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“He made a good point. There was never any exchange of money and no contract. Andy’s known to be a coward anyway. All talk and no action.” She sipped her drink and tried to focus on the positive. “I only hope he keeps his big mouth shut.”
“It really doesn’t matter. New Hampshire is a place where you can be yourself. People won’t think twice about a witch. There’s no reason to hide who you are.”
“I’m still afraid. There’s too much at stake. It’s not easy leaving your hometown.”
Terri patted Krista’s hand.
For the rest of the evening they watched an old black-and-white movie. Thoughts of Jon kept her stomach fluttering with excitement, and she couldn’t wait to see him again.
****
The morning flew by with a steady flow of customers. The summer sale did better than Krista had expected. People loved the ‘buy one get one half price’ concept. When she rang up the last sale and finished for the day, the excitement over her date with Jon increased, making her emotions soar. She scurried around the store to straighten up and practically knocked over a display of body butter.
On the way out the door, the business line rang and she rushed to answer it. Her heart sank when she heard Andy’s voice. A two-packs-of-cigarettes-a-day habit had taken a toll on his voice. She cringed and held her breath in fear of his lethal words.
“Don’t get your pants on fire, missy. I’m back home. I don’t think your little town’s people would give me the time of day anyway, you’re not worth it.”
Krista took a breath, shaken by his sudden change in plan. She had learned never to trust him. “Why don’t I believe a word you have to say?”
He snickered. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m on to bigger and better things. Just remember, you owe me for this freebie.”
“What do you mean? I don’t owe you a thing.” Krista’s anger grew. How dare he speak to her in such a way? “Well, buddy, I saw a lawyer, so you better watch your back.” She stammered, shaken over her attempt at using such bold words. With one swift movement, she slammed down the receiver and stomped out of the shop.
The drive home seemed like minutes because her heart was beating so fast she felt as if she were being chased. Panic-filled thoughts invaded her mind, and she contemplated canceling her date with Jon, but quickly decided against it.I’m not going to let him ruin the evening.
Deep inside, she wanted to come clean and stop hiding from the past. Her new friends and neighbors may understand. Krista took a cleansing breath and tried to focus on the good things in her life. She pressed her foot down on the pedal, her mind still in a whirlwind.
Once inside her place, she tossed her keys and purse on the kitchen counter. With her sides rattling as if she rode a roller coaster, she focused on relaxing her tight muscles. The course she took last year from the American Heart Association had educated her on the body’s response to stress. She had learned breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. She realized her body would go back to normal without an intervention.
After a long, hot shower, she was even more determined to keep her plans for the evening. It was time she did something for herself. A man like Jon didn’t come along every day. Besides, she wanted a dose of his charm. The thought of it made her feel warm and tingly inside. It brought back the memory of young love on a warm summer night.I’m ready to move forward.
In the back of her mind, her secret past lingered. No way was she about to discuss it. But how was she going to start a new romance based on a lie? A decision to let the way she felt in his arms rule her heart set the mood for her upcoming date. For now, she’d take it slow. In time, she’d find a way to share her secret.
She had decided earlier in the day to phone Jon and have him pick her up at home instead of the shop. Why shouldn’t he know where she lived?
A little black dress sat tucked inside a plastic bag in the back of her closet, and it was perfect for her date with Jon. Along with a strappy silver sandal and a dainty heart-shaped necklace, she’d be sure to look her best for the fabulous new man in her life. She didn’t go looking for him, but she wasn’t about to lose out on happiness. It was the time in her life to find someone special.
Thrilled Jon would arrive soon, she grabbed a silver clutch bag from a top shelf. By the time she’d applied a touch of makeup and finished styling her hair, she had minutes before he was set to arrive. A little light-headed from all of the excitement, she reached for a mint from a dish on the coffee table and popped it into her mouth.
The doorbell rang, and she hurried to the door. Her heart thumped in her chest in anticipation of seeing him again. She greeted him with a smile.
“You look stunning,” he said.
“Thank you.” She stood aside as he entered the room.
He couldn’t have looked hotter. He wore a pair of tan slacks and a navy blue sports jacket, topped off by an expensive looking, light blue shirt. Her breathing sped up as she placed her tongue on her top lip. Standing next to him, she found the heat between them tantalizing. The magic words were sex appeal. Jon embodied it. Ways to seduce him popped into her head. How could a woman who abstained from sex for so long lose it all in a flash?
He glanced around. “Your place is great.”
“Thanks. I like it.”
“It suits you. Are you ready to go? I made reservations.” He kept his gaze pinned on her. His words were soft and seductive.
“I’m ready.” She almost had to pinch herself. Was she really going on a dinner date with her lawyer, let alone all the while dreaming about him in her bed?
He placed his hand on her upper back when she opened the door, and it sent shivers from her head to her toes. The night held mystery, nevertheless, she couldn’t wait to see how it unfolded. A sense of belonging grabbed on to her heart.
Her handsome date opened the car door, and she got in then fastened her seatbelt with her adrenaline running high. He jumped in, buckled up, and they were on their way.
