“I hear you’re going to be here for at least the summer,” Lucas said. “Got time for some hiking? I could really use a trail buddy.”
“Absolutely,” Sebastian said with a nod. “Since I’m taking a little hiatus from the courtroom, I’ve got plenty of time. Just let me know when and where. I’ll be there.”
“Excellent. Let’s set up a time for next week.”
Gigi watched as the two men made plans and wondered if she should warn Lucas. But warn him about what? That Sebastian had information about her mother’s disappearance but hadn’t told her? That somewhere in the far dark corners of her mind, she feared that Sebastian had some part in her mother’s disappearance? It couldn’t be true. She just needed to get him talking. “Sebastian,” she said, slipping her arm through his. “I hate to interrupt, but there’s something I want to show you.”
“Of course.” He placed his hand over hers and gave Lucas a nod. “Thanks for the invite. I’m looking forward to it.”
As Gigi led Sebastian toward the French doors that led outside, she glanced over her shoulder at Lucas. He gave her a thumbs-up, and she wondered what exactly he was up to. Surely Hope had told him what this evening was really about. Why had he asked Sebastian to go hiking with him? This wasn’t the time to find out. She had recon to do.
After leading him outside to her patio, she stood at the railing, staring out at the ocean. The energy of the house was the reason she’d purchased it, but she’d be lying if she said the view wasn’t a close second. The time spent near the ocean filled her well and centered her. She supposed that was why she brought Sebastian outside to have this conversation.
“Nice party,” Sebastian said, his gaze trained on the churning sea below them.
“Thanks.” She glanced over at him, taking in his gorgeous profile. Sebastian had a strong jawline and gorgeous silver eyes. Normally he was cleanshaven, but that evening he had a sexy five-o’clock shadow.
His lips curved up into a seductive half smile as he turned to her, clearly aware that she was staring.
Gigi averted her gaze, trying to pretend she wasn’t imagining what it would feel like to rub her cheek against his.
“So, Gigi, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?” he asked.
Her gaze snapped back to his. “What makes you think I wanted to talk to you about something?”
He chuckled and gestured to the house. “Maybe because you have a house full of people, but the moment I got here, you dragged me outside where no one else could interrupt us. Don’t forget, Clarity,” he said, using her given name, “I know you. We might both have more years and a few wrinkles on us now, but neither of us have changed that much. Something’s on your mind. I can tell by that line right here.” He touched her forehead lightly with one finger.
Gigi let out a frustrated sigh, hating that he knew her so well. There really was no beating around the bush about this. He’d see right through her. “I need you to tell me everything you know about my mother’s disappearance.”
Chapter Seven
Sebastian blinked at Gigi, surprise flashing in his gray eyes. He glanced over at the French doors again and then back at her. “That’s why you changed your mind about seeing me again? You think I have information about your mom?”
Gigi narrowed her eyes, wondering if any of his surprised reaction was an act. At any other time in her life, she’d have said no. But now… after the message from the ghost in her attic? She really wasn’t sure. “Don’t you?”
He shook his head and mumbled something inaudible as he turned to head back into the house.
“Sebastian, wait,” she called, unable to let him leave until they talked this out. “Please. Can you just tell me what happened that day when you came by the house?”
He paused, held still for a couple of beats, and then sighed as he turned around and walked back to her. “There isn’t anything new that I didn’t tell you then.”
“Okay,” she said, nodding. “I believe you, but would you mind humoring me? I… well, I just feel like I’m missing something.”
He frowned. “What is this about? Is there a new lead in your mom’s case?” he asked.
Gigi closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. “No. It’s not that. Not really. I’ve just been… getting this feeling that