No. No. No.
The haunting melody drifts through the window of the idling car, bringing me back to a day where my life forever changed.
Frantically, I search the parking lot again and come up empty. I did not and would not have had that song playing. I peek in to see it’s connected to Bluetooth and pull out my phone furiously, closing out my apps, but the song continues to play. It’s not my phone it’s connected to. I press my hands to the hood. Warm.
Is this another game?
I can’t stomach anymore.
I laid us to rest—the past. I left. I did what he asked. What the hell is the point of this? I scan the small shopping center again, and it’s then I spot Tobias stepping out of the A & P, a grocery bag in his hands. The sight of him in dark jeans and a T-shirt is foreign but electrifying. His posture is relaxed, but his brows are drawn in concentration. I know it the minute he realizes I’m standing there, and he tenses and stops mid-step, a second before his amber eyes lift to mine.
He rakes me from head to foot as I cross my arms and whistle.
“Wow. Not only did you steal the car for a joyride, but you decided to go grocery shopping after? You’ve got some balls on you, and your arrogance knows no bounds.”
I don’t miss the twitch of a smile as he approaches, and then it’s gone. I tear my eyes away, my pride only taking me so far. He’s so fucking beautiful, and in a way that snatches sanity. I can’t afford to lose an ounce more.
“I knew you took it.”
“It was a parting gift from Sean. And rightfully yours if you want it, but please…” I rasp out hoarsely. “Don’t take it.”
“I get my way, no matter what. You know that, and you weren’t supposed to get off until four.”
“Well, I took off early, and I guess I shouldn’t put it past you to snake the one possession I care about.” I duck into the Camaro and kill it, slamming the door after retrieving the key and my purse. All yours. Now I really do hate you. Are you happy?”
“No. Not at all. You’re a waitress, who gave up millions of dollars and are living in another bum fucked town in the middle of nowhere, Virginia. You think that makes me happy?”
“I don’t care what that makes you. I’m happy. I love this town. And I’m not penniless. I own that café and the house I’m living in. You think I’m really dumb enough to give away every cent? I grew up poor. I’ll never be that damned generous.”
Confusion flits over his features. “You own it?”
“Technically, my mother does.”
“Why Meggie’s?”
I damn near laugh at the fact that he hasn’t put it together.
Men.
“It’s a long story.”
He frowns. “Do I know it?”
“Intimately, and as an outsider.”
“Are you going to give me a straight answer?”
“It’ll be my secret to keep.” I glance up at him. “The presidential address shook me a little. That’s why I took off early.”
I don’t miss the clear swell of pride in his eyes. “Caught that, did you?”
“All that time I thought I was playing on your board, and you’d already switched to another. Seeing Tyler standing there…Gah, I can’t tell you what that did to me. It’s remarkable, truly what you’ve done, what you’re doing. In my wildest dreams…I consider myself lucky I get to watch it unfold.” I deflate. “I just wish you would have let me in…” I shake my head. “Doesn’t matter.”
“You’re getting every dime back, Cecelia.”
“I’m fine.”
“Look. At. Me.”
“Nope. You see, I don’t have to. Let that sink in a minute.”
“Cecelia—”
“You weren’t supposed to know about the money. It doesn’t matter about the money. It’s where it should be, back in the hands of people who worked for it. You’ll see to it that the rest is used in a way that matters. I know you will.”
“You think I wouldn’t notice that much money? Look at me, Cecelia.”
Our eyes meet, and I curse the zing that runs through me. He’s the man I knew, and yet so much has changed. But one thing never will. Our connection, it’s our connection that keeps me captive no matter how much of a free woman I preach to be.
When I finally give him the full attention he seeks, there’s something in his eyes I’ve rarely seen. They swell with emotion when they sweep me.