Page 70 of 6 Clues Your Nemesis Loves You

“Physically, though, I’m all for pushing ahead.” A hint of bashfulness threads into her voice. “There’s actually something I kind of want.”

I rub our noses together. “Do tell.”

“I want to do what we did together that last night at the pond. Not now. Just…eventually. I want you to come on me like that.”

Yep, I definitely did something good in a past life. “I’ll think about it. I’m quite shy.”

She snorts, eyes shining with amusement. “I love how much you make me laugh.”

I love you, I almost say. But I’m not that big of a moron. I kiss her instead. Try to keep her with me a little longer. And plan for more time together. “There’s an exhibit at the Yard Goat Gallery in a couple weeks. Art from local kids, and Max has some stuff up. Care to join me as my date?”

She slinks out of bed and starts getting dressed, but she shoots me a warm smile. “I’d love that. And I can cook you dinner tomorrow night, if you’re free?”

“Count me in.”

I pull on my jeans and shirt and walk Maggie to my truck. We don’t talk much on the drive to her home, but the quiet is comfortable.

I park on her street and kiss her softly. “Sleep well.”

She smiles against me. “Thanks for a great night.”

She doesn’t pause or glance back after she leaves. I watch her sashay to her front door, feeling mostly happy. I want Maggie back in my bed, cuddled up to my chest, but tonight felt like the start of something deeper between us, and I’m good with that.

A buzz startles me. One glance at my phone has me wishing I hadn’t brought it tonight.

Life Wrecker: I know you don’t want to hear from me, but you left before I finished. There’s something else you need to know.

A flash of anger blinds me.

How does he not understand how hard hearing from him is? Why can’t he just let me go so I can get on with my life? I also want to throttle him for inadvertently hurting Maggie all those years ago. But I won’t reply. I am nothing to that man, and he is nothing to me. As far as I’m concerned, Raymond S. Bower doesn’t exist.

I move my thumb to power down my phone, but an email notification pops up. I frown at Mrs. Jackson’s name.

I start reading her message. By the time I get to the end, my father’s text is the least of my worries.

I’m sorry to do this, but I’m making some personal changes, and I’ve decided to sell the property. I have a buyer interested. It’s in the very early stages of discussion, but if it goes through, she wants a short closing date. I’ll give you as much notice as possible. Whatever happens, thank you for taking such good care of my family’s home. It’s been a joy having you as a tenant.

I close my eyes, picture my morning working on the porch, walking the land, planning a fun surprise for Maggie, basking in the quiet of the serene area. I knew the property wasn’t mine. I knew my rented home wasn’t permanent. Still, the weight of my disappointment feels crushing.

chapter twenty-four

The Yard Goat Gallery is an artist co-op built into Windfall’s old train station. The historic building has been lovingly restored to its original red brick walls and worn wooden floors. Big windows let in loads of natural light, and a number of artists share the vibrant space. This afternoon, they’re hosting an exhibit to showcase talent from the local schools. You better believe my nephew is one of those exceptional kids.

Desmond is standing near a wall adorned with several framed drawings, his arms crossed and legs planted wide. Everything about his body language reads “stay away,” but the guy is grinning. Full teeth, hearts practically exploding from his eyes. He’s with Sadie, and Max is nearby, chatting to a young girl.

Since Maggie’s meeting me here after she’s done work, I head toward them. “Did you slip Ecstasy into his Metamucil this morning?” I ask Sadie.

She laughs and pulls me into a hug. “I can always count on you to keep Des humble. Thanks for coming.”

I kiss her cheek.

Desmond’s expression flips from heart-eyes to fuck you. “With comments like that, consider yourself uninvited to this event.”

“I don’t recall you buying ownership in this lovely gallery, so it’s not your call.”

Sadie shakes her head at us. “I’ll let you two continue antagonizing each other. I need to chat with Jasmine’s mom.”

Des watches her leave, his smitten smile returning.