He tossed the keys into a bowl on a credenza and turned. “I’m going to take a quick shower. I’ll be right back.”

Nodding, she glanced around as he walked into the house and toward what she presumed was the master bedroom. The interior was furnished with what she’d call man-style Hamptons’ flair. An open-concept first floor took her from the entry area to the massive living/family room with windows overlooking the beach.

Bella stepped across the floor, her nails tapping as she moved, and she disappeared into what Sasha assumed was the kitchen. The loud sound of lapping water followed and she knew she was right. Bella was drinking in the other room.

Continuing to appraise Xander’s house, Sasha took in the smooth dark-stained wood floors that ran through every room. A white sofa and chairs made the open area feel cozy, the warm atmosphere helped by white antique-styled leather trunk end and coffee tables with brass buckles, locks, and hinges.

She doubted Xander had decorated himself and assumed his sister, Chloe, or his mother had given him a hand. Sasha much preferred that thought to considering another woman helping him make this place a home.

Bella’s clicking nails announced her arrival. Xander hadn’t had a dog when he was in LA, and Sasha wondered how long after coming back he’d gotten the pup. A cold nose nudged her bare legs, and Bella leaned her warm body against Sasha’s legs. Bending down, Sasha petted the soft fur before turning her attention to the framed family photos set around the room.

With so many siblings, Xander had plenty of pictures. To keep busy and not overthink the cool welcome he’d given her, she glanced at the photos, recognizing Xander’s mother, brothers, and sister she’d met when they’d traveled to LA to visit him. As an only child, Sasha had been overwhelmed by his big family and envied him at the same time.

Her gaze fell to an unfamiliar younger woman in one of the frames. Long blond hair fell to the bottom of her back, big blue eyes stared at the camera, and a wide smile was on her pretty face. In another picture, the same woman held an infant in her arms, Xander by her side with an arm around her waist.

Sasha picked up the photo, studying it, shocked and confused because she didn’t recognize the woman as anyone in his family. She had the momentary thought that Xander might have a wife and a baby, a possibility she’d never allowed herself to consider. Xander moving on hadn’t crossed her mind and it should have.

A pang twisted inside her, and she braced one palm against her abdomen.