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I pluck a piece of vibrant green grass from the ground and immediately see Vin’s stunning green eyes.
“I don’t know what to do, Mom. The more time I spend with him, the more it’s going to hurt if he doesn’t want me the way I want him. But I’d be foolish not to take the job. You know how much I hate working at the diner and being on my poor feet all day. This would allow me to sit at a desk and use my brain. I know I could do it—and do it really well. Plus, he’s offering me an obscene amount of money and all the perks.”
As much as I wanted to accept his offer right away, I didn’t because of the way he suddenly turned cool. Everything had been going so well and then I could literally feel him pulling away and becoming guarded. I don’t understand why and it hurts my feelings. I’ve never been in a situation like this before and I don’t want to make the wrong decision.
I also don’t want to get hurt further. Because Vincentius Rossi has the power to break my heart.
I let out a soft sigh and look up at the blue sky above. Even though she isn’t here with me physically any longer, I know in my heart of hearts that my mom is listening. As I’m debating what I’m going to do, a bright red cardinal lands on the tombstone beside me. My jaw drops and tears sting my eyes. Cardinals represent loved ones visiting you after they’ve passed and my heart swells.
“I love you, Mom,” I whisper. The beautiful bird looks at me for a moment and I feel an indescribable peace settle over me.
And I know what I’m going to do. I’m going to accept Vin’s job offer.
Letting out a breath, I watch the cardinal fly away then stand up. Brushing my pants off, I walk back through the cemetery and out the main gates.
Out of nowhere, a prickling sensation touches the back of my neck. It feels like someone is watching me and I look around, but don’t see anyone suspicious or anything at all unusual. Brushing it off, I continue heading up the sidewalk when a car pulls up to the curb.
“Well, hello,” a masculine voice says and I pause and glance over.
I instantly recognize the man from the auction. The one who tried to buy me but, thankfully, Vin outbid him.
“You might not remember me?—”
“I remember you,” I say coolly.
“Well, I’m sorry things didn’t turn out as I’d hoped. I wanted to get to know you better the other night.”
I’m sure.
“I’m Caleb Durant.” He looks at me, as though waiting for some kind of reaction. I don’t know if he expects me to recognize his name, but I have no idea who he is. Nor do I care. He’s still just as slimy as I remember.
“I really have to go,” I say and start walking again.
“Mary! Wait! Can I give you a ride?”
I pause mid-step and bite my lip. I don’t intend to tell him my true name or get in his fancy BMW. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“Aww, don’t be like that. C’mon, get inside and I’ll drive you wherever you want to go.”
“No, thank you.” My voice is crisp and my dislike of him should be quite clear.
His dark eyes narrow and I can tell he’s not happy with my answer. He’s probably a man who’s used to getting his way. Oh, well. Not today.
“Alright then,” he relents, clearly unhappy. “Maybe another time.”
“I don’t think so.” The last thing I want to do is encourage him. I have no interest.
“We’ll see about that,” he mutters then squeals away from the curb.
“What a jerk,” I grumble. No, Caleb Durant, you can be sure that I will not change my mind. Not about you. Not ever.
10
VIN
Thoughts of Hannah fill my head, teasing and tormenting me for hours after I dropped her off back home. I’m pissed at myself because I said I had to work, but I’m not working today. I don’t officially start until Monday, but I needed some space from the bewitching beauty who is making me think all sorts of things I’m not used to thinking. She’s making me want things. Impossible things.
So, I did the only thing I could—I went into self-preservation mode and got her out of here before I did something I would later regret.
