Page 34 of Mr. Risky

My stomach twisted with anxiety.

“Well, that was a long time ago,” I said tightly. “I’m not close with him now.”

“He’s—taken a real interest in the property. Always seems to be out there doing something. He says he’s building a fountain and a decorative pond for her. . .but I don’t see much evidence of that.”

“Maybe he’s just lazy,” I put in.

“Maybe. I think he likes to let on that he’s lazy. I don’t think he actually is.”

Bingo, I thought.

“Well, what else could be the explanation?”

“There’s only one thing I can imagine him searching for. . . but it’s a total urban legend. And if it was ever found on our property. . .it would belong to us. Not him.”

“What’s an urban legend? What are you talking about?”

“Never mind. Just, please, be careful around him. And if you see him doing anything suspicious, please tell me.”

“If you’re so suspicious, why don’t you just ban him from the property?”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Pippa is too in love with him.”

Another unfair stab to my heart.

“I’m sorry, I don’t see what this has to do with me,” I said.

Hayden smiled, cradled my hand gently in his. “I’m really glad to hear that. I confess I was—somewhat jealous of him at some point.”

“Why?”

“Oh—the two of you always seemed to be together. Swear you were joined at the hip sometimes.”

“Appearances can be deceiving,” I said, hoping the break in my voice didn’t give me away.

“I’m very happy to hear that,” he said. “You see, I’ve always had a thing for you, Sosie.”

He began to tell me how he felt, but my mind was still buzzing with uncertainty.

What the hell kind of urban legend was Granger chasing?

And why was I being dragged into Hollingsworth family business?

I didn’t even realized my hand was still in his when someone slid into the seat beside me.

“Isn’t this cozy,” Granger said, his voice deceptively pleasant. “Scoot over, Sosie.”

He didn’t give me a chance to object, giving me a shove with his hip and forcing me to break the contact with Hayden.

“What are you doing here?” Hayden asked.

“A cup of coffee sounds great,” Granger said, ignoring his question. “Thanks for inviting me over.”

“I didn’t—” Hayden protested.