"Oh my god!" Annette squealed on the other end. "Yes! You're going to love this. But I will warn you that the ladiesrefuse to consider any books that aren't romance novels, and for them the spicier the better."
Anna chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me at all, especially if Hazel is involved."
"You definitely know Hazel. Okay, great, we meet next Sunday at four. I'll add you to the list and send you the novel we'll be discussing." More typing sounded through the phone. "And Louise?"
"Yes?" Aunt Louise responded.
"I just need a few more details to book your reservation."
Anna's head spun as her aunt finalized her stay, incredulous that she'd so easily caved to the book club when she had been successfully stonewalling friendly requests for years. Maybe that visit months ago to Paradise West had opened up more than she realized.
"Well, that should do it," Annette quipped. "I'll send your confirmation to your email address and I look forward to meeting you!"
"That sounds lovely, Annette. I'll bring my tarot cards and provide readings for anyone who's interested."
"Oh, there will be plenty of people interested." Annette snickered. "In fact, there might be a line around the corner if I made that public."
"Should be a fun time, then," her aunt answered. "I'll see you soon." She ended the call with a tap of her finger. "I really like her." She threw an evil grin at Anna. "Looks like I'll be meeting your man, sooner rather than later."
Anna groaned and rolled her head along the back of the chair, closing her eyes. This had disaster written all over it.
Key West
Anna huffed out a cleansing sigh as she released her final twist, smiling as the blood flowed to her spine and hips, loosening the tension that had been there for days. Years ago, she'd learned the benefits of therapeutic yoga, especially for battling anxiety and other internal demons. The bonus of her daily routine was the strong, toned physique the practice gave her, which was important when you worked with wood.
The visit with her aunt had been restorative in many ways. Anna hadn't felt so centered and balanced in years. It was a breath of fresh air. There had been many other visits before this one, so she wasn't quite surewhyit seemed so different this time.
Maybe Aunt Louise was right. Anna was finally putting the heartache and grief behind her and moving forward. The idea of focusing solely on the future was like a drug to her system, and she wanted to chase that feeling.
Her mood turned as she glanced at the clock over the doorway. She had another thirty minutes before the gallery manager arrived with the new client, which gave her plenty of time to shower and fill up on coffee. She dreaded the thought of meeting clients and this was even worse because they were invading her personal oasis. She sorely regretted agreeing to this visit.
Half an hour later, Anna was working in her office when she heard the outer door of her warehouse open along with voices booming across the space. She snarled at the invasion, but quickly schooled her features. This was Becky’s wealthy client, and additional sales could only be good.
It's only thirty minutes. Picture all the zeros adding to the savings account.
She pulled in a deep breath, searching for her center. Exhaling, she grabbed her coffee mug, forcing a smile on her face, and strode through her office doorway.
Anna came to an abrupt stop, her smile dropping when she spotted the familiar tall, broad-shouldered figure standing just twenty feet away, his fingers lightly trailing over an elaborate oak desk. She'd finished it over a year ago but had been unwilling to part with it. Her mind tried to wrap around how he was even here.
And like a feather in the wind, the serenity she'd found earlier was dashed away. It was quickly replaced with anger.
"You!" Her voice zinged with outrage as it echoed off the metal walls. Not only had this man discovered her location, but he had invaded her sanctuary, which was worse in her opinion. Very few people were granted access, and he was most certainly not on that list.
His gaze shot to her, his lips stretching in a guilty grin. There was no remorse in his posture.
He had known who I was all along. The jerk!
She ground her teeth as she thought back to the moment when she'd reluctantly handed over her business card. He must think she was an idiot. The twinkle she'd seen in his eyes now made sense.
With a huff, Anna swiveled to Becky who stood off to the side, the gallery manager’s eyes ping-ponging between them. Becky’s frown made it clear she had no idea who she'd escorted into the warehouse, so Anna wasn't about to unleash her wrath on the poor woman. But there was no way the gallery would be earning a commission with this visit.
"Nothing is for sale." She threw a glare at James, who had the decency to look uneasy. "And I certainly won't sell anything to him. I need you both to leave right now."
"Anna—" James shifted toward her, all humor gone from his eyes.
She held a hand up, anger steeling her spine. "Don't. You knew this was my furniture and you didn't say a word. You tricked me."
He said nothing. His gaze, although contrite, held hers as the accusation hung in the air.
