Page 143 of Slumming It

Yes, it was a ridiculous thing to say, but the strain was becoming unbearable, and I was anxious to see him smile, if only so we could start a real conversation about whatever was bothering him.

But his lips didn't even twitch as he turned away, gazing out toward the shimmering water, saying nothing as the breeze rustled the trees and my heart pounded in my chest.

I waited on pins and needles, wondering what he would say next. Whatever it was, I had the distinct impression that Iwouldn't like it. And odds were pretty high that he wouldn't like whatIhad to say in return.

As the seconds turned into minutes, I recalled all of Vivian's warnings, including one in particular.He's trying to isolate you.

Maybe this wasn't theexactway she'd phrased it, but her meaning had been crystal clear – and backed up with plenty of evidence.

Weeks ago, when Reese had rolled into town, I'd had two parents within walking distance of where I lived. I'd had a sister living in the adjacent bedroom and working in the same building. I'd had three older brothers who I could call on a moment's notice to bail me out of whatever. And I'd had a part-time job that, for all of its frustrations, kept food in the fridge and gas in my car.

Not anymore.

True, I had a stunning new wardrobe and a much bigger bank account, but I would never trade material goods for the company of my big, boisterous family.

Yes, I realized my family would come back eventually – even Vivian unless something drastically changed. And supposedly, I could go right back to my waitressing job, so technically everything could be put back the way it was. Or at least, Ithoughtit could.

But what exactly was Reese getting at?

I was just about to ask him when he finally spoke, saying in a speculative sort of way, "But there's that cabin next door. I'm betting it sits on a good three acres."

Through gritted teeth, I said, "What?"

"I'm just saying, if I getthat, it'll be eight acres total – not ideal, but getting closer."

Sothat'swhat he'd been thinking about?I didn't believe it. "You can't be serious?"

"Why, because it's not for sale?" Slowly, he turned to me and smiled in a cold, familiar way. Something about that smile sent an icy dagger straight into my heart. It reminded me of the old Reese Murdock, the one I hated – and the one who hatedme.

The smile was still there when he finished his thought. "Emily, you should know by now,everything'sfor sale."

His words hit hard, but I held my ground. "Everything?Or everyone?"I searched his face for some sign of the Reese I'd come to know and almost surely love, even if I had never dared to saythatpart out loud.

When he said nothing, I tried again. "Because thereisa difference, you know."

"Oh, yeah?" He shrugged like none of this was a big deal. "Not tome."

Chapter 54

Reese

Oh, yeah. She was ticked, alright.I could see it in the set of her mouth and the way her eyes blazed with anger as she stared up at me, as if getting ready to rip me a new one.

But she didn't.

Instead, she looked away, saying in a cold, distant voice, "Well, you should make an offer then – on the cabin, I mean." With a low scoff, she added, "Or heck, buy up the whole lake. I mean, you can afford anything, right?"

And with that, she turned and began walking toward the Ferrari. The vehicle was locked, and she damn well knew it, because she was the one who always reminded me to lock it before we left.

It was one of her many cute habits – practical and smart. I loved those habits, just like I loved the way her eyes lit up when something amused her or the how she used kind-hearted humor to put people at ease, even people who didn't deserve it.

Like me.

About Emily, I loved too many things to count. And I hated the way I was feeling now.

Fucking Slade.

This morning, I'd talked to him for maybe ten minutes. He'dthoughthe was doing me a favor.But no. What he'd done was rush the ending to a story that wasn't going to end happily, regardless.