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her to scale new heights of sexuality with him. She was in a constant state of arousal, never getting quite enough of him.
    For two nights, cocooned in the secrecy of his room, away from unsuspecting eyes, Cassie learned about love and sensuality from Griffin Hunter. She reveled in it, gloried in it, celebrated life and loving in the big king-sized bed with the street light pouring in on them.
    When she was dressing to leave the second night, he pulled open the drawer of the nightstand and handed her a little box. He seemed hesitant, almost embarrassed.
    “For me?” she asked widening her eyes.
    “It’s not much, Cassie, but it’s all I have to give you.”
    “You don’t have to give me anything,” she protested.
    “Yes,” he insisted. “I want you to have something that will always make you think of me.”
    She opened it and drew in her breath. Nestled inside laid a tiny silver heart on a chain. She looked at him, questioning.
    “I don’t give my heart that easy, sugar. But it belongs to you. Always. Take good care of it.”
    She was so full of unexpected emotion her heart almost stopped. She clasped the gift to her breasts, treasuring it, moved almost to tears by his words. He helped her fasten the chain around her neck and gave her a soft kiss on the lips.
    “I’ll see you when you get back,” he said. “Let’s not waste a minute before you have to go back to school.”
    She nodded, already counting the days, visions of wedding dresses floating in her head.
    But when she saw him a week later, he was already married. To Diane.
     

Chapter Five
 
    The present….
    Cassie asleep was restless, and she woke often from the troubled dreams that plagued her. Being back in this house did nothing for her peace of mind. Giving up, she trudged downstairs, found some instant coffee in a cupboard, boiled some water, and made a cup. Sitting on the barstool at the end of the counter, she set the telephone book in front of her and made the calls she’d been dreading.
    The people at the Stoneham Mortuary would be happy to meet with her any time she could make it during the day. Donald Brandon, under his father’s tutelage, tried to engage her in conversation, but his unctuous tones made her skin crawl. She planned to be in and out of that place as fast as she could.
    “Oh, let me give you my cell number, since there’s no service here at the house. I guess someone had it disconnected.”
    “I believe Neil did that,” he said. “No sense wasting money.”
    It’s mine to waste, she wanted to tell him.
    Her next call was to Neil himself. Along with his father, he handled most of the town’s legal work, and he also took her call right away.
    “I’ve been waiting to hear from you, Cassie.” His tone was warm and sympathetic. “I’m sorry we have to meet again under these circumstances, but it will be a real pleasure to see you. I’m happy to take care of things for you.”
    “I have no idea what there is to do, Neil,” she told him, “but Harley says you’ve handled everything for my mother.”
    “There’s a small estate,” he explained, “and, of course, the house to deal with. Why don’t you come by around noon, and I’ll take you to lunch?”
    No social engagements . Get it done and get out . “I’m really only here for a short time. If we could meet this morning, that would help me a lot.”
    “How about ten?” he asked, his voice barely concealing his disappointment. “Then maybe I can talk you into dinner.”
    “Ten is fine,” she said, ignoring his other comment. “See you then. Oh, and let me give you my cell.”
    She hadn’t brought much of a wardrobe with her, but she had packed her brand new summer pantsuit that would take her just about anywhere. She’d bought it because Claire told her the soft rose color was perfect with her light-blonde hair and deep-brown eyes, and Claire was definitely the fashion maven. At least she’d project an appearance of success with the people