The Confession Read Online Free PDF

would think he were my son and not McKenzie’s on most days.”
    “Well, that’s not a bad thing. Having someone love you like he does should be seen as a blessing, don’t you think?”
    “He is that … a blessing. I like that word, makes me feel cherished.”
    “Well, it’s clear that you are,” Aimee said. “So you haven’t seen Mark this morning?”
    “No. He didn’t come over for breakfast.” She was silent for a moment. “He’s an amazing young man, don’t you think? I only wish he’d settle down and find a nice girl to fuss over. He’ll make some lucky girl very happy one day.” Emily smiled directly at Aimee.
    Aimee shook her head. “Don’t look at me. I don’t think he’s very happy I’m here.”
    “Just give him time. He seems to see a hidden agenda in everyone.”
    “Why is that?”
    “Mainly due to past experiences. Mark doesn’t do well with secrets or lies, and tends to believe that everyone in my life, with the exception of him, is living both.”
    Aimee looked down at her desk, her stomach clenching and her heart pounding. Tell her! her mind screamed. “Does he really believe all secrets and lies are bad? Isn’t it possible that sometimes people keep secrets, or tell a lie, to protect someone from being hurt?”
    “Wow, that’s a big question for only one cup of coffee.” Emily folded her hands in her lap. “I don’t think secrets and lies are ever justifiable, and I believe Mark feels the same. If you really look at the reason why someone tells a lie, even if they believe they’re doing it for the right reason, there are a million other pieces of evidence that prove it’s actually just a selfish decision.”
    The tears welled up in Aimee’s eyes and she took a deep breath. “Emily, I have to tell you … ”
    “Peter. What a nice surprise,” Emily chirped as she suddenly rose from behind her desk.
    Aimee leapt in surprise and inhaled sharply. She pasted a smile on her face and looked over at Peter, walking purposefully into the office. His legs were long, his shoulders broad, and his sandy hair was cut in a classic style, flattering his slightly heart shaped face. She wasn’t sure how a man could appear elegant and rugged at the same time. His brown eyes appeared to watch her intently as she rose to greet him.
    “We’ve acquired a couple of new items for the auction and I wanted to get your approval to add them to the catalog before it goes to the printers.” He unbuttoned his suit jacket, placed his briefcase on the table and clicked it open.
    They each took a seat on the couch and Peter handed them the new item listing.
    “Wow. An original Andy Warhol painting, that’s fantastic,” Emily said with excitement. “What a wonderful donation.”
    They spent the remainder of the morning going through the list, while Aimee made notes of phone calls she needed to make, and deliveries she needed to finalize. They were still in need of a few items for the main auction, as well as items for the silent auction that would be held during the dinner reception.
    “I hate to cut this short, but I have a lunch appointment this afternoon, and I’ll be late if I don’t get going. Will you two be able to handle this without me?” Emily said, rising from the couch.
    “Of course, I believe I’m in extremely capable hands.” Peter smiled at Aimee and stood up as well. “Aimee, would you like to continue our meeting over lunch? There’s a fantastic little bistro downtown that serves the best coq au vin you’ve ever tasted.”
    “I … ”
    “You should go.” Emily smiled at her. “He’s not exaggerating about the coq au vin, and you can get yourself better acquainted with Peter as well as the auction items. I won’t be back before three, so enjoy yourselves.” She walked around the small table preparing to leave. “Aimee, did you have something you wanted to tell me earlier?”
    Her heart sank. “It was nothing. Enjoy your lunch.”
    Emily grabbed her purse from the