.

As she drove away, she glanced in her rearview mirror. He was still standing near the restaurant entrance, watching her leave.

Krisana shook her head.

Theodore Bellamy was an odd man. There was no getting around that. He had an unusual way of speaking, seemed obsessed with history, and could avoid answering a personal question better than anyone she'd ever met.

But he was also thoughtful, funny, intelligent, and undeniably attractive.

More importantly, she'd felt comfortable with him. She hadn't spent the evening trying to impress him or worrying about whether she'd said the wrong thing. She'd simply enjoyed herself.

That hadn't happened in a very long time.

At the next traffic light, she caught herself smiling again.

A symphony performance. Formal attire. A mysterious late dinner.

Theodore certainly knew how to plan a date.

She wondered where he intended to take her after the concert. He'd seemed particularly pleased with himself when he'd mentioned the surprise.

Knowing him, it could be anything.

She hoped it wasn't something involving historical reenactments. She liked history as much as anyone, but she had no desire to spend an evening watching grown men pretend to be medieval knights.

Then again, she suspected Theodore would have strong opinions about the accuracy of their costumes.

Krisana laughed aloud.

She hadn't even reached home, and she was already looking forward to seeing him again.

Whatever secrets Theodore Bellamy was keeping, she hoped they were harmless.

Because she was beginning to think that a little mystery might not be such a bad thing.

Chapter Three

Krisana Carter had been staring at the same paragraph for nearly ten minutes. The proposal for an upcoming anniversary celebration was almost finished, but her mind refused to concentrate on seating arrangements, catering options, or the client's unreasonable insistence on having live flamingos at the reception.

Instead, she was thinking about Theodore Bellamy.

Again.

A smile crept across her face as she remembered the past week's telephone conversations. They'd talked nearly every evening, sometimes for hours, discussing everything from their favorite foods to the differences between modern entertainment and the theater of centuries past. Theo had an extraordinary knowledge of history and could make even the most ordinary subjects interesting.

Unfortunately, he was also exceptionally skilled at avoiding questions about himself.

She still hadn't figured out exactly where he lived, where he'd grown up, or who employed him. Whenever she asked, he somehow managed to redirect the conversation without making it seem as though he was avoiding anything.

Last Tuesday, she'd asked whether he owned a house or rented an apartment. He'd told her he owned his residence. When she asked where it was, he'd described a quiet community where he enjoyed considerable privacy. Before she could ask another question, he wanted to know whether she preferred living in a house or a condominium.

Fifteen minutes later, she'd been telling him about her plans to renovate her kitchen.

It hadn't occurred to her until after they ended the call that he'd never answered her original question.

Wednesday's conversation hadn't been much different. She'd asked about his family, and he'd admitted to having siblings. Somehow, that led to a discussion about her parents, her brother, her sister, and the annual family barbecue that inevitably ended with her father arguing about the proper way to cook ribs.

Theo had laughed when she told him her mother had forbidden her father from touching the grill after he'd nearly set the garage on fire.

He had a wonderful laugh. Deep, rich, and completely uninhibited when something genuinely amused him. Krisana had discovered she liked making him laugh almost as much as she enjoyed hearing it.

And then there was Saturday evening.

She smiled at the memory.

"What?"

Krisana blinked and looked across the office. Patrice Williams was watching her over the top of her computer monitor.

"What, what?"

"What's so funny about the Henderson anniversary proposal?"

"Nothing."

"Then why are you sitting there grinning at your screen?"

Krisana glanced at the document she'd barely touched in ten minutes. "I was thinking about something."

"Or someone." Patrice pushed her chair away from her desk. "Girl, you've been floating around this office all morning. If you smile any harder, your cheeks are going to cramp."

Krisana laughed. "You're exaggerating."

"Am I? You nearly sent the Hendersons a proposal for somebody else's wedding. And I've watched you pick up your phone four times without doing anything with it." Patrice folded her arms. "How are things progressing with Mr. Mysterious?"

"His name is Theodore."

"I know his name. What I want to know is whether he's finally told you anything useful about himself."

Krisana sighed. "He's told me plenty."

"Where does he live?"

"In a private community."

"Where?"

"I'm not sure."

"What does he do?"

"Something involving time management and scheduling."

"Who does he work for?"

Krisana hesitated. "We haven't gotten into that."

Patrice stared at her before bursting out laughing. "Krisana, that man has been talking to you every night for over a week, and you still don't know where he lives or who he works for?"

"He's a private person."

"Girl, the Pentagon is private. That man sounds like he's hiding state secrets."

Krisana laughed. "He's odd, Patrice. I'll give you that. But it's nothing I can't handle."

"That's what you said about the last one."

"Don't start."

Patrice held up her hands. "All right. I won't mention him. But you have to admit you've got a history of attracting some strange men."

"Unfortunately, I do." Krisana glanced at her phone, remembering Theo's message that morning. He'd wished her a wonderful day and told her he'd enjoyed their evening together. She'd read it twice before responding. "But Theodore is different."

"Different how?"

"He's charming, thoughtful, intelligent, and genuinely interested in what I have to say. He remembers things I mention in passing, and he makes me laugh." She paused before adding, "I like him, Patrice. A lot."

Patrice's expression softened. "Well, it's about time. Now, are you going to tell me about Saturday night, or do I have to drag every detail out of you?"

Krisana laughed. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything! The last time we talked, you were getting dressed up to go to the symphony with a handsome man wearing a tuxedo. Then you sent me a message saying he'd taken you somewhere unbelievable. What happened?"

Krisana leaned back in her chair, remembering how she'd felt when Theo arrived at her house Saturday evening.

He'd been standing on her porch at precisely six-thirty, looking so handsome in his black tuxedo that she'd momentarily forgotten how to speak. His bow tie was perfectly arranged, and the crisp white shirt contrasted beautifully with his dark skin.

He'd smiled when she opened the door, but for several seconds, he'd said nothing.

Krisana had felt a little self-conscious beneath his gaze. She'd chosen the black evening gown with the off-the-shoulder neckline and a fitted bodice that emphasized her curves. Her hair was swept into an elegant updo, and she'd finished the look with diamond earrings and a matching bracelet.

"Well?" she'd finally asked. "Do I pass inspection?"

Theo had blinked as though she'd startled him. "Krisana, you're breathtaking."

The sincerity in his voice had sent a pleasant flutter through her stomach.

"Thank you. You're looking pretty spectacular yourself."

He'd smiled and offered his arm. "Shall we?"

A sleek black luxury sedan had been waiting at the curb, complete with a chauffeur who opened the rear door for her. She'd looked at Theo in surprise.

"You hired a driver?"

"I thought it would be more enjoyable if neither of us had to worry about driving."

"Well, look at you, Mr. Fancy."

He'd glanced down at his tuxedo. "Is that a compliment?"

She'd laughed. "Yes, Theodore. It's a compliment."

The symphony had been wonderful. Krisana hadn't attended a classical performance in years, and she'd forgotten how moving live orchestral music could be. Theo seemed completely absorbed in the performance, occasionally closing his eyes as though savoring every note.

During intermission, she'd asked whether he played an instrument.

"A few," he'd answered.

"Which ones?"

"Piano, violin, and several others."

"Several others? Theodore, how many instruments do you play?"

He'd considered the question for a moment. "I've had opportunities to learn quite a few over the years."

"You're doing it again."

"Doing what?"

"Answering a question without giving me an actual answer."

He'd laughed and asked whether she'd enjoyed the first half of the performance. Within minutes, she'd been telling him about her childhood piano lessons and the unfortunate recital that ended with her crying because she'd forgotten the music.

By the time the orchestra returned, she'd forgotten to ask about his instruments.

After the final applause, Theo had escorted her to the waiting car. Krisana had expected them to visit one of Dallas's upscale restaurants, but instead of heading downtown, the driver traveled toward the botanical gardens.

She'd recognized the entrance immediately.

"Theodore, where are we going?"

"You'll see."

"The gardens are closed."

"Not entirely."

She'd given him a suspicious look. "What have you done?"

"Nothing illegal, I assure you."

"That's not particularly reassuring coming from a man who won't tell me where he lives."

He'd laughed and taken her hand. "Trust me."

The car stopped near a private entrance, where a uniformed attendant greeted them and opened the gate.

Krisana stepped out and looked around in astonishment. A pathway illuminated by small golden lights stretched into the gardens. The air was fragrant with flowers, and somewhere in the distance, soft instrumental music floated through the evening air.

"Theodore?"

He smiled. "Come with me."

He'd offered his arm, and she'd taken it, following him along the illuminated path. The gardens were peaceful and beautifully maintained. Flowering plants bordered the walkway, and the lights created a warm glow against the trees.

When they reached a secluded garden terrace, Krisana stopped.

A table for two stood beneath a canopy of delicate lights. It was covered with a white linen tablecloth and set with fine china, crystal glasses, and an arrangement of fresh flowers. Nearby, a small serving station had been prepared, and two attendants waited discreetly.

Krisana stared at the scene.

"Theodore, what is all this?"

"Dinner."

She turned toward him. "I can see that. How did you arrange it?"

"I know someone."

She laughed. "Of course you do. You seem to know someone everywhere."

"Does that bother you?"

"Not when they help you arrange something like this." She looked around again. "This is beautiful."

"I'm pleased you like it."

"Like it? Theodore, I've planned elaborate events for years, and I've never had anyone do anything like this for me."

His expression softened. "Then it's long overdue."

Krisana had felt an unexpected lump in her throat. It wasn't simply the beauty of the setting or the expense involved. He'd listened when she told him how much she loved gardens, particularly the peaceful atmosphere they offered after a stressful workweek. Somehow, he'd taken that small detail and transformed it into an extraordinary evening.

"You're going to spoil me," she'd said.

"That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing."

He'd pulled out her chair, and she'd sat down, still admiring the surroundings. Their dinner was served in courses, each beautifully prepared. They talked about the music they'd heard, their favorite places to visit, and the things they enjoyed doing when they had time to themselves.

At one point, Krisana had looked around the empty terrace and asked, "How much did you have to pay to get this place to yourself?"

Theo had smiled. "Enough."

"Theodore!"

"What?"

"That's not an answer."

"It's the only one I'm prepared to give."

She'd laughed. "You're impossible."

"So I've been told."

After dessert, he'd suggested a short walk through the gardens. The attendants had remained behind, leaving them alone beneath the soft glow of the pathway lights.

Krisana remembered how comfortable she'd felt walking beside him. They'd talked about little things, occasionally stopping to admire a flower or listen to the distant music. When they reached a small pavilion overlooking a reflecting pool, Theo had taken her hand.

"May I have this dance?"

She'd laughed. "There's no dance floor."

He'd glanced at the smooth stone beneath their feet. "It appears perfectly suitable to me."

"Theodore, I'm wearing an evening gown."

"Which makes the occasion particularly appropriate."

She'd shaken her head, smiling as she placed her hand in his.

He was an excellent dancer. His movements were smooth and confident, and he guided her effortlessly across the small pavilion. She'd rested her hand on his shoulder while his arm settled comfortably around her waist.

For several minutes, they danced without speaking.

Then she'd looked up at him.

"Where did you learn to dance like this?"

"I've had considerable practice."

"Another mysterious answer."

He'd smiled. "Would you prefer I step on your toes?"

"Absolutely not. These shoes cost too much."

His laughter had echoed softly through the garden.

When the music slowed, he'd drawn her a little closer. Krisana had felt the warmth of his hand against her back and the gentle pressure of his fingers around hers.

She hadn't wanted the dance to end.

Neither, apparently, had he.

When the final notes faded, Theo continued holding her.

"Krisana?"

"Yes?"

"May I kiss you?"

She'd smiled. "You really are old-fashioned."

"Is that a problem?"

"Not even a little."

He'd lowered his head and kissed her.

It had been gentle at first, almost tentative. But when she'd slipped her hand behind his neck and moved closer, he'd wrapped his arm more securely around her waist.

Krisana remembered the warmth of his lips and the way her heart had raced when he deepened the kiss. She'd been kissed before, certainly, but there was something about Theo's tenderness that made the moment feel different.

When they finally separated, she'd smiled up at him.

"Well."

He'd chuckled softly. "Well, indeed."

"You're full of surprises, Theodore Bellamy."

"I hope they're pleasant ones."

She'd laughed. "So far."

He'd kissed her again, and for several wonderful moments, she'd forgotten about everything except the man holding her.

"Krisana!"

Patrice's voice pulled her from the memory.

She blinked and realized she'd been smiling at absolutely nothing for the past several seconds.

"What?"

Patrice was watching her with an enormous grin. "Girl, where did you go?"

Krisana laughed. "I was thinking about Saturday."

"I can tell. You've got that look on your face again."

"What look?"

"The one that says you're in trouble."

Krisana shook her head. "It was a wonderful evening, Patrice."

"How wonderful?"

"He arranged a private dinner at the botanical gardens. The place was closed to everyone else, and he'd had this beautiful table set up beneath the lights. After dinner, we walked through the gardens, and he asked me to dance."

Patrice stared at her. "At the botanical gardens?"

"Yes."

"After taking you to the symphony?"

"Yes."

"And he had the whole place arranged just for the two of you?"

Krisana nodded.

Patrice slowly leaned back in her chair. "Well, damn."

Krisana burst out laughing.

"That's exactly what I thought."

Patrice studied her for a moment. "Did he kiss you?"

Krisana smiled.

"Oh, he kissed you."

"Yes."

"And?"

"And what?"

"Girl, if I have to drag every detail out of you, we're going to be here all day."

Krisana laughed. "It was wonderful."

Patrice clapped her hands. "Finally! Somebody who knows how to treat you."

"Don't get carried away. It's only been a couple of dates."

"Maybe, but you've been smiling like a fool all morning, and I haven't seen you this happy about a man in years."

Krisana looked down at her desk, unable to deny it.

Patrice's expression softened. "Just enjoy it, Krisana. You deserve something good."

"I am enjoying it."

"Then stop worrying so much about what you don't know yet. You'll figure it out."

Krisana nodded, although she wasn't entirely certain her friend was right.

By the time Patrice left for the afternoon, Krisana had finally managed to finish the Henderson proposal and return several client calls. She shut down her computer and began gathering her belongings.

Her phone vibrated.

A message from Theo.

I hope your day has been pleasant. I've been thinking about Saturday evening.

Krisana smiled and typed her response.

So have I.

His reply came almost immediately.

Would you allow me the pleasure of seeing you again this week?

She laughed softly.

Theodore Bellamy certainly had a way with words.

I'd like that. Call me tonight and we'll work something out.

I'll look forward to it.

She slipped the phone into her purse, still smiling.

As she drove home, she thought about the strange turn her life had taken. Less than two weeks earlier, Theodore had been a handsome stranger standing too close to an expensive cake. Now she looked forward to hearing his voice every evening and found herself wondering when she'd see him again.

She liked his humor, his thoughtfulness, and the old-fashioned manners that seemed so natural to him. She liked that he remembered little things she mentioned and found ways to make her feel special.

And she liked kissing him.

Good Lord, did she like kissing him.

She laughed at herself as she stopped at a traffic light.

The problem was that she was beginning to feel something much deeper than attraction.

She'd been in relationships before. She'd experienced the excitement of meeting someone new, the pleasure of getting to know him, and the disappointment of discovering that the man she'd imagined wasn't quite the man she'd found.

Every boyfriend or lover she'd had eventually revealed some peculiar behavior she couldn't accept. Some had been amusing at first, while others had become impossible to overlook.

She didn't expect perfection. She was old enough to know that everyone had quirks.

But she was beginning to wonder whether she had some strange talent for finding men whose quirks eventually turned into disasters.

Theo was certainly unusual. He avoided personal questions with an ease that suggested years of practice, spoke as though he'd stepped out of another century, and seemed to possess an endless supply of historical knowledge.

Yet none of those things had bothered her enough to diminish her attraction.

If anything, his peculiarities had made him more interesting.

That was what frightened her.

Somewhere between their first cup of coffee, their nightly conversations, and that extraordinary evening at the botanical gardens, she'd begun falling for Theodore Bellamy.

Not simply enjoying his company.

Not merely looking forward to another date.

Falling for him.

And she still knew next to nothing about his life.

Krisana pulled into her driveway and sat for a moment before turning off the engine.

"Please, Theodore," she murmured. "Whatever your particular brand of crazy is, let it be something I can live with."

Because for the first time in a long while, she'd met a man she genuinely wanted to keep in her life.

And she was terrified that, sooner or later, she'd discover something about him that would make that impossible.

Chapter Four

Krisana had spent most of the afternoon wondering whether she'd lost her mind. She'd invited Theodore Bellamy to her house for dinner, and somewhere between selecting the menu and changing her bedsheets, she'd begun entertaining ideas that had absolutely nothing to do with food.

She checked the chicken roasting in the oven, adjusted the temperature, and glanced at the clock. Theo wasn't due for another twenty minutes. She had plenty of time to finish getting ready, but she'd already changed clothes twice and was seriously considering a third attempt.

Her original choice had been a casual sundress. Then she'd decided it was too casual. The second outfit was a pair of fitted jeans and a blouse, which she'd discarded because she wore something similar to work almost every day. Finally, she'd settled on a soft burgundy dress that stopped just above her knees.

It was comfortable, flattering, and showed enough leg to make her intentions clear without looking as though she was trying too hard.

She looked down at herself and laughed.

"Girl, you're forty years old. Get a grip."

It wasn't as though she'd never invited a man to dinner before. She'd certainly never spent this much time debating what to wear in her own house.

But Theodore was different.

Over the past several weeks, he'd become a regular part of her life. They talked almost every evening, sometimes for hours, and she'd begun looking forward to those conversations more than she cared to admit. He was funny, intelligent, attentive, and surprisingly romantic. He also possessed an extraordinary ability to avoid answering personal questions without telling an outright lie.

She still hadn't figured out exactly where he lived or who employed him, but she'd learned that he loved classical music, enjoyed reading, had traveled extensively, and possessed strong opinions about the way people wasted their lives worrying about things they couldn't change.

He remembered everything she told him. Everything. If she mentioned liking a particular food, he remembered. If she complained about a difficult client, he asked how the situation had been resolved. When she told him that her father had a doctor's appointment, he remembered to ask whether everything had gone well.

There was something reassuring about that kind of attention.

And then there were his kisses.

Krisana smiled as she remembered the evening at the botanical gardens. Theo had kissed her as though he had all the time in the world, and she'd spent the following days wondering what it would feel like to have him hold her without an expensive evening gown between them.

She wasn't ashamed of wanting him. They were consenting adults, and the attraction between them was obvious.

Tonight, she hoped they might finally do something about it.

Her doorbell rang.

Krisana glanced at the clock.

Six forty-two.

She laughed. Theo had a habit of arriving early, although never so early that it was inconvenient. She sometimes wondered whether he sat somewhere nearby watching the minutes tick down until he could reasonably appear at her door.

She opened it with a smile. "You're early."

Theo stood on her porch holding a bottle of wine and a small bakery box. He wore dark trousers and a cream-colored sweater that emphasized his broad shoulders. His smile widened when he saw her.

"I hope that's not a problem."

"Not at all. Come in."

He stepped inside, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. Krisana caught the familiar scent of his cologne and found herself wishing he'd aimed a little closer to her mouth.

"I brought wine and dessert," he said, handing her the items.

"You're spoiling me again."

"I was under the impression that was permitted."

She laughed. "Highly encouraged, actually."

He smiled, and that was when she noticed it.

Gray hair.

Not much, but enough that she could see silver beginning to appear around his temples. There were a few strands in his beard too, particularly near his chin. She hadn't noticed them during their previous date, although the lighting in the gardens had been dim.

She studied him a moment longer.

There were faint lines at the corners of his eyes as well. Crow's feet. Nothing unusual for a man his age, except she was almost certain they hadn't been there when they first met.

"Something wrong?" Theo asked.

Krisana blinked. "No. I was just looking at you."

"A rather pleasant activity, I hope."

She smiled. "Very pleasant."

He chuckled and followed her into the kitchen.

As she put the wine in the refrigerator, she glanced at him again. The changes were subtle, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he looked older.

Maybe she simply hadn't examined him closely enough before.

"Would you like something to drink?" she asked.

"Water would be wonderful."

"Of course it would."

He raised an eyebrow. "Is there something wrong with water?"

"Nothing at all. You just happen to be the only man I've ever dated who consistently turns down alcohol."

"I've had enough unpleasant experiences with it to appreciate the advantages of sobriety."

Krisana grinned. "That sounds like there's a story behind it."

"Several, actually."

"Care to share one?"

He considered the question. "Perhaps another evening."

She laughed. "There you go again."

"What have I done?"

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing." She handed him a glass of water. "Come on. Dinner's almost ready."

Theo proved to be surprisingly useful in the kitchen. He washed vegetables, arranged the salad, and carried dishes to the dining table without needing detailed instructions. Krisana found herself enjoying the simple domestic activity of preparing a meal with him.

When she asked whether he cooked, he admitted that he knew how but rarely bothered.

"Why not?"

"I have someone who handles most of the household responsibilities."

Krisana looked up from the potatoes she was seasoning. "You have a housekeeper?"

"Yes."

"Full-time?"

"More or less."

She gave him a curious look. "Must be nice."

"She's been with me for a very long time."

"How long?"

"Long enough that she believes she's entitled to tell me what to do."

Krisana laughed. "Sounds like she knows you pretty well."

"Unfortunately, she knows me far too well."

"What's her name?"

"Matilda."

"Well, I already like Matilda."

Theo smiled. "You haven't met her."

"I don't need to. Any woman who can keep you in line deserves respect."

He laughed and shook his head.

"Does Matilda live with you?" Krisana asked.

"She has her own quarters."

"In your house?"

"On the property."

Krisana raised an eyebrow. "You must have a pretty big place."

"It's comfortable."

"Comfortable as in a nice house with a few extra bedrooms, or comfortable as in a mansion?"

Theo considered the question. "It's rather spacious."

She stared at him before bursting out laughing. "Theodore, you are absolutely determined not to tell me where you live, aren't you?"

"I'm not deliberately keeping my address from you."

"Then where is it?"

"In a private community."

"What city?"

"Not one you're familiar with."

"Try me."

He smiled. "I believe your chicken needs attention."

Krisana turned toward the oven. The timer was flashing.

"Oh, shoot."

She hurried to remove the roasting pan, and by the time she'd placed it on the counter, Theo was arranging the final dishes on the dining table.

She looked at him suspiciously.

"You did that on purpose."

"Did what?"

"Changed the subject."

"I merely noticed that dinner was ready."

"Conveniently."

He smiled. "I try to be helpful."

Krisana shook her head, laughing. "One of these days, Theodore Bellamy, I'm going to get a straight answer out of you."

"I have every confidence in your determination."

She couldn't even be annoyed. He'd become so good at redirecting their conversations that she was beginning to find it entertaining.

Strange, but entertaining.

Dinner was relaxed and enjoyable. Krisana had prepared roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and a salad. Theo complimented everything, even asking whether she'd share the recipe for the seasoning she'd used on the chicken.

"That's a family secret," she informed him.

"Ah. Then I won't ask you to betray your ancestors."

She laughed. "My grandmother would probably haunt me."

"Then we certainly shouldn't risk it."

They talked about her business and an upcoming wedding that had already developed several complications. Theo listened with obvious amusement as she described the bride's mother, who had rejected four different wedding cake designs because none of them looked sufficiently expensive.

"How does a cake look expensive?" he asked.

"Apparently, it needs enough gold decorations to make you wonder whether you should eat it or put it in a safe."

Theo laughed. "That sounds rather impractical."

"Welcome to the wedding industry."

When they finished eating, Theo helped clear the table despite her protests. He insisted it was only fair since she'd prepared the meal.

Krisana appreciated that. She'd dated men who seemed to believe a home-cooked dinner included maid service.

They took dessert into the living room, settling together on the sofa with generous slices of lemon cake.

A jazz playlist played softly through the speakers, and Krisana found herself relaxing against the cushions.

"This is nice," she said.

Theo smiled. "Very."

"Different from the symphony and botanical gardens, though."

"Not every enjoyable evening requires an elaborate setting."

"I'm glad you realize that. I was beginning to wonder how you planned to top our last date."

"I wasn't trying to establish a competition."

"Good, because eventually you would've had to rent the moon."

He laughed. "That would present certain logistical difficulties."

"Only certain ones?"

"Quite a few, actually."

She shook her head, smiling. "You really are something else."

He looked at her with an expression she couldn't quite interpret. "Is that a good thing?"

"So far."

His smile softened.

Krisana studied his face again. The silver strands in his beard were more noticeable in the lamplight, and she could see fine lines near his mouth that she didn't remember from before.

She reached toward him, gently touching the hair at his temple.

"You're getting gray."

Theo went still for a moment before smiling. "It happens."

"I know, but I don't remember seeing this before."

"Perhaps you weren't looking closely enough."

"Maybe." She tilted her head. "You're still handsome, though."

"I'm relieved to hear it."

She laughed. "What are you, thirty-five?"

"Something like that."

"Something like that? Theodore, most people know how old they are."

"I know precisely how old I am."

"Then why won't you tell me?"

He smiled. "Would it make a difference?"

"Not really. I'm just curious."

"Then perhaps we can leave a little mystery in our relationship."

Krisana considered him for a moment. It was another nonanswer, but she wasn't going to let it spoil their evening.

"Fine. Keep your secrets." She leaned closer. "But I should warn you, I have an excellent memory."

"As do I."

"Then remember that I intend to get to the bottom of all this eventually."

He chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

She smiled and reached for the remote, lowering the music slightly. "Tell me something, Theodore. Do you ever relax?"

"I'm relaxing now."

"No, I mean really relax. No schedules, no responsibilities, no worrying about what comes next."

He looked at her thoughtfully. "Not often."

"That's a shame."

"Perhaps."

"Well, tonight you're off duty. Whatever it is you do for a living, it can survive without you for a few hours."

Theo smiled. "I'll do my best."

They spent the next hour talking, listening to music, and laughing about some of Krisana's more disastrous dating experiences. She carefully avoided mentioning her most recent ex, but she did tell Theo about the man who'd insisted on taking her camping despite knowing she'd never expressed any interest in sleeping outdoors.

"He told me it would be romantic," she explained. "A tent beneath the stars, a campfire, and breakfast cooked over an open flame."

"That sounds pleasant enough."

"It might have been if he hadn't forgotten the tent poles."

Theo stared at her. "How does one forget the poles?"

"Excellent question. Apparently, he'd borrowed the tent from his brother and didn't check what was inside the bag."

"What did you do?"

"I went home."

Theo burst out laughing.

"He spent the night sleeping in his truck because he refused to admit the trip was a disaster."

"Was that the end of the relationship?"

"Not immediately. But it certainly didn't help."

Theo smiled. "You seem to have had some interesting experiences."

"That's one way of putting it."

He studied her for a moment. "And yet you're willing to take another chance."

Krisana looked at him. "I don't believe one man's foolishness should prevent me from meeting someone better."

"That's a rather admirable outlook."

"Well, I try." She smiled. "Besides, I haven't decided whether you're better yet."

He laughed. "Then I'll endeavor to make a favorable impression."

"You've been doing pretty well."

Their eyes met, and the playful atmosphere shifted.

Krisana was suddenly aware of how close they were sitting. Theo's arm rested along the back of the sofa, and his knee brushed hers.

She'd wanted him all evening.

Now that they were alone and comfortable, she saw no reason to pretend otherwise.

She moved closer, resting her hand against his chest.

"Theodore?"

"Yes?"

"Are you going to kiss me, or do I have to make an appointment?"

He laughed softly. "I wasn't aware one was required."

"With you, I can never be sure."

His smile widened as he leaned toward her. "Then allow me to correct that."

His lips met hers, and Krisana forgot whatever teasing remark she'd been preparing.

The kiss was warm and unhurried, but it didn't remain gentle for long. She slipped her arms around his neck, drawing him closer, and he responded by wrapping his arms around her waist.

She enjoyed the feel of him against her. The solid warmth of his body, the faint scent of his cologne, and the way his hands rested against her back made it difficult to remember why she'd waited this long to invite him over.

When they separated briefly, she smiled.

"Well, that was worth waiting for."

Theo chuckled. "I'm pleased you approve."

"Very much."

She kissed him again, this time with no intention of keeping things quite so innocent.

Theo responded eagerly, and for several minutes, they were thoroughly occupied with each other. Krisana shifted closer until she was practically in his lap, her fingers moving into the short hair at the back of his head.

He kissed her cheek, then the sensitive spot beneath her ear, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the attention.

"Theodore," she murmured.

"Hmm?"

"You're wearing entirely too many clothes."

He stopped.

For a moment, she thought he hadn't heard her.

Then he gently took her hands and moved back.

Krisana opened her eyes.

His expression had changed. The warmth remained, but he looked uncomfortable.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

She raised an eyebrow. "Theodore, don't start that again."

He gave a nervous little laugh and shifted farther away.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

He looked down at his hands. "I think we should slow down."

Krisana studied him. She hadn't expected that response.

"Okay." She adjusted her dress and sat back against the cushions. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No. Absolutely not."

"Then what's the problem?"

He hesitated.

She waited, watching the faint color rise beneath his skin.

Good heavens. Was he embarrassed?

"Theodore?"

He took a breath. "Krisana, there's something I should tell you."

Her stomach tightened.

Here it came.

She'd known there was something unusual about him. Maybe tonight she'd finally learn what it was.

"All right. I'm listening."

He glanced toward her, then away again.

"I've never..."

She waited.

He cleared his throat.

"I've never been intimate with anyone."

Krisana stared at him.

For a moment, she wasn't certain she'd heard correctly.

"Intimate?"

He nodded.

"As in..."

"Yes."

She blinked.

Then laughed.

"Oh, Theodore, that's a good one."

He didn't laugh.

Her smile slowly faded.

"Wait. You're serious?"

"Quite."

She sat up straighter.

"Theodore, are you telling me you've never had sex?"

He nodded.

Krisana stared.

Then looked at the ceiling.

Then back at him.

"Never?"

"No."

"Not once?"

"No."

"Not even...?"

"Krisana."

She held up a hand. "I'm sorry. I'm just trying to process this."

He looked uncomfortable, and she immediately regretted making him feel that way.

She knew he was telling the truth. Theodore might be evasive about certain subjects, but she'd never caught him telling an outright lie.

Still, this was unexpected.

Very unexpected.

She studied the handsome man sitting beside her. He was confident, sophisticated, well-traveled, and possessed the sort of old-fashioned charm she'd assumed came from experience with women.

Apparently, she'd been wrong about at least one part of that assumption.

"Can I ask why?"

Theo looked relieved that she wasn't laughing anymore.

"It's a personal decision."

"Religious?"

"Not exactly."

"Then what?"

He considered his answer carefully.

"I believe intimacy should be shared within marriage."

Krisana leaned back.

Well.

That explained quite a bit.

"You don't believe in sex before marriage?"

"No."

"At all?"

He smiled faintly. "That is generally what the principle means."

She laughed despite herself. "Don't get smart with me, Theodore. I'm trying to understand."

"My apologies."

She studied him for another moment.

"Have you always felt that way?"

"Yes."

"And you've never been tempted to change your mind?"

He glanced at her, his expression warming.

"I assure you, Krisana, temptation has never been the problem."

She felt her cheeks grow warm.

"Oh."

He smiled.

She looked away for a moment, collecting her thoughts.

The evening had certainly taken an unexpected turn.

She'd spent most of the afternoon hoping they would become physically intimate, and now she was sitting beside a man who intended to remain a virgin until his wedding night.

Good Lord.

She had a talent for finding unusual men.

But this wasn't the sort of oddity she'd encountered before.

Theo wasn't asking her to accept some bizarre behavior or participate in something that made her uncomfortable. He was simply establishing a personal boundary.

And she respected that.

She turned back to him.

"Theodore, I wish you'd told me before things got so heated."

"I wasn't certain how to bring it up."

"Well, telling me you didn't want to go any further would've been a good start."

He nodded. "You're right."

"And you don't need to apologize for having boundaries."

He looked at her.

She smiled. "I'm disappointed, don't misunderstand me. I had some very entertaining plans for this evening."

Theo laughed, the tension easing from his shoulders.

"I'm beginning to suspect that."

"Oh, you have no idea."

His laughter grew.

Krisana reached for his hand.

"But I respect your decision. If waiting until marriage is important to you, then that's what we'll do."

He studied her. "You're certain?"

"Yes."

"You don't find it strange?"

She considered that.

"Unusual? Absolutely. Strange? Maybe a little. But not in a bad way." She squeezed his hand. "Theodore, I've dated men with some truly ridiculous habits. A man who respects himself enough to stand by his convictions isn't something I'm going to complain about."

His expression softened.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

She leaned closer and kissed his cheek.

Then she smiled mischievously.

"Besides, there's still plenty we can do without breaking your rules."

Theo raised an eyebrow.

"Krisana."

"What?" she asked innocently.

He laughed.

She laughed with him, relieved that the awkwardness had passed.

After a moment, she settled beside him again, resting her head against his shoulder.

Theo slipped his arm around her.

They sat quietly for a while, listening to the music.

Krisana found herself thinking about everything she'd learned that evening.

Not where he lived.

Not who employed him.

Not even his precise age.

She'd learned something far more personal.

He had trusted her enough to reveal something that clearly embarrassed him, and she'd seen how difficult it had been for him to say the words.

That touched her.

For all his evasiveness, Theodore Bellamy seemed to be a genuinely good man.

Perhaps a little too old-fashioned for his own good, but good nonetheless.

She could live with old-fashioned.

In fact, she was beginning to think she rather liked it.

"Theodore?"

"Yes?"

"Can I ask one more question?"

He chuckled. "Of course."

"You're not going to tell me you're secretly a monk, are you?"

He burst out laughing.

"No, Krisana. I'm not a monk."

"Good. Because that would've complicated things considerably."

He laughed again and kissed the top of her head.

Krisana smiled.

She'd invited a handsome man to dinner hoping to end the evening in her bedroom. Instead, she'd discovered that he was a virgin who believed in waiting until marriage.

It wasn't remotely what she'd expected.

But as she rested comfortably against him, she realized something surprising.

She wasn't nearly as disappointed as she thought she'd be.

Theo was worth getting to know, even if it meant exercising a little patience.

And patience, she reminded herself, was supposed to be a virtue.

Although she suspected that dating Theodore Bellamy was going to test hers considerably.

Chapter Five

Patrice Williams was having a difficult time believing what she was hearing.

"Wait a minute. You're telling me that you and Theodore have been seeing each other for almost two months, and you still haven't slept together?"

Krisana didn't bother looking up from her computer. "That's what I said."

"Not once?"

"No, Patrice."

"Not even a little?"

Krisana stopped typing and turned toward her friend. "Would you please explain how two people have a little sex?"

"You know what I mean."

"Unfortunately, I do."

Patrice rolled her chair closer to Krisana's desk. "Okay, something isn't adding up. You like this man. He obviously likes you. He takes you to expensive restaurants, arranges private dinners in botanical gardens, and calls you practically every night. But you two haven't done anything?"

"We've kissed."

Patrice stared at her. "Kissed?"

"Yes."

"Girl, you're forty years old, not fourteen."

Krisana laughed. "I'm aware of my age, thank you."

"Then what is going on?"

"Nothing is going on."

"Exactly! That's what I'm trying to understand."

Krisana shook her head and returned to her computer. "It's a personal decision, Patrice. We're taking our time."

"Whose decision?"

"Ours."

Patrice narrowed her eyes. "Was that a joint decision, or did one of you make it and the other decide to go along?"

Krisana looked at her. "Why does it matter?"

"Because I know you. You've been talking about that man like he's the last piece of chocolate cake at a birthday party. Now you're telling me you've decided to admire him from across the room?"

Krisana burst out laughing. "You are ridiculous."

"And you're avoiding my question."

"Maybe because it's none of your business."

Patrice pressed a hand against her chest. "None of my business? After everything I've been through with you? After listening to you complain about every sorry excuse for a boyfriend you've ever had?"

"Especially after that."

Patrice leaned back, studying her. "There's something you're not telling me."

"Several things, actually."

"Oh, that's comforting."

Krisana smiled. She loved Patrice, but there were limits to what she was willing to share, even with her closest friend. Theodore's decision to wait until marriage was personal, and she wasn't about to turn it into office entertainment.

She'd been surprised when he told her. Very surprised. She still occasionally found herself wondering how a handsome, sophisticated man could reach his age without ever having been intimate with a woman.

But he'd trusted her enough to tell her the truth, and she intended to respect that trust.

Besides, although she was disappointed by the restriction, she hadn't found it nearly as difficult to accept as she'd expected.

Theodore was affectionate. He held her hand, kissed her, and made no secret of his attraction to her. He simply refused to let their physical relationship progress beyond the boundaries he'd established.

There was something admirable about a man who could stand by his convictions even when doing so clearly required effort.

And Theo had definitely been making an effort.

Krisana smiled at the memory of their last evening together. He'd kissed her goodbye at her front door, and for a few wonderful moments, she'd thought he might reconsider his position.

Instead, he'd stepped back, taken a deep breath, and told her he should leave before he forgot how to behave like a gentleman.

She'd laughed and informed him that she'd be perfectly happy if he misbehaved a little.

He'd kissed her forehead, chuckled, and left.

That had been nearly two weeks ago.

Her smile faded.

"What's wrong?" Patrice asked.

Krisana glanced up. "Nothing."

"Don't give me that. You were smiling a minute ago, and now you look like somebody canceled Christmas."

Krisana sighed. "It's Theodore."

Patrice straightened. "What about him?"

"He's been canceling our dates."

"How many?"

"Three."

"In a row?"

"Yes."

Patrice's expression changed. "Okay, now that's different. What's his excuse?"

"Work. He says he's been having some difficulties that require his attention."

"Do you believe him?"

Krisana hesitated. "I believe he has responsibilities."

"That's not what I asked."

"I know."

Patrice studied her. "When was the last time you actually saw him?"

"Almost two weeks ago."

"And you're still talking?"

"Every evening. Sometimes during the day, too."

"So he has time to talk but not to see you?"

"Apparently."

Patrice folded her arms. "And that doesn't bother you?"

"Of course it bothers me."

"Then why haven't you said something?"

"I have. He apologizes and says he'll make it up to me."

"Has he?"

"Not yet."

Patrice shook her head. "I don't like the sound of that."

Neither did Krisana.

What she hadn't told Patrice was that Theodore's appearance had begun to worry her long before he started canceling their dates.

The first changes had been subtle. A little silver at his temples, a few gray strands in his beard, fine lines near his eyes. She'd assumed she'd simply overlooked them when they first met.

But with each passing week, the changes had become more noticeable.

During their last dinner together, Theo had looked considerably older than the handsome man she'd met in the hotel ballroom. His hair was now heavily streaked with silver, and the lines around his eyes and mouth were more pronounced.

He was still handsome. In fact, she rather liked the distinguished appearance the gray hair gave him.

But the speed of the transformation was unsettling.

She'd finally asked whether he was ill.

Theo had assured her that he wasn't.

When she pressed him about the changes, he'd told her that his body sometimes behaved in unusual ways, but there was nothing to worry about.

That explanation had been about as useful as telling someone a house was on fire but insisting the flames were perfectly normal.

Now she was noticing something else.

His voice.

He still sounded like Theodore. She recognized the deep, pleasant tone the moment he spoke. His laugh was familiar, and his careful pronunciation hadn't changed.

But there was something different beneath it. A slight roughness that hadn't been there before. Sometimes his voice sounded thinner, almost breathless after he'd been talking for a while.

Last night, she'd caught herself thinking he sounded like an old man.

The thought had frightened her.

"Krisana?"

She looked up.

Patrice was watching her closely. "You're doing it again."

"Doing what?"

"Disappearing into your own head. What's going on?"

Krisana hesitated before answering. "Have you ever known someone whose appearance changed dramatically in a short period?"

Patrice frowned. "What kind of changes?"

"Like suddenly looking much older."

"Older how?"

"Gray hair, wrinkles, things like that."

Patrice considered the question. "I've seen people age quickly when they're under a lot of stress. Why?"

"Theodore looks different."

"Different how?"

"Older."

Patrice leaned forward. "How much older?"

Krisana sighed. "When I first met him, he looked like he was in his mid-thirties. Now he looks like he could be in his fifties."

Patrice stared at her.

"Krisana."

"I know."

"No, seriously. You're telling me this man has aged twenty years in less than two months?"

"That's what it looks like."

"Have you asked him about it?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"He says he's fine."

Patrice shook her head. "Something is definitely wrong."

"I know."

"Maybe he's sick."

"He says he isn't."

"People say all kinds of things when they don't want somebody worrying about them."

Krisana looked down at her desk. That possibility had occurred to her more than once.

What if Theodore had some serious illness he didn't want to discuss? What if the changes in his appearance were connected to a medical condition? It might explain why he'd become reluctant to see her.

But if that were the case, why wouldn't he simply tell her?

She cared about him. Surely he knew that by now.

"There's something else," she admitted.

Patrice raised an eyebrow. "Lord, what now?"

"His voice has changed."

"Changed?"

"He still sounds like himself, but sometimes he sounds much older. Like he's in his seventies or something."

Patrice stared at her for several seconds before slowly leaning back.

"Okay. That's it."

Krisana frowned. "What's it?"

"We need to find out who this man really is."

"I know who he is."

"No, you know his name. At least, you know the name he gave you."

Krisana folded her arms. "Patrice."

"I'm serious. You don't know where he lives, you don't know who he works for, and apparently you don't even know how old he is."

"That doesn't mean he's lying."

"Then what does it mean?"

"I don't know."

"Exactly." Patrice reached for her phone. "I think you should hire a private investigator."

Krisana stared at her. "Absolutely not."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm not having somebody follow Theodore around like he's a criminal."

"Nobody said anything about following him. A good investigator could check his background, verify his employment, find out where he lives."

"Patrice, no."

"Don't you want to know the truth?"

"Of course I do."

"Then what's the problem?"

Krisana pushed her chair back and stood. "What kind of relationship would we have if I couldn't trust him enough to let him tell me about himself?"

Patrice didn't hesitate.

"An honest one."

Krisana turned toward her.

Patrice shrugged. "You asked."

"That's not funny."

"I wasn't joking."

Krisana shook her head. "You can't build a relationship by investigating the person you're dating."

"And you can't build one with somebody who refuses to tell you anything about himself."

"He's told me plenty."

"About his favorite music and what he thinks about history. That's not the same as telling you who he is."

Krisana opened her mouth, then closed it.

She hated when Patrice made sense.

Her friend softened her tone. "Look, I'm not saying Theodore is a bad man. I liked him when I met him. He seemed polite, charming, and genuinely interested in you. But something isn't right, Krisana, and you know it."

"I know."

"Then why won't you let somebody check him out?"

"Because it feels like a betrayal."

Patrice studied her. "Even if he's keeping something from you?"

"Especially then. If he's hiding something important, I want him to trust me enough to tell me himself."

"And if he never does?"

Krisana looked away.

She didn't have an answer for that.

That evening, Krisana was curled up on her sofa when Theodore called.

She answered on the second ring.

"Hello, handsome."

His familiar chuckle warmed her. "Good evening, beautiful."

She smiled. "How was your day?"

"Long. Yours?"

"Productive. Patrice only threatened to commit murder twice, so I'd call that a success."

Theo laughed, although the sound ended in a small cough.

Krisana sat up. "Are you all right?"

"Perfectly."

"You coughed."

"Even perfectly healthy people cough occasionally."

"True. But you've been sounding different lately."

There was a pause.

"Different?"

"Your voice. It's changed."

"I hadn't noticed."

"Well, I have."

He was quiet for a moment before asking, "Does it bother you?"

"Not the sound itself. I'm worried about you."

"There's no need."

"Theodore, you keep saying that, but you won't tell me what's happening."

Another pause.

Krisana could hear him breathing.

She closed her eyes. Even that sounded different. Slower, more deliberate.

"Are you sick?" she asked.

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

"Then why won't you see me?"

He sighed. "It's complicated."

Krisana groaned. "Oh, Lord. If I had a dollar for every time you've told me something was complicated, I could retire."

His laughter came through the phone, softer than usual.

"I'm sorry."

"Then stop apologizing and come see me."

"I want to."

"So what's stopping you?"

He hesitated.

Krisana waited, hoping that for once he'd give her a straight answer.

"I have some personal matters to resolve."

"What kind of matters?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

She pressed her lips together. "Theodore, whether you like it or not, I worry about people I care about."

He was silent.

For a moment, she wondered whether she'd said too much.

Then he spoke quietly. "You care about me?"

Krisana's expression softened. "You know I do."

"I care about you too."

His words warmed her, but they also made his continued reluctance to see her more frustrating.

"Then why does it feel like you're pulling away?"

"I'm not trying to hurt you, Krisana."

"That's not what I asked."

"I know."

She sighed. "Look, I'm not asking you to spend every waking moment with me. I have a business to run, and I know you have responsibilities. But I would like to see you occasionally. Preferably before I qualify for senior discounts."

Theo laughed, and this time the sound was so familiar that she smiled despite herself.

"I'll see what I can arrange."

"Theodore."

"Yes?"

"That's not a promise."

"No, it isn't."

She appreciated the honesty, even though it wasn't what she'd wanted to hear.

They talked for another half hour. He asked about her parents, her business, and whether the Hendersons had finally abandoned their idea of having live flamingos at their anniversary celebration.

"They have," she informed him. "Apparently, the venue threatened to cancel the entire event if they brought livestock into the ballroom."

"Are flamingos considered livestock?"

"I have no idea, but I wasn't about to correct anybody."

Theo laughed again.

For a while, the conversation felt normal. She told him about a client who wanted a chocolate fountain at an outdoor wedding in August, and he expressed understandable concern about how well melted chocolate would hold up in the Texas heat.

But every now and then, she heard that unfamiliar roughness in his voice.

It made her stomach tighten.

When they finally said goodnight, Krisana held the phone for several moments before setting it aside.

She wanted to believe him.

She wanted to trust that whatever was happening, he would eventually explain it.

But Patrice's suggestion kept returning to her.

A private investigator could probably find answers within a few days. She could learn where Theodore lived, what he did for a living, whether he'd ever been married, and perhaps even discover why he seemed to be aging so rapidly.

The temptation was stronger than she wanted to admit.

Krisana reached for her phone and opened her contacts. She knew several people who could recommend a reputable investigator. In her line of work, she'd occasionally encountered clients who needed help with background checks and other personal matters.

It wouldn't be difficult.

She could make one call.

Perhaps two.

Within a week, she might finally know the truth.

She stared at the screen.

Then closed it.

"No," she said aloud.

She couldn't do it.

Not because she wasn't curious. She was practically drowning in curiosity. But she cared about Theodore, and she didn't want their relationship to become something built on suspicion and secret investigations.

If he was keeping something from her, she wanted him to tell her because he trusted her, not because she'd hired someone to uncover it.

Of course, that left her with a rather uncomfortable problem.

What if he never told her?

Krisana leaned back against the sofa and stared at the ceiling.

She'd promised herself after her last relationship that she wouldn't ignore warning signs again. She'd spent too much time making excuses for men whose behavior eventually became impossible to tolerate.

And now here she was, dating a man who wouldn't tell her where he lived, refused to discuss his employer, appeared to be aging at an impossible rate, and had suddenly developed a preference for telephone conversations over seeing her in person.

If Patrice knew everything, she'd probably have an investigator parked outside Krisana's house by morning.

Krisana laughed softly at the thought.

Then her smile faded.

The truth was, she was falling in love with Theodore Bellamy.

And that made everything more complicated.

She couldn't dismiss him as just another odd man. She'd seen too much kindness in him, felt too much genuine affection, and shared too many wonderful moments to believe he was deliberately trying to deceive her.

Yet she couldn't deny that something was wrong.

Something significant.

Krisana looked down at her phone again.

She wouldn't hire an investigator.

She wouldn't go digging through his life behind his back.

But she also wasn't going to pretend forever that his secrecy didn't matter.

Sooner or later, Theodore would have to decide whether he trusted her enough to tell her the truth.

And when that day came, she hoped whatever he had to say wouldn't destroy the feelings she'd begun to have for him.

Because she was beginning to suspect that losing Theodore Bellamy would hurt considerably more than losing any of the strange men who'd come before him.

Chapter Six

Theodore Bellamy stood before the enormous mirror in his dressing room, staring at a face he barely wanted to acknowledge.

His hair was almost entirely white now. The beard he'd worn so confidently when he'd first met Krisana Carter had gone from neatly trimmed black to a distinguished mixture of silver and white. Deep lines surrounded his mouth, and the crow's feet she'd noticed several weeks earlier had become pronounced wrinkles.

His shoulders had begun to stoop, and his hands were no longer as steady as they had been in May.

He looked like a man approaching eighty.

Which, considering it was only the beginning of July, was particularly irritating.

"Well, you look terrible."

Theo closed his eyes.

"Good morning to you too, Horace."

The enormous grandfather clock standing near the dressing room door gave a cheerful chime.

Then another.

And another.

Theo waited through twelve perfectly measured strikes before the clock delivered a thirteenth.

He turned slowly.

"Really?"

A small golden face appeared in the center of the clock, wearing an expression of considerable satisfaction.

"Good heavens, Theodore. Can't a clock have a little fun?"

"Not when it's deliberately striking the wrong hour."

"The correct hour is entirely a matter of perspective."

"No, it isn't."

Horace chuckled.

He'd been doing this for nearly four centuries. The enchanted clock kept perfect time, but whenever he wanted to irritate someone, he added an extra chime. According to Horace, it was his way of reminding Father Time that even clocks deserved a little rebellion.

Theo had never found the joke particularly amusing.

"You know," Horace continued, "if you spent half as much time enjoying your existence as you do correcting mine, you might actually be pleasant company."

"I'm perfectly pleasant company."

"Of course you are. That's why you've been wandering around this house looking as though someone canceled your birthday."

Theo glanced back at the mirror.

"My birthday is hardly something I look forward to."

"True. Most people don't celebrate by losing seventy years overnight."

Theo frowned.

"Seventy-five, depending on the year."

"Precisely. Such a cheerful little tradition."

Theo sighed and reached for the dark jacket Matilda had laid out for him.

Being Father Time came with certain peculiarities.

Every January first, his body returned to infancy. Over the following twelve months, he progressed through an entire human lifespan, growing from a helpless newborn to an elderly man before the cycle began again.

His memories remained intact. His intelligence, experiences, and understanding of his responsibilities never disappeared.

Unfortunately, the physical limitations associated with each stage of life were very real.

As an infant, he couldn't walk, speak, or manage his own care. As a toddler, he possessed the mind of a centuries-old man trapped inside a body determined to investigate everything within reach.

By spring, he'd reached adolescence. Late spring and early summer offered the brief pleasure of physical adulthood, and by autumn, he was well into his elderly years.

The transformation was automatic, part of the ancient magic that accompanied his position.

He'd accepted it willingly centuries earlier.

At the time, he'd believed the responsibilities and extraordinary abilities of Father Time would give his life the purpose it had always lacked.

For the most part, they had.

Until he'd met Krisana Carter.

Now every new wrinkle felt like a personal insult.

"You could tell her, you know," Horace said.

Theo fastened his jacket. "We've discussed this."

"And we'll continue discussing it until you stop being an idiot."

"Horace."

"What? You spend centuries complaining that nobody understands you, then you finally meet a woman who might actually want to try, and you decide the sensible thing to do is disappear."

Theo reached for his gold pocket watch.

"I haven't disappeared."

"Not yet."

The clock's golden face vanished, leaving Theo alone with his reflection.

He looked down at the watch in his hand.

The delicate hands moved steadily across its face, maintaining the precise rhythm of passing seconds. The watch was more than an ornament. It was connected to the ancient magic that governed his responsibilities, allowing him to sense disturbances in the natural progression of time.

Usually, he found its familiar ticking reassuring.

Lately, it had become a reminder of everything he couldn't change.

"You're going to be late for breakfast."

Theo turned.

Matilda stood in the doorway, her silver-streaked hair arranged in its customary bun. She wore a pale blue dress and the expression of a woman who'd spent centuries dealing with difficult men and was no longer impressed by any of them.

"I'm not hungry," Theo said.

"That's unfortunate. I've already prepared breakfast."

"Matilda, I'm perfectly capable of deciding whether I want to eat."

"Of course you are. And I'm perfectly capable of deciding whether to listen."

Horace chuckled.

Theo glared at him.

Matilda glanced at the clock. "Don't encourage him, Horace."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

"That's the first lie you've told today."

She turned back to Theo. "Come along. Your breakfast is getting cold, and we need to discuss the arrangements for the coming months."

Theo sighed.

There was no arguing with Matilda.

She'd been his caregiver since his first transformation into Baby New Year, and before that, she'd cared for Chronos, the original Father Time.

She'd seen both men through centuries of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. She supervised the attendants who assisted during the stages when physical limitations made independence impossible.

She also possessed the rather unfortunate belief that caring for someone gave her the right to interfere in his personal affairs.

In Theo's case, she was probably correct.

Unfortunately, that didn't make her interference any less irritating.

Matilda poured tea while Theo settled into a chair at the breakfast table.

His movements were slower than they had been only a few weeks earlier. He could still manage most things independently, but he knew that would change as the year progressed.

By the time winter approached, even ordinary activities would require assistance.

Normally, he accepted that without complaint.

This year, he resented it.

"Have you spoken to her?" Matilda asked.

Theo sighed. "Yes."

"When?"

"Last night."

"And?"

"And what?"

"How is she?"

"Fine."

Matilda set down the teapot. "Theodore."

He looked at her.

"Don't start."

"I'm only asking."

"You've been asking the same question for weeks."

"And you've been avoiding answering it for weeks."

Theo picked up his cup. "Krisana is well. Her business is doing nicely, her parents are healthy, and she's currently planning a wedding for a couple who apparently cannot agree on whether they want a traditional ceremony or something involving medieval costumes."

Matilda smiled. "She sounds delightful."

"She is."

"Then why haven't you brought her here?"

Theo stared at her.

"You know why."

"Because you're afraid."

"Because she doesn't know anything about this world."

"Then perhaps you should introduce her to it."

Theo put down his cup.

"Matilda, human beings don't generally respond well when they're informed that magic exists and the man they've been dating is Father Time."

"Some humans have adjusted quite nicely."

"Under very different circumstances."

"How would you know? You've never given Krisana the opportunity."

He looked away.

Matilda studied him for a moment before speaking again.

"Theodore, you've held this position for centuries. I've watched you form friendships, attend celebrations, and interact with countless humans. But I've never seen you become attached to anyone the way you've become attached to this woman."

"That doesn't mean anything."

"It means everything."

Theo shook his head.

"She deserves a normal life."

"Who says she wants a normal life?"

"Most people do."

"Then why does she keep calling a man who refuses to tell her where he lives?"

He couldn't answer that.

Matilda sat across from him.

"She's already seen the changes in your appearance, hasn't she?"

"Yes."

"And she's still interested in you?"

"Yes."

"Then perhaps you're underestimating her."

Theo rubbed his forehead.

He'd heard that argument before.

From Chronos.

From Horace.

And now from Matilda.

Everyone seemed convinced that telling Krisana the truth would solve everything.

But they weren't the ones who would have to watch her expression change when she learned what he was.

They wouldn't have to explain that the handsome man she'd met in May would become a helpless infant in January.

Or that loving him meant enduring an entire lifetime of physical changes every single year.

He'd never wanted anyone to carry that burden.

Least of all Krisana.

"I'm letting her go," he said quietly.

Matilda stared at him.

"Theodore."

"It's for the best."

"For whom?"

"For her."

"Has she agreed to that?"

"No."

"Then you're making a rather important decision without consulting the person most affected by it."

Theo looked down at his hands.

He hated that she was right.

Matilda reached across the table and covered his hand with hers.

"You're a good man, Theodore. But sometimes your determination to do the right thing makes you terribly foolish."

He managed a faint smile.

"Horace said something similar."

"Then perhaps you should listen to him for once."

From the hallway came the unmistakable sound of thirteen chimes.

Theo closed his eyes.

"Absolutely not."

Matilda laughed.

For a few moments, the room was quiet.

Then Theo looked up.

"There's something I need to do before I let her go."

Matilda studied him.

"What?"

"I want to see her."

"Then go see her."

"No. Not like that."

He glanced toward the window.

"I want to see her with my own eyes one last time. Without explanations. Without questions. I just want to know she's all right."

Matilda's expression softened.

"She won't recognize you."

"I know."

"And that doesn't bother you?"

Theo looked down at his aging hands.

"It bothers me more than you can imagine."

Krisana Carter had spent the better part of Saturday afternoon trying to convince a nervous bride that the wedding wasn't going to collapse simply because the florist had delivered ivory roses instead of white ones.

"They're practically the same color," she'd explained for the third time.

"But I wanted white."

"And we can still replace them if that's what you prefer. But the ceremony begins in forty minutes, and I promise you nobody is going to look at those flowers and wonder whether you've made a terrible mistake."

The bride had finally laughed, allowing Krisana to return to the reception area and check the remaining arrangements.

The wedding was being held at an elegant estate outside Dallas. The ceremony would take place in a garden courtyard, followed by a reception in the adjoining ballroom.

Everything was coming together beautifully.

Which was fortunate, because Krisana's personal life was not.

She hadn't seen Theodore in nearly three weeks.

They still spoke regularly, but the conversations had become shorter, and he seemed increasingly reluctant to discuss when they might see each other again.

Yesterday, she'd asked whether he'd like to have dinner Sunday evening.

He'd told her he couldn't.

When she asked why, he'd said he had responsibilities that required his attention.

She was getting tired of his responsibilities.

And his explanations.

And the uncomfortable feeling that he was slowly removing himself from her life.

"Krisana!"

Patrice hurried toward her, holding a seating chart.

"Table twelve has an extra guest. Apparently, somebody decided to bring a date without bothering to RSVP."

Krisana sighed. "Of course they did."

"Where do you want me to put him?"

"See whether table nine has an empty seat. If not, we'll add another chair to twelve."

"Got it."

Patrice hurried away.

Krisana checked her watch and turned toward the courtyard.

The guests were beginning to arrive.

She moved toward the entrance to make certain the ushers were directing everyone to the correct seats.

That's when she noticed the elderly gentleman.

He stood near the garden entrance, dressed in an impeccably tailored dark suit. His hair was white, his neatly trimmed beard almost entirely silver, and deep lines marked his face.

He was tall, although his shoulders carried the slight stoop of advanced age.

There was something distinguished about him.

Something familiar.

Krisana watched as he presented something to the attendant near the entrance. The young man smiled, nodded, and directed him toward the seating area.

For a moment, she thought about approaching him.

Then one of the bridesmaids appeared with a question about the processional order, and Krisana turned her attention back to work.

By the time she looked again, the elderly man had disappeared among the guests.

Theo sat near the back of the courtyard, carefully positioning himself where he could observe without drawing attention.

He'd arrived through the magical realm, emerging in a secluded area beyond the gardens before approaching the estate like an ordinary guest.

The invitation he'd arranged was legitimate enough to satisfy the attendants, although it hadn't required the bride or groom to know him personally.

He disliked using magic for trivial matters.

But he'd made an exception.

He watched Krisana move through the courtyard with the confidence and energy he'd come to admire.

She wore a tailored navy dress and comfortable heels, her hair swept into an elegant style that kept it away from her face. A headset rested against one ear, and she carried a tablet as she directed the wedding staff.

She looked beautiful.

And busy.

Very busy.

He smiled as she stopped to speak with a guest, then hurried toward the front of the courtyard to correct something involving the musicians.

He could almost hear her complaining about people who couldn't follow simple instructions.

He missed her.

More than he'd imagined possible.

When she glanced in his direction, he felt his chest tighten.

For one extraordinary moment, he wondered whether she'd recognize him.

She didn't.

Her gaze moved past him as she continued checking the preparations.

Of course she didn't.

The man she'd met in May had dark hair, smooth skin, and the physical appearance of someone in his thirties.

The man sitting in the courtyard now looked old enough to be his grandfather.

Theo lowered his gaze to the gold pocket watch resting in his hand.

He closed it.

Then slipped it into his pocket.

He intended to watch the ceremony, make certain Krisana was well, and leave before she noticed him again.

That was the plan.

Unfortunately, plans rarely accounted for Krisana Carter's curiosity.

The wedding went beautifully.

The bride cried, the groom cried, and the groom's mother cried so enthusiastically that Krisana had to send someone for additional tissues.

The reception was equally successful. Guests enjoyed the food, the music was excellent, and nobody complained about the roses.

By the time the newlyweds departed, Krisana was exhausted but satisfied.

She was making one final inspection of the ballroom when she noticed the elderly gentleman again.

He stood near the terrace doors, watching the last few guests leave.

Something about him bothered her.

Not in a frightening way.

She simply had the strongest feeling that she'd met him somewhere before.

She approached with a professional smile.

"Good evening. I hope you enjoyed the wedding."

The gentleman turned.

His dark eyes met hers.

For a moment, Krisana forgot what she'd intended to say.

Those eyes.

There was something about them.

"Very much," he answered.

His voice was deep and pleasant, although roughened with age.

Krisana tilted her head.

"Have we met?"

He smiled gently.

"I don't believe so."

She studied him more closely.

"You look familiar."

"People tell me that quite often."

She laughed softly. "Really?"

"Apparently, I have one of those faces."

Krisana smiled, although she couldn't understand why the answer left her feeling strangely disappointed.

"Well, I hope you enjoyed yourself."

"I did. You've done an excellent job."

"Thank you. That's always nice to hear."

He studied her for a moment.

"You seem very good at what you do."

"I try."

"Do you enjoy it?"

"Most days. Some days I'd rather run away and join the circus."

He chuckled.

And there it was again.

Something familiar.

Krisana stared at him.

The way he laughed.

The way he spoke.

The way his eyes softened when he smiled.

It reminded her of someone.

But that was ridiculous.

She couldn't possibly know this man.

"Are you related to the bride or groom?" she asked.

"Not directly."

"Friend of the family?"

"Something like that."

Krisana laughed.

Another vague answer.

For some reason, it irritated her.

"You sound like somebody I know."

His smile faded slightly.

"Do I?"

"Yes. He never gives a straight answer either."

The gentleman looked down for a moment.

Then smiled again.

"Perhaps he simply values his privacy."

"That's what he says."

Theo felt something tighten in his chest.

He wanted to tell her.

Wanted to reach for her hand and explain everything.

But the elderly man standing before her was not the person she believed Theodore Bellamy to be.

And he couldn't bear the thought of watching recognition turn into horror.

He stepped back.

"I should be going."

Krisana nodded, although she still felt oddly reluctant to let him leave.

"Of course. Have a good evening."

He smiled.

"You too, Krisana."

She blinked.

"How did you know my name?"

He glanced toward the identification badge clipped to her dress.

"Your name badge."

She looked down.

Of course.

She laughed softly.

"Right. Long day."

"I imagine so."

He inclined his head.

"Take care of yourself."

"You too."

She watched him walk toward the ballroom exit.

His movements were slow but steady.

For some reason, she felt a sudden urge to call him back.

To ask another question.

To look into those dark eyes one more time.

But before she could decide what to say, he'd disappeared through the doors.

Krisana shook her head.

"Strange."

She'd never experienced anything quite like that before.

Patrice found her a few minutes later, standing near the ballroom entrance.

"There you are. I've been looking everywhere."

Krisana turned.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Everything's finished. The last vendor is packing up now."

"Good."

Patrice hesitated.

Krisana noticed immediately.

"What?"

"There's something I need to give you."

She reached into her bag and withdrew a large manila envelope.

Krisana frowned.

"What's that?"

Patrice held it out.

"Information about Theodore."

Krisana stared at her.

"What?"

"Remember when I suggested hiring a private investigator?"

"Yes. And I told you no."

"I know."

"Patrice."

"Before he started canceling dates and disappearing on you, I contacted someone."

Krisana stared at her friend.

"You did what?"

"I hired an investigator to check him out."

"Without asking me?"

"Yes."

Krisana folded her arms.

"Patrice, I specifically told you I didn't want that."

"I know, but something about this situation bothered me. You were getting involved with a man you barely knew, and every time you asked a question, he gave you another mysterious answer."

"That doesn't give you the right to investigate him."

"I know."

Krisana blinked.

She hadn't expected Patrice to agree so quickly.

Her friend sighed.

"Look, I was worried about you. Maybe I overstepped, but I wanted to make sure you weren't getting involved with somebody dangerous."

Krisana looked at the envelope.

"What's in there?"

"Whatever the investigator found."

"Did you read it?"

"No."

Krisana looked up sharply.

"You didn't?"

Patrice shook her head.

"I wanted to. Believe me, I wanted to. But after you told me how you felt about trust, I decided I wasn't going to look at his personal information behind your back."

Krisana studied her.

"And yet you still paid someone to find it."

"Yes. I know that doesn't make much sense."

"No, it doesn't."

Patrice held out the envelope again.

"Here. It's yours."

Krisana shook her head.

"I don't want it."

"Then throw it away."

"You throw it away."

"No."

"Patrice."

"Keep it. You might change your mind."

Krisana stared at her friend.

"You're impossible."

"So I've been told."

Despite herself, Krisana almost smiled.

The familiar phrase reminded her of Theo.

Her chest tightened.

She took the envelope.

"I am not opening this."

"That's your decision."

"And I'm still angry with you."

"I figured."

Krisana slipped the envelope into her bag.

Patrice watched her for a moment.

Then said quietly, "I just don't want you getting hurt."

Krisana looked at her friend.

"I know."

It was nearly midnight when Krisana finally returned home.

She kicked off her shoes, dropped her purse on the dining table, and walked into the kitchen for a glass of water.

Her feet hurt.

Her back ached.

And her mind refused to settle.

She hadn't heard from Theodore all day.

That wasn't entirely unusual lately, but something about the silence bothered her.

She'd sent him a message that morning.

Busy day ahead. Wish me luck.

Usually, he would have responded within minutes.

Today, nothing.

She checked her phone again.

Still nothing.

Krisana sighed and set it aside.

Then her gaze fell on the manila envelope protruding from her purse.

She stared at it.

"No."

She took a sip of water.

Walked into the living room.

Returned to the dining room.

Looked at the envelope again.

"Absolutely not."

She picked it up.

Turned it over.

It was sealed.

The investigator's name was printed neatly in the upper corner.

Krisana placed it on the table.

Then sat down.

For several minutes, she simply looked at it.

She didn't want to betray Theodore's trust.

She didn't want to become the kind of woman who hired someone to investigate the man she was dating.

But she was beginning to fear something was terribly wrong.

His appearance.

His voice.

The canceled dates.

The evasive answers.

The complete lack of information about his life.

And now the silence.

She thought about the elderly gentleman she'd met at the wedding.

Those eyes.

That smile.

The familiar cadence of his voice.

It was ridiculous, but something about him had reminded her of Theodore.

Krisana shook her head.

"You're losing your mind."

She looked at the envelope again.

Then reached for it.

"I'm sorry, Theodore."

She broke the seal.

The report was disappointingly thin.

Krisana had expected pages of information, perhaps a history of addresses, employment records, and photographs.

Instead, she found a brief summary and several printed images.

She began reading.

Subject: Theodore Bellamy.

Approximate age: Unknown.

Current residence: Unverified.

Employment: Unverified.

She frowned.

The investigator had found no driver's license issued to Theodore Bellamy in any of the fifty states.

No verifiable birth record.

No employment history.

No residential address.

No record of property ownership.

No marriage records.

No children.

Nothing.

Krisana turned the page.

There was a short explanation stating that the investigator had been unable to establish the subject's identity through standard databases and public records.

The man she'd been dating apparently didn't exist.

She stared at the report.

"What the hell?"

She checked the name again.

Theodore Bellamy.

It was correct.

She flipped through the remaining pages, searching for something useful.

There was nothing.

Finally, she reached the photographs.

The first showed Theodore entering a restaurant.

He looked exactly as he had when they first met. Handsome, dark-haired, and apparently in his mid-thirties.

The second showed him standing outside her office building.

The third was taken near her house.

Krisana frowned.

The photograph showed Theo leaving her front porch after one of their dates.

He was facing the camera.

His expression was serious, and one hand rested near the pocket where he usually kept his gold watch.

But something else had caught the camera's attention.

A thin bluish light stretched across the space in front of him.

Krisana brought the photograph closer.

The light was faint but unmistakable. It seemed to shimmer in the air, almost like a curtain made of pale blue electricity.

She turned the photograph over.

There was a handwritten note.

The light appeared suddenly, blinding me. When it faded, the subject was gone.

Krisana stared at the words.

She read them again.

Then a third time.

She turned the photograph over and studied the image.

Theo stood on her walkway, looking directly toward the camera.

The strange blue light stretched in front of him.

And according to the investigator, he'd vanished.

Not walked away.

Not climbed into a vehicle.

Vanished.

Krisana slowly lowered the photograph.

For several moments, she sat motionless.

Then she thought about everything Theodore had told her.

His unusual occupation.

His vague descriptions of where he lived.

His extraordinary knowledge of history.

His old-fashioned manners.

His insistence that he wasn't ill.

The impossible changes in his appearance.

And the elderly gentleman she'd encountered at the wedding.

Those eyes.

That smile.

That familiar laugh.

Her heart began to pound.

She picked up the photograph again.

Theodore Bellamy had secrets.

Enormous secrets.

And whatever they were, they clearly went far beyond anything she'd imagined.

She looked at the report lying on the table.

No birth record.

No driver's license.

No address.

No employment history.

A man who seemed to exist only when he wanted to be seen.

Krisana leaned back in her chair.

She'd spent weeks wondering whether Theodore was simply eccentric, unusually private, or hiding something embarrassing.

Now she was beginning to understand that she might not have been asking the right questions.

She stared at the photograph one last time.

Then reached for her phone.

She opened their conversation and typed a message.

Theodore, I don't know what's happening, but I'm worried about you. I need to know you're all right.

She sent it.

For several seconds, she watched the screen.

Nothing.

Krisana set the phone down.

She wasn't going to wait forever.

She wasn't going to spend the rest of her life wondering about a man who'd managed to become important to her while revealing almost nothing about himself.

And she certainly wasn't going to pretend she'd never seen that photograph.

She gathered the report and placed everything carefully back into the envelope.

Then she looked toward the darkened windows.

"All right, Theodore Bellamy," she murmured.

"Whoever you are, whatever you are, I'm going to find out."

Because she had fallen for a man who apparently didn't exist.

And Krisana Carter had never been very good at leaving a mystery unsolved.