started forward. “I’m working on a novel. I recently sold one.”
“Congratulations.” Cassie fell into step next to him on the path that led to the back of the inn. The sun brushed the tops of a line of pine trees on the west side of the property.
“Thanks. Since my wife’s death, I’ve had more time on my hands, and it was something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“Is this your first book?”
Jameson headed toward the small pond behind the inn. “Yes, well, my first work of fiction. I’ve written several academic books over the years.”
“Ah, yes. I remember you discussing one of them in class.”
“That was a long time ago.”
His voice sounded tired and matched a world-weary look in his eyes, prompting Cassie to peer at him as she stopped at the edge of the pond. “Twelve years. I was a sophomore the first time I took one of your classes. I believe that was your first year at the school.”
The blue of his eyes darkened, revealing a hint of vulnerability in his expression. He shifted away from her and stared at the ducks swimming in the water. A subtle tension hummed in the air.
“Dr. King?”
He blinked and focused on her face. “Sorry. I was just thinking about the past. And please call me Jameson. We’re no longer teacher and student.”
Weariness coated each of his words. She had a strong urge to comfort him but didn’t know how. He had always been such a private person.
Determined to interject some lightness into the conversation, Cassie said, “I was surprised you were here this evening. I’ve been back several times for functions at the college, but you’ve always been in hiding.” She would know because she’d always looked for him. “I guess now I know you’ve been madly composing the next American bestseller. Hemingway and Faulkner will have to move over for you.”
He chuckled, the dullness in his gaze vanishing. “Hardly. It’s a murder mystery. I hope a quick, entertaining read, but not a book anyone would proclaim a literary masterpiece. The truth is, I don’t usually come to many events at the college.”
“What made you this time?”
He looked long and deep into her eyes, his head tilted to the side. “You know, I’m not sure. I hadn’t planned on it this morning, but I sold my book and wanted to celebrate. This seemed like as good a place as any.” The corners of his mouth formed a grin. “I’ve seen quite a few former students at this fund-raiser. I have fond memories of your graduating class. Some of my best students were in it.”
Her pulse quickened. His gaze seared straight into her heart. “So our class was better than my brother’s?”
He laughed. “You can’t draw me into a family rivalry. I plead the Fifth.”
His husky laughter wrapped around her, its sound wonderful to hear. She suspected he hadn’t laughed much lately, since his wife’s death. She fixed an impish smile on her face and widened her eyes in mock innocence. “Oh, I’d never do that to my baby brother.”
“Yeah, sure. I have an older sister. I know a few things about sibling rivalry.”
That was one of the few personal pieces of information she knew about him. He had always been an enigma, which was what probably drew her to him. She loved to solve puzzles—in fact, did the crossword in the newspaper every morning before starting her day. “Interesting. An older sister. Any other deep, dark secrets you want to share?”
Secrets? Jameson scrambled to keep his countenance neutral. For a brief time he’d forgotten. Cassie had that effect on him.
He turned away, staring at two ducks herding their babies up the slope on the other side of the pond. “Don’t we all have secrets?”
“I’m an open book.” She waggled her finger at him. “And I see what you’re doing. You’re answering a question with a question.”
He forced a grin. “Must be the journalist in me.”
“Have you ever been a reporter?”
“While I was working on my doctorate—years ago. You would have been just a baby at the time,” he said, needing to add the last sentence to remind him of their age difference.
“Yes, that’s right. You’re ancient.” Cassie tapped her chin. “Let’s see. You’re what? Ten? Twelve years older than I am? Definitely ancient.”
He chuckled. “Okay, you’ve made your point. I’m not that much older than you in years.” He left unsaid how much older he felt in experience. There was an innocence about Cassie that she’d retained even after ten years in the real world. He yearned for that and realized he’d never been that way, even as a child.
“Well, I’m glad we’ve got that settled. The next thing I know they’ll refuse to let me vote.”
“Most women would love to be thought of as younger than they are.”
“I’m not most women.”
That’s so true. He was tempted to discover what she’d been doing for the past ten years. When Scott had been in his class, he’d told him about Cassie working at a high school as a physical education teacher and coaching gymnastics. But that was when she had lived in Savannah. What was she doing back here in Magnolia Falls? The same thing? He started to ask and immediately stamped down his curiosity.
“We’d better go back inside before they send out a search party,” he said, instead of asking all the questions he wanted to know the answers to, questions he had no business asking.
“Dinner should be served shortly. As usual Steff has outdone herself with the preparations.”
Jameson walked beside Cassie toward the door into the inn. “Steff Kessler was the perfect choice to be alumni director.”
At the entrance into the Event Hall Cassie turned toward him when he stopped. “Steff certainly has the connections. I think a third of the buildings at the college are named after someone in her family.” She started into the room, noticed he hadn’t followed and swung back around. “Aren’t you coming in?”
“I’m not staying for dinner.” He allowed his gaze to take in her black silk dress that fell in soft folds around her knees. She looked elegant and beautiful.
“Why not?” Disappointment furrowed her brow.
The urge to smooth the creases from her forehead inundated him, confirming his need to leave. “I’ve played hooky from writing long enough. Good night.” He pivoted and strode away before he could change his mind. Cassie was a delightful, intelligent woman. He didn’t need that complication in his life.
TWO
Two months later
“I come all the way to Magnolia Falls and you’re heading out the door.” Scott blocked Cassie’s way.
Stepping back, she looked up into her little brother’s face and dropped her purse on the table next to the front door. “If you had bothered to call before coming, I would have told you I’m taking a night class at the college.”
“Oh? Are you going for another master’s?” He moved into the foyer, backing her up a few paces.
“No, I’m just taking one of the short courses they offer at the college.” She checked her watch. “Which will start in half an hour. I’d rather not be late.”
“What class?”
“Nothing too exciting.” Cassie waved her hand in dismissal, hoping her brother didn’t pursue the question.
His laughter ruffled her feathers. “I’m a reporter. You can’t be evasive with me.”
She reached