My Deadly Valentine - By Valerie Hansen & Lynette Eason Page 0,57
the job.
But what if you are? What will you do then?
He didn’t have an answer for himself.
Pushing those thoughts aside, he motioned for her to go ahead of him, waving goodbye to Buckeye on the way out.
Eli walked her to her car. “I’m parked around the other side. Give me a ride to the other parking lot and I’ll follow you home.”
“Okay. I’m glad your dad didn’t hurt himself any worse.”
“I know.” He shook his head. “He’s so stubborn. Won’t listen to a word I tell him.”
“Hmm. Sounds like someone else I know.”
He shot her a look, guilt pinging him once again. She was right. Ten years ago, even six years ago, he’d known everything. “I’m not like that anymore.”
She cocked an eyebrow at him. “If you say so.”
He got out when she parked next to his car then turned to peer back in at her. “I’m going to prove it to you.”
“How?”
He just looked at her. “I have no idea, but I hope you’ll give me the chance to work on it.”
Eli climbed into his car, mind and heart churning. More than ever he wanted to be back in Holly’s good graces. He couldn’t bear the thought of her pushing him away forever. Even if she decided she couldn’t ever trust him with her heart again and he had to settle for just friendship, he’d start there.
He wondered if Alex felt the same way. Part of Eli sympathized with the man if that was the case, but the other part of him vowed to keep Holly away from him.
No matter what the cost.
SEVEN
The Transcross Realty vehicle parked in her driveway made Holly gape in disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered as she yanked on her clothes.
A glance at the clock made her blink again. Seven-twelve. The sun had barely put in an appearance this morning when she’d heard someone crunching the gravel on her driveway. Thinking about how wonderful it had been to be held by Eli once again had kept her awake into the wee hours of the morning. Now this.
Bolting down the steps, she stopped at the front door and gathered her composure—and her temper. As an afterthought she snatched her cell phone from the table beside the door.
With an outward calm that hid the boiling anger inside her, she stepped outside to find two men, their backs facing her, taking pictures of her property. “Excuse me, may I help you gentlemen with something?”
They whirled. “Um, good morning, miss.” The one with the thick glasses held out a hand then dropped it when she crossed her arms. “I’m Preston Hancock and this is my associate, James Miller. We’re from Transcross Realty.”
“I got that much.” She gestured to the car. “What I don’t understand is why you’re in my front yard.”
“Our boss, Mr. Zimmerman, sent us out here to take pictures. Said you were selling.”
A frustrated yell wanted to rupture from her throat. She swallowed, stepped forward and planted her hands on her hips. He backpedaled two steps. James Miller’s face remained impassive. “Let’s get one thing straight right now,” she insisted. “I’m not selling. And I’m just about past the point of being nice about it.”
He blinked owlishly behind his thick glasses. “Excuse me? But…but…”
Patience, Holly. “I’ve also sent that statement in writing to Mr. Zimmerman. Now get off my property before I call the cops and have you charged with trespassing.”
Mr. Miller’s jaw went hard. “Lady, Mr. Zimmerman wants this property.” Menace dripped from him and for the first time, she noticed his eyes. Hard eyes. Mean eyes.
Fear darted through her as she thought about the man who’d accosted her outside the sheriff’s office, but she ignored it. “Please leave and don’t come back.”
His lip curled. “Better take the man’s very generous offer. You never know when you might need the extra money.”
“Just what are you threatening me with?” Was this really happening? First the man outside the sheriff’s office, then this? And what about last night? What if it was someone from Transcross sent to scare her?
“This is a dangerous area.” His hand swept out. “Isolated. Never know when you might end up with a few more medical bills.” With that, he gave her one last threatening look then jerked his head toward his partner. “Come on.”
Once they were gone, Holly let out a frustrated “Oh!”
Then the uneasy feeling that she was still being watched kicked in. Spinning around, she scanned the surrounding property. Nothing moved or seemed out of place.