Balotelli-Bale Series Book #4: THE OTHER MAN PART 1

Chapter 4: Dossier

"...Where desire takes root, a flame is fanned. When the flames keep growing they are bound to burn someone..."

Keira's POV

"Mom I'm home!" I called out when I entered the quiet house. "Mom?"

It is an old house that mostly served as a vacation home whenever we came from Texas. The floorboards are creaking under my feet. I wish to restore it but my pockets aren't deep enough to fund a renovation. The most I can do is a new coat of paint for a few rooms. I stopped by a wall with markings. Every summer when visited Winchester, mom would mark our heights. Keith and I are almost the same height.

I visit my mom every Sunday afternoon. Usually, she meets me in the foyer but today she hasn't. I followed the sound of laughter and that's when I found her in the living room with a woman. I sighed in relief flattening my palm on my chest. She's okay. My biggest fear is the day I will visit and she will be lying lifeless.

"Keira! Look who visited!" She exclaimed with excitement in her voice.

I do not recognize the woman but her pretty blue eyes are fixed on me. She even stood up looking me over with a lot of interest. "Hello there." I smiled.

"Keira this is Freya Nora Harrington. She chairs the Harrington Foundation."

My mother was heavily involved in charity work back when she was in good health. She was a member of every other foundation. If bankruptcy will hit someone hard, it is her. She has never experienced poverty before. She comes from a wealthy family. We are estranged from her side of the family because they did not approve of her marrying a man in the Navy. She is not taking the financial situation in our family well. To add to that, the cancer has done a number on her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." I shook her hand.

"Oh! You're so beautiful!" She exclaimed looking at me then my mother. "Good work Lili! I didn't know you had such a gem! I could have arranged a courtship with Cole Michael. Actually we can! Right?"

Courtship? Cole Michael? Who is that?

"What do you expect from a drop dead gorgeous woman?" She gestured to herself making an interesting twirl. We do resemble with the exception of my blue eyes which I get from my father. She has dark brown eyes. "She gets it from me."

My mind lingered on three things the woman said: Courtship... Cole Michael... We can...

"Slow down mom." I am worried about how intent my parents are on setting me up with other men. They do not recognize my marriage. Dad is all about Nickolas Bale and now mom has Cole Michael? "No dancing. I don't think you're strong enough."

Unlike me Lilian Ballard likes to be seen. She has a flare for the theatrics. She was a model in her younger years.

"I have someone for you." She informed me. She and Freya shared a naughty look. I immediately realized they are looking past me. I turned my head. There is a tall handsome man standing right behind me. Why can't mom just tell Mrs. Harrington I'm not single? Because she hates my husband.

"Hi." He greeted me.

"Hi." I whispered, almost a squeak.

That damn smile!

Talk about perfection personified.

Why am I suddenly surrounded by hot men? Where were they when I was single?

"I'm Cole." He introduced himself and offered his hand.

"I'm... Kei... Keira." I cannot even hide the blush. I shook his hand eagerly.