man who is interested in purchasing your property. I do not believe he threatened you, unless I missed something?” she asked.
“No. He hasn’t. But I have a feeling he’s not used to hearing no.”
“Do you think he’s…dangerous?” she asked.
Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking.
“Aunt Trixi, please don’t do this.”
She got up and hugged me. “It’s only a week. And if you need help at the club, I’m sure Andrew will lend a hand.”
My jaw dropped. “I don’t want him there. He could talk to the ladies and…and…”
“He could do that any time. Andrew is an intelligent man, Anne. I don’t think he needs to speak to anyone at the club to decide what he wants. But what I’m hoping is that during this week, you think about what you want. And once you know what that is, don’t hesitate. Life is too short to hold back. Trust me. I wish I had more time with Carl.”
I know they were divorced, but neither remarried or even dated anyone else. Although it was never said, I had a feeling that they were still involved, in love. I wish you guys had more time, too.
“Are you leaving right now?” I asked. Trixi nodded. “Don’t you want to stay and see Andrew before you leave?” Trixi shook her head. Damn it. “When you come back you’re going to find that there really wasn’t any need for you to leave in the first place.”
“I highly doubt it.” She grabbed her purse and said, “Text me if you need me.”
“Even though you’re frustrating as hell, I love you, Aunt Trixi.”
She turned and gave a huge smile. “See? I knew you’d forgive me.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” I joked. We both knew that all we wanted was the best for each other. It’s just that right now, Aunt Trixi and I weren’t on the same page. A week alone with Andrew wasn’t going to develop into some wild romance. More likely we’ll be at each other’s throats.
I stood in the doorway and watched her car disappear down the driveway. I can’t believe she really left. A concerning feeling bubbled in my chest - a part of me was glad Trixi had left after all.
Oh God. She’s right. I don’t know what I want anymore.
But a week with Andrew certainly wouldn’t help me find out. Would it?
Chapter Eight
Andrew
I had to wait to pull into the driveway, because it looked like Trixi was leaving. She was expecting me, but maybe there’d been a change of plans. My cell phone rang and I checked the caller ID.
Here comes my answer. “Hello, Ms. Worth.”
“Please, call me Trixi. Ms. Worth makes me sound ancient.”
I didn’t care what she wanted me to call her, as long as she helped me convince Anne to sell.
“Okay, Trixi. I believe I just saw you backing out of the driveway. Would you like me to come back later?” I asked.
“No. Anne is home. And she is expecting you. Lunch is in the oven, hope you like chicken parmigiana.”
“I do. You sound as though you won’t be eating with us,” I said.
“I’m not. Actually, I’m going out of town a week.”
“And you didn’t see fit to mention that when we last spoke?”
I heard her chuckle. “Well, about that. See, I know my niece better than she does sometimes. And as long as I’m there, she’ll let me play interference, so she doesn’t have to deal with it herself.”
Oh, that is a bad game to play with someone’s life. I’d fucking kill my brothers if they pulled this shit.
“I can still work with Anne while staying at the motel,” I stated firmly.
“I know that, but I’m telling you right now, her answer won’t change. See, there’s a lot you don’t know, and I could tell you, but I’d rather not. Just know that Anne is at the club because she feels as there is no other choice. I think if anyone can help her find a different resolution, it will be you,” she said.
That surprised me, but then again, everything about The Treasured Chest had thus far. Why should this be different?
“I take it you mean besides my purchasing the property,” I said. That was the only thing I wanted. Whatever else was going on between Anne and her attachment to the place meant nothing to me.
“I googled you. You have a reputation of getting what you want,” Trixi said.
“That is accurate,” I replied. And I want that land.
“Like Anne, I think this week might give you