No One But You Read online

  “I apologize, Wyatt. I’m not responsible for the way he turned out.” Mariah rolled her eyes, amused. She might be making excuses, but love for her son shone on her beautiful face. It was unmistakable. “Now off with you, kid. Whatever it is, I’ll be there in a minute.”

  “The TV crew is set up and wants an interview. They’re already taping and stuff.” Jake’s smile was like Mariah’s, too, wide, generous and flashing. “So, what was my mom like when she was my age? Trouble, right?”

  “Lots of trouble. Always in and out of detention. The principal threw up his hands. Didn’t know what to do with her.”

  “I knew it. Mom’s no different now.”

  “Hey. Enough tall tales.” Mariah interrupted before their teasing could go any farther. She’d never been in detention in her life. “Off you go, troublemaker. I’ll deal with you later.”

  “Her threats don’t scare me.” Laughter flickered in Jake’s eyes. “So, you live in Buffalo now?”

  “Just moved from Manhattan. I’ve got properties and an office here, but I’m still hunting for a house. Been thinking about coming back for a while. It’s nice to be here.” Attractive, manly crinkles creased the corners of his eyes, adding character to his face. “These days, I’m trying to dial things down, take life a little easier.”

  “Cool. Hey, I saw your old team picture.” Jake focused the power of his easy grin on Wyatt. “Do you still play basketball?”

  “I used to. A few years ago I was on a gym league in the city. A bunch of friends and I burned up the court.”

  “Awesome. I’m on my school team, but I’m in another league, too. We have a game tonight. I’m trying to learn as much as I can.”

  “Good for you. You never know. It might lean to an athletic scholarship when you need it.”

  Exactly when had she been left out of the conversation? Honestly. Mariah couldn’t believe it. If she waved her hands for attention, would either of them notice?

  “I already thought of that. I want to be a veterinarian, so I’m hoping for at least a partial scholarship.” Excited to find someone new to talk over his plans with, Jake didn’t pause for breath. “I’m keeping my grades up, too. Maybe I’ll get something academic, but in this economy—“

  “There are no guarantees,” Wyatt finished. “Sounds like you’re doing everything right. You’re covering both bases, athletic and academic. Mariah, you’ve got a smart son.”

  “So I hear. Jake, please go tell Sally and her crew I’m ready for the interview I promised her.”

  “Sure. Mr. Royce? If you’re looking for a team, there’s a league at the Lake Shore Community Center you might want to check out. You know, if you’re interested.” Jake skipped backward, as if reluctant to end things with his new buddy.

  “Thanks. I’ll look into it.” Wyatt’s chuckle rumbled, warm and pleasant, as he watched her son dash off. True kindness deepened the flecks of dark blue in his eyes. Something in Mariah’s chest fluttered, against her will. She had a soft spot for the man, and his kindness to her son only made it worse.

  Hadn’t that been the real problem when she’d been dating Wyatt all those years ago? He’d been incredibly decent. Bossy, but decent. Just too irresistible. Good thing she wasn’t tempted now.

  “That’s quite a kid you have there.” Emotion crossed his face. It looked like sorrow. “He’s you.”

  “Me? No, he’s smart and funny and fantastic. He was born that way.”

  “Like I said, he’s you.” The hint of sorrow faded as Wyatt braced his hands on his hips, looking powerful once again. “A friend of mine used to be a pro ballplayer. He runs a basketball camp in the summers. It would be a great experience for Jake. I can try to get him in.”

  Why did her guard go up? Wyatt was only being Wyatt. “Thanks, but no.”

  “Well, think about it. And when it comes to college, I’m a Harvard alum. I can put in a good word for him. If he wants to get into a top vet school, he’ll want the best undergrad education he can get.”

  “Wyatt.” Her stomach bunched up into one tight, impossible bunch. “I’ve got it covered.”

  “Sure, but I’m just trying to help. Throw out ideas.”

  “I don’t need help.” She softened the words as much as she could, hoping he would understand. The tangled knot in her stomach expanded until it filled her entire middle.

  “You mean you don’t want my help.” A muscle ticked in his square jaw. This man was used to running a successful company, and he looked the part, with his polish and authority.

  But she didn’t need any man’s authority. Not back in high school, not in her marriage and not now. He’d crossed a boundary she wasn’t comfortable with. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I can handle it.”

  “I didn’t mean to take over.” The muscle in his jaw bunched again with tension. Apology pinched the corners of his eyes—along with sincerity. That was another reason why it was easy to like Wyatt. He took a breath and eased back a bit. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to overstep. It was good seeing you, Mariah. I’ve always wanted the best for you.”

  “Me, too—for you.” Her throat closed as she watched him walk away. Even his gait posture of his strength—shoulders squared, back straight, his dark suit a shadow among the bright colors of the crowd.

  Shadows clung to her too, ones she’d thought she’d banished with counseling, determination and the new life she’d built. Wyatt had stirred up memories of Jasper’s control issues and temper. Times best forgotten.

  “What a nice man.” Sunni sidled up to her, turning to watch Wyatt in the crowd. “I can’t believe you went to school with Wyatt Royce. The Wyatt Royce.”

  “It was a lifetime ago.”

  “I think he likes you. Did you see the way his eyes lit up when he looked at you?”

  “It must have been a trick of the light. Honestly.” She squeezed her friend’s hand, glad for Sunni’s friendship. Wyatt was the past. But this day, this moment? It was a gift, and Mariah was deeply grateful to Nellie’s for it. The women’s shelter in Toronto was full of wonderful people who had been there when she and Jake needed them desperately. The shelter she’d founded and ran here in Buffalo was fashioned after Nellie’s. Thanks to Wyatt, her dreams for expanding Mary’s Place were coming true.

  “Well, I think he’s really something,” Sunni gushed. “So down-to-earth. Not to mention incredibly good-looking.”

  “I know where you’re going with this.” Mariah turned and waved at the reporter waiting for her. The sun had disappeared behind gathering clouds. “I’m not going to see him again, and even if I did accidentally bump into him, I’m not interested.”

  “Just hear me out. You’ve been single a long time. There are good men out there. I’m thinking Wyatt Royce might be one of them.”

  Sunni didn’t know him like Mariah did. A drop of rain fell, brushing her cheek as she glanced over her shoulder. No sign of Wyatt. She’d lost him in the crowd. Emotion lodged in her throat, feeling strangely like loss.

  How foolish was that? There was no way she and Wyatt were ever meant to be.

  Chapter Two

  “Mom, it’s time to go or we’ll be late.” Jake strode into the kitchen dressed in his team sweats, dragging his duffel with him.

  Mariah turned her attention back to stacking plates in the dishwasher. “I’m ready. All I need is my coat. Do you have all your stuff?”

  “Yep. I triple-checked. Guess what I found?” Something clanked against the counter. A flash of silver caught her eye.

  Ugh, no. She groaned. Not that picture from high school. She refused to look at it. “I should have tossed that thing ages ago. I don’t know why I didn’t. It’s just one I’d forgotten about.”

  “Like I buy that.” Jake hooked his gym bag over his shoulder and grabbed his coat. “I think he still likes you.”

  “What a thing to say! Wyatt Royce was over me long ago, I assure you.” She dried her hands on the towel slung over the oven door handle. “Why are you so
interested, anyway?”

  “Curiosity, Mom.” There was a tell-tale sparkle in his eyes. “I can’t picture it. You, my age? It boggles.”

  “Why? You’ve gone through the yearbooks. You’ve seen those pictures of me as a teenager.”

  “Yeah, but pictures don’t tell the whole story.” He led the way through the house. “Mr. Royce would know all the good stuff about you.”

  “There is no good stuff. Just boring, straight-A me.” She wriggled into her jacket, remembering the girl she’d been, so in love with Wyatt. After a few quick months, they’d broken up and he’d left town.

  “Not going to believe that for a second, Mom. I looked him up on the internet.”

  “You what?”

  “It’s no big deal.” Her son bounced out into the crisp night. “Not unless you still like him.”

  “No! Absolutely not.” She closed and locked the door. “How could you do such a thing?”

  “It was easy. I just typed his name into a search engine.”

  “Funny. That’s not what I meant.”

  “It’s no big deal, Mom,” Jake repeated, circling around the SUV parked in their driveway. “He’s megarich. He was on the cover of last month’s Financial Weekly magazine. FYI, he’s not married.”

  “That’s information I don’t need to know.” Honestly. She hit the remote and the locks popped. “Get in, smarty.”

  “Hey, I’m just making conversation.” Jake dropped into the front passenger seat. “I saw the way his eyes got all bright and shiny when he looked at you.”

  She settled behind the wheel. “Must have been an optical illusion.”

  “Yeah, right.” Her son rolled his eyes. “I’m thinking he’s interested. Hey, you could have married him instead. That makes him my almost-dad. Funny, right?”

  “Really hilarious.” The engine roared to life. She shifted into Reverse and twisted in her seat. Of all the people she could have run into today, why did it have to be Wyatt? Headlights shot through the darkness, so she waited for the approaching car to pass. It pulled up short and swung into the driveway next door.

  Looked like the Lindstroms were home. Mariah backed into the street in a quick arc, spotting the family emerging from their vehicle. Tension radiated from the husband like heat from a fire, and his wife walked behind him, silent, her head down. Their young daughter trailed behind, her footsteps dragging. It wasn’t the first time Mariah had noticed the family’s deep unhappiness. She had caught Lyn crying, hands to her face, on her back deck last week, and had gone over to help.

  That used to be me. She gripped the steering wheel, gave the car a little gas and zipped by the house. One last glance at the husband, hands fisted at his sides, brought it all back. Jasper’s anger, Jasper’s misery. Living like a second-class citizen in her own home.

  She would never trust a man, she vowed as she nosed the car down the street. Not ever again.

  * * *

  He couldn’t get Mariah out of his head. He hated that he’d upset her. She’d tried to hide it, but couldn’t, not from him. Wyatt stared out the condominium’s windows at the city lights sparkling in the dark.

  “What do you think of the property?” The Realtor’s high heels tapped on the marble as she sashayed into view. “It’s a quality building in a good location. The bank is willing to negotiate. High-end real estate like this is hard for them to unload.”

  “It’s a good deal.” He took another look around the cavernous, high-ceilinged living room. It was just what he’d been looking for…but it wasn’t what he wanted.

  “We can write up an offer and see if we can nudge the asking price.” Lauren, the Realtor, tapped closer. “We won’t know until we try. Should I get my paperwork?”

  “No. This isn’t the right place for me.”

  “Then I have three more properties to show you tonight. Maybe one of them will be just perfect.”

  “Hmm.” Noncommittal, he ambled across the room, his steps echoing. He’d been putting off buying a place to live for years, ever since Delanie had asked him to move out of their Manhattan home. It had been hotel living since then. “I’d like to look at some houses.”

  “But you were quite clear—“

  “I know, I was, and you’ve selected some fine properties to show me, but I’ve changed my mind.” Maybe seeing Mariah today was what had done it, along with her son and his talk of basketball. Wyatt had been wanting to join a league. Maybe it would be nice to have his own court and shoot hoops in his backyard. A little grass, a few trees, something that could be a real home.

  If he could ever find that again, that is.

  Mariah. There he went, thinking of her once more. It looked as if she had a good life. A great kid, an impressive job and a dedication to the shelter he found most admirable. Seeing her today—

  “Mr. Royce?” Lauren’s voice sharpened, finally snaring his attention.

  “Sorry.” He shook his head, scattering his thoughts, but those of Mariah didn’t budge.

  “Give me a minute with my laptop and I’ll find you a few houses to see.” Intent on her work, the Realtor pulled a small computer from her bag and set it on the marble counter of the kitchen island.

  Was he really ready to look at houses? What would he do, rattling around in one all by himself? It wasn’t as if his son could visit him.

  Mariah’s son was sure a great kid. Wyatt couldn’t help admiring her life. Chances were she’d be sitting in a gym somewhere right now, watching her son play. The dribble of balls on the court, the squeak of shoes on the floor, the shouts of the kids as they barked instructions, set up an offensive, pressed in to score… Pain crimped his chest as he remembered those days.

  Those lost, golden days.

  “How about something like this?” Lauren nudged her laptop screen in his direction.

  He glanced at the brick accents, portico, private gated entrance, and nodded. He had to start someplace. He had promises to keep, ones that weren’t easy.

  But the best things in life never were.

  * * *

  “All right, lights out.” Mariah poked her head into Jake’s room. “It’s past your bedtime.”

  “Just one more page,” he argued, head bent over his paperback, his dark hair tumbling across his forehead. Their aging dog, Hobart, snored lightly at the foot of the bed as the teenager kept reading, absorbed in his story.

  Just yesterday he’d been was a little guy flipping through picture books and, yes, wanting to read just one more page. How did time pass so quickly?

  “It’s thirty minutes after your bedtime, kiddo.” She padded across the carpet. “There will be time tomorrow to read.”

  “The game was pretty good tonight, right?” His attention remained fixed on the book.

  “Right. Your team did great. The captain, not so much.”

  “Hey, I wasn’t that bad.” Jake laughed absently, reading away. “Tomorrow’s not a school day.”

  “No, but rules are rules. Give it up.” She held out her hand and the closed book landed there, accompanied by a sigh. “Get some sleep, kid.”

  She set the paperback on the nightstand next to a familiar looking volume. Her high school yearbook. That was curious. “Were you going through this again?”

  “I wanted to get the two of you fixed in my head.”

  “The two of who? Wait, don’t say. Don’t you even think it.” She grinned, snared the yearbook and turned off the lamp. Darkness fell. Hobart kept snoring. “I’m hereby banishing the subject of Wyatt Royce in this household.”

  “How about in the car?”

  “It’s a unilateral banishment. It covers all locations, including the car.”

  “How about at school?”

  “What part of ‘all locations’ didn’t you understand?” she quipped, heading for the door. “Severe penalties will be enacted for every mention of the banished subject.”

  “What kind of penalties?”

  “Terrible, unspeakable ones.” She reached for the door
. “I can see you quaking from here.”

  “Yeah, I’m real scared.” Jake’s sheets rustled as he stretched out. “I noticed you took the yearbook.”

  “I had to. It’s as of this moment a banned publication. Good night, kid.”

  “’Night, Mom.” Already he sounded sleepy. She shut the door as Hobart gave a yip in his dreams.

  Alone in the hallway, she trudged down the stairs with the yearbook hugged to her chest. She hadn’t looked at it in ages. Wasn’t sure she really wanted to. She’d had enough of Wyatt for one day. If she opened the pages and flipped through them, seeing the teenagers they’d been, then she’d never forget the sight of him walking away from her today, and the twist of loss she’d felt.

  But what if they’d never broken up? Instead of Jasper’s control issues, she would have had to deal with Wyatt’s instead.

  She padded to the bookcase in the family room, where the photo albums were kept on the bottom shelf. She ignored the dust gathering—there was no time for housework because tomorrow was day two of the diaper drive—and slipped the yearbook into place alongside her other ones. She couldn’t resist pulling out a small blue album—Jake’s baby book—and taking it with her to the couch.

  What a wee thing he’d been, so fragile and amazing. From the moment the nurses had put him in her arms, a well of love had risen within her, stronger than any force she’d known. She traced her fingertip along the button shape of his dear face, and gazed at those baby-blue eyes staring up at the camera Jasper held. That so, so special day had been marred by her husband’s impatience with the caring nurses, his self-importance, his loud, look-at-me voice. He’d been jealous that he wasn’t the center of attention, she realized now.

  Yes, leaving that man was the smartest thing she’d ever done, and one of the hardest. She drank in a last long look at Jake’s innocent, sweet face, and the love within her strengthened, just as it did every time she saw her boy. In the end she’d been able to keep the promise she’d vowed to him when she’d first cradled him against her. To do the very best for him, so he could grow up happy. So he could grow up to be a good man.