Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 470

Keith punched in another number on his phone, the firmness in his voice unmistakable, "I'm heading to Pinehurst tomorrow. Make the arrangements."

He was determined to deliver the cash to Darlene in person!

And he needed to catch up with Lucinda, see if she had any savvy tips up her sleeve for coaxing Darlene into revealing a bit more than she intended.

Now more than ever, Keith trusted Lucinda's judgment.

Her intuition was spot on.

Not to mention her predictions!

It was almost a shame she wasn't reading fortunes under some bridge in the city.

Darlene's unexpected visit had robbed Keith of a full night's sleep; four hours was all he managed before dawn crept in.

Short as his slumber was, Keith woke up feeling refreshed and energized, his mood buoyant.

First thing, he dialed Lucinda's number.

To let her know he'd be visiting today.

Lucinda's delight was palpable through the phone, though tinged with confusion, "Keith, weren't you planning on coming over for Tiffany's wedding? Why the sudden drop-by on a Monday?"

She was going to hand in her resignation at the company today.

After Tiffany's wedding, she planned to move back to Skywatch.

Post-resignation, her time would be devoted to preparing for Liam and Tiffany's wedding.

"What, not happy to see me? Or perhaps you're worried I'll be a third wheel, cramping your style with Stefan?"

Keith teased.

Watching his sister and her husband all lovey-dovey always left him feeling like he was being force-fed a diet of romance.

Sometimes it even made him consider looking for love.

All thanks to the lovebirds, his sister and brother-in-law.

"Keith, what are you talking about? You're my brother, my flesh and blood, just as important to me as Stefan. Of course, I'd want to spend time with you first. Out with it, why are you really coming over? I don't buy for a second it's just because you missed me."

"Your words make me sound like a heartless brother," he said with mock indignation. "Last night, well, more like one in the morning today, my lifesaver paid me a visit."

Lucinda was instantly intrigued, "So, did you finally see her face? Was it Darlene? How did you thank your lifesaver? Any chance you offered yourself in return? I have two brothers, and the elder one's all settled. You're the only bachelor left, Keith. If it turns out to be Darlene, you should shamelessly offer yourself to her."

"The debt of saving a life can certainly be paid that way."

Keith was speechless, "Lucy, are you a matchmaker now?"

Lucinda giggled, "I'm just looking out for you. Mom and Dad aren't pestering you about marriage, so it falls to me to take up the mantle. Even though you're ten minutes older, I'm married; I've been through it. I know the ropes."

Keith was speechless.

Most people got the marriage nudge from their elders, but Keith got it from his little sister.

"I didn't get to see her real face, so I can't be sure it was Ms. Darlene," Keith confessed, "She wasn't willing to reveal her identity, and I didn't want to press her. But when I spoke to her up close, I caught a scent I recognized. Next time I see Ms. Darlene, I'll know for sure."

"It seems you're quite taken with her, breaking your own 'three-meter rule' just for her," Lucinda teased.

She knew it. Her brother was an amazing catch, and she was certain that once the right moment came, the no-women-within-three-meters rule would shatter.

Keith said, "I'd actually forgotten about that."

Lucinda laughed heartily over the phone.

Keith was a tad frustrated.

When he saw the masked woman in his room, his only thought was relief. He had people scouring everywhere for her, and here she was, showing up on her own accord. In his excitement, he'd completely forgotten his rule about women not getting too close.