“No. That same woman he was spotted with, the one I warned you about?” Hoffman seems stunned. A house on the Port Streets? That’s far more serious. That’s commitment. “You need to confront him. How could anyone cheat on you?”

David is an idiot, that’s how. “Thank you.”

Suddenly the court lights shut off and we’re plunged into darkness. I jump and Hoffman pulls me to him.

“The lights are on timers,” he murmurs before his lips cover mine.

I enjoy the sensation, the zinging stars in my head. His hand cradles the back of my head. I’m dizzy. I need to pull away and I do.

“Wow,” I manage. I’m not lying. It’s been so long since anyone has kissed me with raw desire.

“Sorry, I couldn’t stop myself. I hope you’ll forgive me.” He stands and helps me up.

“Of course. I just need to sort out my life. I know I need a fresh start.” I’m flirting with him and I’m irresistible. It’s not his fault he feels this way, even though he is way below me. I mean, me and a tennis pro? Come on. That’s a housewife/country club cliché I’m not going to partake in.

We walk in silence through the dark parking lot to my car. He says, “I hope everything works out. You know where to find me if you need me.”

I click the car door open and hurry inside. I can’t let him kiss me again. Once, an accident. Twice, well, people will find out. I can’t have an affair with a staff member of The Cove. I’d be ruined here, and all over Southern California. But it doesn’t matter because I’m out of here, soon. I wave through the window as I pull away.

After graduation, after everything unfolds tomorrow, perhaps I’ll explore the neighborhood where Elizabeth James lives. After, of course, I facilitate her quick departure. It’s amazing the havoc a lawsuit from one disgruntled patient can cause. I’ve already found her. And she’s so angry. But that’s later. After I get through all of this mess. Then, after Elizabeth is dealt with, I will start over, find love again. And I’ll aim high, much higher than a tennis pro.

There are so many more men like David out there. If she’s smart, and I know she is, Kylie will be leaving her Port Street home soon to find a fresh catch. Maybe she’ll head east and stop in Scottsdale. There are plenty of rich men golfing their retirement days away in Arizona. Sounds dreadfully boring to me, but they have money. She’ll try to keep one state ahead of the Holiday children. They’ll catch her, eventually, I know, because I will track her.