When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,86

thought ...” He squared his shoulders and inhaled. “I thought we had a start of something special.”

“I thought so, too.” That slipped out too fast. His confession had chipped away some of the barrier I had built between us.

Lee’s eyes grew wider. “Then what happened?”

“Ian. You were trying to set me up with your friend.” Embarrassed from my outburst, I shifted my gaze to the closed doors on the other side. I wondered where my family went.

He pressed his lips, trying not to smile. “No, like I told you, I wanted you to get to know him because I thought he would be a good match for Abby when she’s ready. Ian means a great deal to me, but when it comes to finding someone right for him, he hasn’t had any luck.”

“Oh.” I felt like an idiot. Except ... “You never told me that.”

He rubbed the back of his head, his brow furrowing. “Yes, I did.”

I crossed my arms. “No, you didn’t. Believe me, I’d remember that.”

His frown deepened, then he looked a little sheepish. “Well ... I certainly meant to tell you.”

I wasn’t done. I wanted to get everything out in the open. “I heard you have lots of women.” I arched an eyebrow in challenge.

He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Some women spread rumors about me because I never pay attention to them. They have no idea who I am. What other women are you talking about?”

“Cassie?” I brought my clutch purse to my chest and hugged it.

Lee scrunched his features. “Cassie requested me for a real estate deal. I take on the requested projects and then I pass down the responsibility to someone else. I’m not going to lie to you. Cassie wanted more than a business transaction, but I didn’t. Nothing happened between us and nothing ever will.”

Either Jessica had gotten her information mixed up or her friend had. Or she had just made it up.

I didn’t waste a second. I threw the next question at him. “Why were you with Jessica tonight?” I pierced my gaze into his, my toes tapping on the hardwood floor in a steady beat.

“Jessica Conner?” His eyebrows pinched to the center as he said her name like he couldn’t believe I’d even mentioned it. “Unfortunately, I had to ask her to help me arrange your art exhibition. She’s well known in our community and, believe it or not, some people respect her. Jessica has no idea you’re the painter. She called people she knew and I did too. The people I contacted were business associates. Property owners purchase paintings or poster-size photos to display in their sample rooms.”

I gave him a sidelong glance and parted my mouth. “You did this for me? Why?”

He inched closer. “I think you’re an amazing person, and you’re very talented. I didn’t realize I had already bought one of your paintings. It’s hanging in my bedroom, which you knew. I think you wanted to tell me when we had dinner that one day but you stopped. Why?”

I shrugged and glanced at the door again. “I don’t know,” I murmured.

“Maybe because you’re afraid to succeed. You think you don’t deserve everything, but you do. I did this for you because I believe in you. I’m a businessman, and I know how hard it is to get ahead. But I don’t want to take all the credit—your sister helped me. She believes in you too. Don’t go back to Los Angeles, Kate. You can make a living by doing what you love. Look at all the paintings you’ve already sold. You don’t know this yet, but the clients already requested more from you and Abby. Your life is going to change.”

I frowned, but my emotions fluttered like a trapped butterfly in my belly.

“When did this happen?” I lowered my purse.

“While you were eating dinner.”

“Do my parents know anything about this?”

“Yes. Abby told them.”

I was grateful for everything Lee and Abby had done. Arranging this art exhibit had taken a lot of effort and work in such a short amount of time. The reason she’d been texting a lot more frequently and recently. But a little part of me felt a little betrayed they had done this behind my back.

I released a long sigh and said, “Lee, thank you, but ...”

“No but. And you’re wrong, Kate.” Lee grabbed my hand and pulled me closer with his other arm.

“Wrong about what?” I said breathlessly, staring into his eyes.

I was drowning in his voice, his smell,