right to keep that part of his life hidden from me.”
Bethany emphatically shook her head. “No way. Maybe when he first found out and needed time to process it, sure. But he should’ve let you in. Can you imagine having family out there and not letting someone you’re in love with know about them?”
“Yeah, you’re right. He was always so…compartmentalized when it came to his life. It was like I was some separate part he accessed when he felt like it.”
“Right,” Bethany agreed. “You can’t really be in love with someone unless they know all about you, even the stuff you’re not big on sharing. Hell, especially the stuff you’re not big on sharing. Which is why it’s so cool Duncan wanted you to know about this. It’s a big part of his life, and he’s letting you in. That’s a really good sign.”
I sipped my coffee, reflecting on her words. “There’s more,” I said after taking a moment.
She arched an eyebrow. “More?”
“More. He said his brother wants to meet me.”
“Damn, he’s really getting to it, huh? Did he say when?”
I shook my head. “Nothing specific.”
“Well, that means he’s talking about you with his family. Guys don’t do that unless they’re serious. Especially guys like him – those Type A dudes.”
“So you think I can start getting excited about this?”
“Are you kidding? Of course you can start getting excited about this. You’ve got a smart, handsome guy who’s crazy about you. And as much as I’m trying to find red flags, I’m not seeing them – only green lights.”
I grinned, a thrill running through me. And as I sipped my coffee, my phone buzzed in my purse. “Sorry,” I said, digging through my purse and taking out my phone. “Might be work. God, I love saying that.”
Bethany gave me a thumbs-up as I checked the screen.
I looked up at her curious glance. “It’s him.”
“Like, him him?”
“Him him.”
“Then what are you doing? Answer it!”
“I don’t want to be rude.”
“No, I insist – be rude. Be very rude.”
“I’ll go to the bathroom – I hate it when people take calls in the middle of the coffee shop.”
Bethany made an excited squeal as I hurried off to the restroom, stepping inside and shutting the door behind me. “What’s up?” I asked, leaning back against the door.
“Not much. Just seeing what you were up to.”
“Out getting coffee with my sister.”
“Having a girl’s night out?”
“Something like that.”
It was so good to hear his voice. I could listen to him talk in that deep, resonant voice for hours.
“You two have any big plans for the night?”
“First step was coffee, and now we’re planning the rest of the night.”
“Perfect. Because I’ve got an idea for you.”
“What’s that?”
“So, I know I promised to take you out for some dress-shopping tomorrow before the party, but something came up,” he said. “One of my doctors wants me to swing by his clinic and chat with him for a bit.”
“Oh, that’s no problem. I can find something on my own.”
“That’s what I’m thinking. But I still want it to be on me.”
“No, it’s totally fine. I’m working now, remember?”
“I insist. If you and your sister are looking for something to do, why don’t you head into Denver and do some shopping? There’re some great boutiques in town, and you two can grab some dinner after.”
“Duncan, that’s too much.”
“It’s my treat. I don’t like to break promises, especially if I can’t make up for them in some way. So consider this my way of making up for it.”
Not only was Duncan generous, he was also insistent. There was no point in trying to talk him out of it. Then again, he didn’t really have to twist my arm. More that I felt a little overwhelmed by such an offer.
“OK, how about this,” I countered. “You have to let me do something nice for you.”
“You’re already doing something nice for me – you’re letting me have the most beautiful woman in Colorado on my arm.”
I blushed and giggled. “Something else, smooth-talker. Let me make dinner for you some night soon. I’m not the best chef in the world, but I can make a mean chicken parm when I want.”
“Deal. Now, my name’s pretty well-known around Denver. Just go wherever you like and tell them to bill my office. No one should give you any trouble, but if they do you have my cell.”
There was something appealing about the idea of name-dropping a man like him and having it serve as the keys to