Read Viator (The Viator Chronicles Book 1) for Free Online Page B

him.”
    “If you like Ian’s art, you obviously have good taste. What else do you like?”
    His eyes flickered with amusement, and she felt her face flush.
    “I meant, what other kinds of art do you like?” he said.
    “Of course. From the exhibits I’ve seen, there are fewer still that I really enjoyed. I like the old masters best. William and I saw the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit in Victoria a few years ago, and I was awestruck.”
    Gary nodded. “I saw that, too. It was wonderful. I enjoy many styles of art, and … I like many other things too.”
    Erin laughed. “So I’ve heard.”
    His eyes widened, and he leaned closer to her whispering, “What have you heard?”
    She pulled back a little, but a smile crept over her face. “Nothing much, really, just that you dance in Istanbul, scuba dive in the Caribbean, and keep girlfriends in Spain.”
    “Ohhh, I see. Where did you hear that?”
    “I guess it’s common knowledge. So do you?”
    His eyes hardened. “Not exactly. She’s no longer my girlfriend. I have been known to dance and scuba dive, though. Among other things.”
    “Sounds like you lead an exciting life. I’ve never been out of the U.S., except to Canada. I haven’t even been to Mexico. Is your travel all for work, or is some of it for fun?”
    “A lot of both.”
    Aleesha invited everyone to bring their coffee into the living room. Erin sat on a couch next to another woman who chatted aimlessly about her sister’s new house. Gary wandered over to the fireplace nearby where he stood by himself, sipping a glass of brandy, his arm resting on the mantel. Erin only half listened, her eyes flitting to Gary every few minutes. Another woman approached Gary, and Erin watched the two of them as they went outside onto the deck.
    The mantel clock chimed and Erin looked at her watch, surprised to see that it was already ten thirty. She started to get up from the couch. “I promised my babysitter I’d be back by eleven, so I’m afraid I’ve got to go. It was great to see you again,” she said to the guest next to her.
    Erin found Aleesha to say goodbye, and Aleesha pulled her into the hallway. “Did you have a good time?” she asked.
    “Yes, I did. Thank you for doing this. And it was nice to see him again.”
    “Where is he, anyway?” Aleesha peered around the room.
    “He went outside a while ago. But I’ve got to get back home. Thanks so much. I’ve really had a wonderful time.”
    She retrieved her coat and purse from the hall closet, looking around one last time for Gary. She walked out to her Explorer and unlocked the door, but turned around when she heard the sound of footfalls behind her.
    “Do you have to go so soon?” It was Gary.
    “Yes, my babysitter’s expecting me,” Erin said. “She’s my neighbor, and getting older, so I don’t like to keep her up too late.”
    “Of course.”
    Erin couldn’t see Gary’s face in the dark, but she could feel his warmth. He was standing so close to her they were almost touching.
    “I should really go. It was good to see you again,” she said. She started to turn toward the car, but he put his hand on her arm, and she stopped.
    “I’m staying in Anacortes for the weekend.”
    She caught her breath. “What?”
    “I’d like to see you again. Dinner tomorrow?”
    “I’m sorry, I can’t. Gwen’s having friends over for pizza and a slumber party. I have to stay home.” She was almost relieved to have a genuine excuse but felt a twinge of disappointment, too.
    “Could I come over? I’d love to see the kids again. I could help.”
    “What? You wouldn’t want to do that. Three seven-year-old girls? It won’t be fun. It’ll be exhausting.”
    “I want to. And I always get what I want.”
    Erin laughed. “Really? Well, if you really want to. We’ll have dinner about six.” She searched through her purse for paper and a pen. “Here’s my address. It’s easy to find. I’m on Dewey Beach. My driveway is the long one through