She turned to see an elderly man who looked to be in his late sixties come around from the backyard. From the way he was dressed, she figured him to be the lawn-care guy. This wouldn’t be the first time someone got her mixed up with Monica, but how did the man know her sister when she was certain Monica had never been here before?
“No, I’m Kelly. Monica’s sister.”
The older man smiled. “By golly, you look just like her.”
Kelly returned his smile. “How do you know Monica?”
The man took off his baseball cap and ran his hand through thick gray hair before putting it back on. “She’s come to Savannah a few times to see Victoria when she and Cort had come from California.”
Kelly remembered the times Monica had done that. “Then you’re one of the Masters’ family members?” she asked.
“Yes and no. I’m not a Masters, but my sister Inez married one. She’s the triplets’ mother, and I’m her oldest brother, Howey.”
That meant he was Colton’s uncle. Kelly extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Kelly. Colton isn’t here. He had to run to the auto parts store to pick up a leather repair kit for that car he’s trying to restore.” He glanced at her luggage and then said, “He didn’t mention he was expecting anyone.”
“He’s not expecting me.” Kelly figured that wasn’t an understatement.
Howey nodded. “Well, I’m sure you’ll be a surprise he’ll like. The front door is unlocked. Go on inside out of the heat and make yourself at home. He should be back in a little bit.”
“All right. Thanks.”
Howey was right. The door was unlocked. She walked in and was immediately taken aback by the beauty of the spacious foyer that skirted into a gigantic living room and a massive dining room with a table that seated twelve people. To the right was a beautiful Victorian staircase with handrails that had elegant-looking, intricate carvings. The wood floors were so shiny, they appeared to have a glossy finish. The furnishings in both the living room and dining room were pieces she would have chosen. The light fixtures on the ceilings, and the sconces on the wall, reflected a Southern era long past but not forgotten. Colton had told her that he’d done most of the renovations himself. Hadhe also done the decorating, or had he hired a professional? Everything looked perfect.
She drew in a deep breath as she continued to glance around, admiring what she saw. For some strange reason, she felt a sense of belonging in his home. It seemed that things were working out in her favor since Colton was not here to immediately send her packing. That gave her time to devise a plan. And one that quickly came to mind was to be already unpacked and settled into a guest room before he returned.
Appreciating she hadn’t overpacked, she was able to maneuver her luggage up the stairs. Upon reaching the landing, she saw there were six bedrooms. She figured the one with the double doors was his. She took time to peek inside all but that one and saw that each was beautifully and elegantly decorated. No wonder he eagerly returned to Savannah every chance he got. He had a gorgeous home here. Just like the man himself.
After deciding what guest room to use, she didn’t waste any time unpacking and getting settled. Upon Monica’s urging, one of the items she had packed was that barely-there erotic nightie she had bought, with him in mind, two years ago. Hopefully, this time when she put it on, it would serve the purpose for which it had been intended.
More than anything, she hoped that when Colton came home, he wouldn’t throw her out before she had a chance to talk to him.
**
“I didn’t think you’d still be here when I got back, Uncle Howey,” Colton said, returning home. Since there was no need to go inside the house, he headed toward the backyard.
“I didn’t want to leave in case your houseguest needed something before you got back.”
Colton stopped and turned around. “What houseguest?”
“Monica’s sister. Said her name was Kelly. She also said you weren’t expecting her.”
Colton glared. “Kelly is here, and you let her inside?”
His uncle Howey glared back. “It’s too hot for her to wait outside. Any reason I should not have let her inside your house? Is she a thief or something?”
“Of course not.”
“Then what’s the problem?” his uncle Howey asked, eyeing him speculatively and crossing his arms over his chest. “She’s a Bennett, so she can’t be all bad. Look at how many of the Masters men end up falling in love with them.”
“She’s not a Bennett. Her name is Kelly Perkins. She and Monica have the same father but not the same mother.”
“Oh,” Howey said, uncrossing his arms. “They could go for twins. It’s strange but they look about the same age, too.”
“They’re two days apart,” he said.
“What!”
