AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Umm…because…” I can’t think of an excuse quick enough.
“I have no one else to send. Everyone is busy working. It will really help me out. Of course, we’ll compensate you for your time.”
My shoulders slump on a ragged breath. How can I refuse a request from Juliette Monet, especially when she’s been so generous with her time? “Okay, send me the photos, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” The sooner I get the job done, the sooner I can get the hell out of Mirror Lake.
Juliette pops her head around the easel and smiles. “Excellent! Now hurry along, darling. I have a car waiting for you. The driver knows the address.”
During the long drive, I try to distract myself by playing Candy Crush on my phone. Anything to stop myself from thinking about the lake and especially Finn. I soon realize I’m fighting a losing battle and give up my game. I rest my head on the headrest and close my eyes. I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter where I am, who I’m with, or what I’m doing, I’m never going to get Finn out of my head—my heart. I feel like I’m drowning without him.
After nearly five hours we enter the town. I pull out my phone, checking for a message from Juliette. She still hasn’t sent me the photos.How am I supposed to know if the location is acceptable if I can’t compare it?I send her a text to remind her to send them. I stare at the phone waiting for a response—nothing. I blow out a frustrated breath and toss it on the seat next to me.
After a few minutes, my phone beeps with a text. I press a palm to my heart. Finally! I look at the screen. The message isn’t from Juliette. It’s from Finn. My breath catches in my lungs. Two messages in one day? Why? My heart races as I swipe the screen. What a coincidence he’s contacting me while I’m in Mirror Lake.
Finn: I miss you.
Me: I miss you too.
Moisture gathers in my eyes as I stare at his message. Being back in Mirror Lake with Finn’s message on my phone makes my body shake.
Finally, the car slows down and comes to a stop. I have to put my thoughts aside or I’ll never be able to do the job Juliette has sent me here to do. I try calling her, and my call goes to voicemail. I leave a message for her to get in touch with me right away.
“We’ve arrived, Ms. Madden,” the driver says, glancing at me through the review mirror.
“Thank you.” I tuck the phone into my bag.
The driver comes to my door and opens it. I step out into the fresh, crisp air I know so well. I take in my surroundings, and I freeze. Preoccupied with Finn’s message, I hadn’t noticed the location I was at.
The cabin!
A surge of nostalgia pierces through my chest. How? Why? Of all the properties, why did Juliette pick this one? Urgency to leave races through me. If I stay a moment longer, memories of a past filled with hope and dreams—a past I can never get back—will suffocate me.
Spinning around, I knock on the limo driver’s side window. The glass slides down. “You need to take me back to New York City.”
The driver shakes his head. “I’m sorry, Ms. Madden. I’ve got another job to get to and won’t be heading back into the city. Another driver will arrive for you shortly.”
I grip the bottom of the window frame. “Please, I need to leave now! Take me with you to your next job, and I’ll find my way back from there.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t.” He shrugs with regret. The window slides up, darkening the interior of the car.
With the palm of my hand, I slap the glass. “Wait…please!”
But the car reverses and drives away, leaving me with my mouth hanging open in shock.What is happening?Out of all the properties on Mirror Lake, how have I ended up at my parents’ old cabin?
Taking a deep, shuddery breath, I slowly turn around. The cabin looks the same. The house was made to look rustic with its timber walls and finishes to blend in with the surrounding nature. Hanging planter baskets with purple geraniums and bird boxes hang from the rafters. Huge windows overlook the blue lake. The clouds above mirrored in its reflection. The creaky, wooden pier stretches over the water, and birdsong fills the peaceful air.
With hesitant steps, I walk toward the cabin, my fingertips brushing over the wildflowers growing in the tall grass. Emotions are overwhelming me. The love I feel for Finn is so strong here. He is in everything I look at, smell, and touch.
As I get closer, I’m startled by movement on the porch. Someone steps out from the shadows and into the afternoon sun. That someone is Finn. At the sight of him, a pang of longing rips through my heart. I want to run to him and throw myself into his arms. Instead, I hold myself back. I’m not sure why he’s here. Is he looking at the property for Juliette too? Why didn’t she tell me? Questions buzz through my mind. All I can do is stare at Finn.
He approaches, keeping some distance between us. His eyes travel over me like he’s drinking me in. I know I’m doing the same to him. His hair is a little longer. Dark smudges blemish the skin under his eyes, like he hasn’t slept in days. The sleeves of the creased navy shirt he’s wearing are rolled up his forearms. For a few moments, no one speaks. Our eyes lock onto each other. Our chests rising and falling with heavy breaths.
After a moment, Finn says, “I miss you.”
Chapter Forty-Five
FINN
AsIwatchthelimo arrive, my nerves stomp inside my body, my legs shake, and my palms sweat. Have I done the right thing bringing Harper here? What if she doesn’t want to see me? She’s answering my text messages, but what if that was all she wanted?
