In the seconds he’d come awake in his office, he had turned and seen her face and instinctually reached for her. Like a thirsty man grabbing a cup of water. She had reminded him of their circumstances, and he pushed aside the desire lingering just under his smooth façade.
Not now. Now he was here, and she was arching into him. He licked his lips and lowered his head.
“I thought this was supposed to be easy?” A familiar male voice complained.
Christopher swallowed the groan building in his chest. If he released it, he’d hear rumors of a bear now circling the property. He wanted like five more minutes before he’d been right. He could have kissed her. He should have because now she was wrong.
Her ghost wasn’t real.
Part of him had hoped the spirit couldn’t be so easily explained. He harbored a wish that Xavier lingered on the earthly plane, helping his daughter to atone for his unfinished business in life. But no. Christopher’s assessment that humans manipulated the situation was correct. And for his victory, he’d claim an unhappy wife who would not want to make out.
He dropped his chin to his chest, taking several deep breaths.
“Keep your voice down,” another man said, his voice strained and wheezy.
That voice sounded familiar, too. He knew both men. And that was the worst piece of news he’d had in years. It was Zach and Lonnie.
He didn’t want to think that the people he’d grown up with hated him enough to try to kill his wife and destroy his business. Sure, they’d argue something else but they had been caught red-handed. Lonnie and Zach plotting to destroy him as thoroughly as a man could be ruined.
He lifted his gaze to her face.
Her expression clouded, unreadable. Her wrinkled brow and scrunched face assured him he’d missed his chance. Well, perhaps that was for the best. He wanted to kiss her with every ounce of his being. But did she reciprocate his feelings or had she been swept up in a moment? He owed her a clear choice if he considered himself a gentleman.
Their marriage had probably been that for her, although he’d been honest about his commitment. She’d disregarded the vows almost as soon as she could, running off. She’d made her choice years ago. He’d been an idiot to imagine any different.
Even if she could somehow forgive him, she would never forget. When it counted, he’d made a choice against her. She’d never truly appreciate the circumstances he’d been put in, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever been able to rationalize what he did as being in her best interests. Not truly. He’d picked safety over love. Her return was hollow.
He wasn’t the victor. He’d just lost again. This time for good. He wouldn’t put any pressure on her. He’d see the lawyer in the morning. He’d buy theHotel Lavande.
He leaned close. “Go back to the Inn and call the police,” he murmured into her ear. He fought the urge to bury his face in her neck. She was everything he’d ever wanted and never could hold on to. Pulling back, he met her gaze.
She nodded.Be careful,she mouthed.
He scrambled backward and, on hands and knees, rounded the pine tree. Once in the open, he ran, leaping over the bridge. “Come out with your hands up.”
“Crap, I told you!” Lonnie Treacle, the taffy and fudge shop owner, shouted.
Christopher rounded the lighthouse. On the backside of the small island, away from view of the Inn because of the pile of rubble, the sixty-something-year-old man leaned on a shovel.
Kneeling on the ground with a trowel, Zach Jenkins met Christopher’s gaze.
Christopher saw red.
While Lonnie was part of an older generation, Zach had only been a few years ahead. Zach knew Ashley. Throughout the years, he’d spoken of her in glowing terms. Friendship hadn’t stopped him from attempted murder.
“Stand up now. You’ve got some nerve showing up here,” Christopher hissed. Rage pounded through his veins, curling his fists at his side.
“Why?” Zach stood, dusting his hands on his pants and crossing his arms. “Because we’re taking advantage of an opportunity?”
“Nearly killing my wife is an opportunity? How dare you.” Christopher lunged forward.
Lonnie pulled him back. “Stop. What are you talking about? We’re just looking for the treasure. Heard the lighthouse was in ruins. Figured this was a good time. We never hurt anyone.”
Christopher wheeled around. “The treasure doesn’t exist. The gold isn’t real. It was a marketing ploy from the 90s. Why is everyone in this town so gullible? I have bad news. Santa doesn’t bring your presents either. You can be as good as you want, and if your parents don’t have any money, you won’t get a thing.” His voice shook, long-repressed emotion flooding him.
Lonnie dropped his grip and held up both hands, sliding his eyes to his partner.
“Why can’t people in this town face facts?” Christopher roared. “You make choices, and you accept the consequences. There is no grand scheme to save you. Hard work doesn’t always mean success. Life isn’t fair.”
