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He’d manipulated her, convinced her. And she’d gone along with it, even when she’d been afraid and unsure. She felt so stupid. She really was stupid, just like her mother had said.
But she knew one thing. She couldn’t do what John was asking. She couldn’t be one of his girls.
She just didn’t know how she was going to get away, or where she would go once she did.
CHAPTER 31
Zachary
My neck and shoulders were knotted with tension after a long day at work. The Tilikum Hardware project was pretty straightforward, but it involved a lot of holding my arms overhead while I worked on ceiling fixtures and wiring. And I had to admit, being on a ladder and rewiring things was still slightly disconcerting. I was extra careful—double and triple checking everything—but I remembered the feeling of being shocked all too well. I did not want to go through that again.
I rolled my shoulders as I walked out to my truck. A hot shower sounded good. Maybe I’d do that after I picked up Marigold from the salon.
A hot shower with Marigold sounded even better.
The thought of her put a smile on my face. I loaded up my tools as a few drops of rain started to fall. It was miserably cold, but Mari would call it cozy weather. I wondered if I had time to stop by the Steaming Mug to get her a London fog, her favorite drink. She’d like that, especially on a rainy day.
A beige Buick pulled up behind me, blocking me in, and the driver tapped the horn. I was about to get annoyed when I saw it was just my aunt Louise.
“Hi, honey,” she called out as she rolled down the passenger side window.
“Hi, Aunt Louise.” I grinned at her. “What’s up?”
“Come here.” She waved me over. “I don’t want to get out. The rain will ruin my hair and I just got it done.”
I walked over to her passenger side and leaned in the window. “Looks good. Did you see Marigold?”
“Of course I did. She’s the best. What’s this I hear about you and the lovely Miss Martin? She said you’re an item now.”
“She’s my girl.”
“Who would have thought? I figured I’d have my work cut out for me, getting you to settle down. Turns out the right woman was there all along.”
“She absolutely was. I was just too much of an idiot to see it for a while.”
“Glad you got yourself straightened out, honey.” She narrowed her eyes. “Marigold is a sweet girl, you know. Don’t you dare go breaking her heart.”
“Not gonna happen, Aunt Louise. So what does this do to my standing on the bachelor hierarchy?”
“Well, I’m not saying you should marry her just so your Aunt Louise wins a wager, but I do have my money on you being next.”
“I’ve got you.” I winked.
She laughed and grabbed a round tin off the passenger seat. “I have some cookies for you. Baked them this morning.”
I reached in and took the tin from her. “How’d you know you were going to see me today?”
She tapped her temple. “Your Aunt Louise knows things, honey. That’s why I’m going to win that wager.”
I laughed. She was so weird. I loved it. And she baked great cookies. They’d be perfect with Mari’s London fog. “Thanks, Aunt Louise.”
“See you later, honey.”
I straightened and waved as she drove off. The rain was picking up, so I hurried back to my truck and got in, then checked the clock. I had just enough time to make a quick stop before Mari would be done with work.
The Steaming Mug wasn’t busy and I was in and out in no time. I headed to the salon and parked out front. A trio of squirrels darted past, probably seeking shelter from the rain.
I went inside and there was my girl, looking as beautiful as ever. She smiled when she saw me, and I held up her drink.
