Page 51 of Theirs to Treasure

“I’ll be in touch.”

“Is there a day I should follow up if I don’t hear back?”

“Wednesday evening.” She smiles, the first hint of softening that I’ve seen from her.

I grin and turn to leave.

After I take a few steps, I stop and spin back to face her. “I hope it’s okay to say that I’d very much like to work for you.” I indicate the gallery. “And here. It’s an amazing space.”

“Thank you for that. I’ve worked very hard to make it a success.”

Cautiously optimistic, I drop by a coffee shop to enjoy a frozen mocha.

Once I have a job, my life will be normal again, and I can’t wait for that to happen.

Almost two weeks in McCall helped restore my sense of equilibrium.

Still, I’d been in no real hurry to return to reality, and I chose back roads and bypassed hotels in favor of finding unique cabins. Each one was rustic and wonderful, and privately owned, which meant I could pay in cash instead of using a credit card.

If the nosy Hawkeye was watching me, it might make it more difficult to track my movements.

I half expected the brothers to show up on my doorstep the moment I arrived back in town.

But so far, I haven’t heard a peep out of them.

Which means I’ve started to breathe easier and let my guard down.

I’m now convinced that Forrest was genuinely concerned about me, and that’s why he hired Hawkeye. Once he knew I was safe, he’d forgotten all about me.

What happened in Vegas is now part of my past, nothing more.

At home, I drop my keys on the small entryway table and kick off my heels on my way to the bedroom to change out of my blouse and skirt.

I’m pulling on a T-shirt when there’s a knock on the door.

Probably the delivery I’ve been expecting.

With a smile, I open the door, and I am immobilized by shock.

Forrest and Zev Donnelly are standing there, Forrest wearing a serious frown, and Zev’s eyes are lightened by compassion.

“What the fuck were you thinking?” Forrest demands.

“That I was free of you?” Immediately I step back and try to close the door.

But he wedges his foot in the opening, and I know I’m no match for his strength.

“We need to talk,” Zev says. “Will you please give us five minutes?”

Because it’s Zev, I consider the request.

“Open this damn door, Harper.”

I squeeze my eyes shut.

“It’s important,” Zev says, voice imploringly.

I consider allowing just him in. But Forrest will never stand for that.