that.â
If there was one thing he was good at, it was staying away.
CHAPTER THREE
R EBECCA WALKED OUT of her bedroom door and onto the deck, wrapping her fingers more tightly around her cup as she stared out at the lake. It was chilly this morning, mist hovering over the water and on her breath.
She shifted her grip on her mug, grabbing hold of the edges of her blanket and wrapping it more tightly around her as she settled into the wicker chair she had placed in just the right spot so that she could watch the sun rising higher over the mountains, illuminating the low-hanging clouds and throwing gold dust onto the lakeâs surface.
She had a humble house, but there was nothing humble about the location. Nestled in the middle of the trees, way out of town, it was her own private sanctuary. She didnât mind the rustic nature of the cabin, anyway. It was perfect for her. After working days in the store, it was important for her to have a retreat. And days off. She had finally graduated to where she could pay a couple of employees, and that meant two days off a week like a human person.
Today, she fully intended to revel in the time off. She could take her kayak out on the lake. She preferred riding to paddling, but since the shop had left her so busy for the past few years, owning a horse had been impractical.
Of course, for the past few years running a shop had not been compatible with having a life of any kind. But, things were getting better. She had leisure time today. And she felt leisurely.
She inhaled deeply, feeling the need to soak her coffee in through every sense. The warmth of the cup on her hands, the smell and the strong, bitter taste that burned all the way down.
The sound of an engine spoiled her solace. She leaned forward, pushing herself into a standing position and trumping down the side steps on her deck, rounding to the front of the house just in time to see a black truck barreling down her driveway.
Usually when someone random drove down to her house, they were just looking for a place to turn around. The road up to the lake was narrow and windy, and if you happened to miss a turnoff, finding a way to make it right was often difficult.
She felt compelled to stand there, and keep an eye on her unexpected guest.
But, the truck didnât turn around. Instead, it stopped. And the driver killed the engine before getting out and revealing a man she herself would like to kill.
âWhat are you doing here?â she asked as Gage walked toward her. He was wearing the same thing heâd had on the last time sheâd seen him. Cowboy hat, tight black T-shirt and snug, well-worn denim. Again, her eyes fell to the tattoo on his forearm.
Then she forced herself to look at his face. It was grim. His mouth set into a firm line, his dark brows drawn tightly together.
âI wanted to talk to you about the shop,â he said. âAnd to see about getting a welcome to the neighborhood.â
âItâs not really a neighborhood, per se . Mostly, youâre in my driveway, and I need you to not be in it.â
âI just bought the place across the lake.â
Rebecca was certain she blacked out. Her rage was an epic creature, rising up from the depths inside of her and threatening to consume them both. âYou what?â
âItâs a coincidence that weâre so close to each other.â
âSure it is, Edward Cullen.â
âWhat?â
âIf you start watching me when I sleep, Iâm going to shut your dick in the open window.â
âI have no interest in watching you sleep,â he said.
âThen what is this? What is all of this? If youâre interested in using me to appease your conscience, then youâre shit out of luck. Because Iâm not going to provide balm for your wounded soul. Iâm not going to stand here and tell you that I forgave you years ago when I didnât. And Iâm not going to suddenly grant you