“It broke down and it was going to cost more money to fix than it was worth,” Maggie explained. “I know I’m going to need to get another one,” she added quickly. “I just haven’t figured that part out yet.” As she said it out loud Maggie realized how ridiculous it sounded. Who sells their car without a backup plan?
“I’m sure you’ll figure something out. In the meantime just let me know if you need anything,” Aaron offered. His confidence in her was reassuring. He didn’t sound at all judgmental about Maggie’s rash decision to sell her car instead he simply offered his help. “I’ll leave you my number. My place is just a couple acres from the main house. So, you know, I’m close if you need me.”
“You live on the property?” she asked, confirming her suspicion that Sheriff Rutledge had in fact been referring to Aaron when he’d said she wasn’t the only guest on the Devereaux property.
She hadn’t really considered how close he lived to the house. She’d been walking the property every morning. The thought that she could’ve stumbled upon his house was kind of exciting.
“It’s actually an old barn, but it was converted into living quarters for the groundskeeper a long time ago. Ms. Devereaux’s letting me stay there in exchange for maintaining the property. But I’m working on building up a few more clients, and once I do I’ll be able to get my own place.”
“So you’re trying to start up your own landscaping business?” Maggie asked.
“Well, yeah, I guess. I hadn’t really thought of it like that. I’m just looking for work,” he said humbly, and Maggie liked him just a little bit more. He didn’t try to boast or impress her, he was real, and for the first time in her life she felt like she’d found somebody that she could be real with too, somebody who wouldn’t judge her or hold her to an unrealistic expectation.
The rain had slowed to a drizzle as they pulled up to the house. Maggie didn’t really want to say goodbye.
“You can just put the bike in the garage,” she told him as he lifted it out of the back of the truck. She realized that he already knew exactly where the garage was, but she led him there anyway, suddenly very aware of her movements as he walked behind her.
She entered the dark garage and turned around to face him. He’d just leaned the bike against the wall. She took a step closer.
“Thank you.” She was breathless with anticipation. This was the moment. This was when she would figure out if he was interested or just being kind. She had a feeling he liked her too, but she needed to be sure. She looked up into his eyes expectantly. Her pulse was racing and her breathing shallow, but for the first time it was a welcome feeling.
He looked down at her and she saw the desire in his eyes. She was sure he was going to kiss her. She wet her lips. He reached over and gently brushed the damp hair from her forehead and tucked it behind her ear. It was the simplest gesture, but extremely intimate. Her breath caught in her throat. Her lips parted slightly and his gaze fell to her mouth. A pained look crossed his face.
“I’d better be going,” he said solemnly as he bowed his head. He stepped away, his eyes darting up to hers one last time. She knew he could see the confusion there and she thought he looked apologetic. Without another word he turned and left her alone in the garage and it was then that Maggie realized just how dangerous he really was. If she let him, he had the power to break her heart.
7
It had rained for two days. The air was heavy with humidity but Maggie convinced herself it was a perfect morning for a walk. She told herself it had everything to do with being cooped up for two days and nothing at all to do with not seeing Aaron in that time.
She walked farther than she ever had before, the whole time trying to convince herself that she wasn’t looking for an old barn but daydreaming about what would happen if she did stumble upon it. As the morning wore on her daydreams became more daring.
What she did finally discover was not a barn but a small lake. At the sight of the glistening water she realized just how hot it had gotten. The sun burned high overhead and the sparkling water looked like an oasis.
She walked to the edge and felt the cool water. She glanced around at her surroundings. The lake was nestled between rolling hills dotted with trees. It felt very secluded and it was surprisingly liberating being so far away from civilization. She ran her fingers through the water it felt so refreshing against the heavy heat of the day. She stood and surveyed the area again. There was no one around for miles. Except for Aaron.