Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,85

to consider our next steps. But let’s worry about that later. For now, let’s go see if we can’t find Rebekah.”

Isabelle leaned her forehead against her mate’s chest. She didn’t know what she’d do without her strong Gargoyle.

Tessa was all smiles when she returned inside. “Tamian is calling Santiago. The jet will be ready whenever we are. I’ve already called Stone, so I’m going home to pack. Are you bringing Connor with us, or do you want me to drop him off with Abbi on my way home?”

“As much as I don’t want him out of my sight right now, I think he’d be better off staying here.” Things had calmed down somewhat since several of their homes had been bombed. Drago Costas was dead, but whoever had helped the male was still out there somewhere.

Dante kissed Isabelle’s temple. “You go start packing, and I’ll call Frey. Tessa, if you don’t mind dropping him off, I’d appreciate it.”

“Nothing but a thing,” the redhead said, sitting back down at the laptop. “I’ll make hotel reservations while I wait.”

“Fancy meeting you here.”

Four words were all it took to disturb the peacefulness Rebekah relished standing on the Moon Bridge of her beloved Japanese Gardens. She had found this place soon after she moved to New Portland, and it became a much-needed haven. When she fled New Atlanta all those years ago, doing her best to escape the memories, the man, she put as much distance between them as possible. Had she not fallen in love, not completely given her heart away, the miles might have helped. It didn’t. The pain dimmed with the years, but the memories wouldn’t leave her mind, no matter how much Rebekah wished it so.

“Christopher.” Rebekah glanced over her shoulder at the man standing a few feet away. A few years older than her, Christopher Hadley was handsome. The two had met on that same bridge several months ago, and despite her many protests, he was relentless in asking her out. During a moment of weakness, she agreed to coffee. One date turned into a weekly thing, and that was all Rebekah was interested in. More than she was interested in if she were being honest. She had no room in her life for a man. Not again.

“I can never get enough of this view.” Christopher’s words might have indicated the stunning gardens over her shoulder, but his eyes were focused on her. In her younger days, Rebekah might have been called pretty, but age and other things had taken their toll. Her face was lined. Her former slim body now held a few extra pounds. She hadn’t necessarily let herself go, but she was no longer diligent in daily self-care.

Rebekah turned her head away from the man, hoping he would get the hint she wished to be alone. When his feet carried him closer, she closed her eyes briefly and sighed. It wasn’t in her nature to be rude, so she remained quiet instead of telling him to go away.

“I was hoping you’d join me for dinner. I know we have our standing coffee dates, but I have a business meeting, and the others are bringing their wives. I’d prefer to not attend alone, and there is no one else I’d rather have on my arm than you.” Christopher touched her shoulder. “Just this once, as a favor. Please.”

Rebekah considered it. Their coffee dates weren’t uncomfortable. Christopher was intelligent and a good conversationalist. He was a widower with two grown children who had long ago moved away. She could do worse for company. “When and where?”

“Friday evening at The Bowery. Dinner begins at six, so if I pick you up at five-thirty, will that give us enough time?” As far as she knew, Christopher didn’t know where Rebekah lived. She had given her maiden name when she introduced herself. She had never mentioned the large estate her late husband left to her when he passed away, nor had she shared who her husband had been. Knowing Jacob’s name would make it easy enough to figure out where she lived.

“I’d prefer to meet you there. And Christopher? Just this once.”

The man’s shoulders settled as he nodded his acquiescence. “I can accept that. I’ll let you get back to your solitude. Until Friday.” Christopher tipped an imaginary hat before walking away.

Rebekah pulled her coat tighter before shoving her gloved hands into the slanted pockets at her thighs. She tried to regain the peacefulness she’d felt before Christopher showed up, but