Page 95 of Vain

“Still no closer to finding the guy?”

“No. I don’t know what to believe anymore. If it’s not Daniel, it really could be anyone. And that thought is a terrifying one.”

“Well, it sounds to me like a break is just what you need. So what do you say we get your bags packed—after dessert, of course—and book some flights out of here? Blake’s paying, so we should probably just fly first class.”

Aiden laughs and I join him. “Don’t worry, Kellen, I’ve got the flights covered. Now, tell me what else I need to know.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

MATILDA

When we arrived at the house, I knew precisely why Aiden loved it. It was larger than I was expecting. It had been extended over the years to accommodate a growing family, which now made the whole thing seem so much more poignant, given its history. Fields of lavender blanket two sides of the property, which has a much more dazzling effect on me than any red carpet ever did. A stone driveway leads up to the house, and the view from the top looks down over the picturesque town of Tempest in all its colorful glory.

The inside is just as spectacular. Stone floors, huge fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let the light flood in from every angle, offering and showcasing that beautiful view.

“I can see why you love this house so much. It’s stunning. And that view is better than any picture you could frame.”

“Thank you. I’m pretty fond of it.”

I turn at the sound of a rough voice and see a man in his seventies, possibly eighties, with a head of white hair and tired eyes. He’s not much taller than me, maybe five-seven, and wirythin, though I can tell he’s strong just from his build. He’s dressed in blue jeans and a flannel shirt, and on top of his head is a faded blue cap advertising some garage.

“Most folks around here call me Jenkins, but you can call me Tom.” He holds his hand out for me to shake.

Strangely, I don’t feel any of my usual panic around him. Maybe it’s because his story humanizes him. I slide my hand into his and shake it. “It’s Tilly. It’s really nice to meet you. Thanks for letting us stay here on such short notice.”

“It’s no problem,” he tells me as he lets my hand go. “Plenty of space to go around, and I get to tell my fishing buddies I have Matilda Carson staying at my humble abode.”

I laugh good-naturedly. “There is nothing humble about your abode. This place is something else.”

“She means it too. It’s not like her home is shabby.” Aiden chimes in.

Tom chuckles. “No, I can’t imagine it is. Where are my manners? Come, let me show you where you’ll be sleeping.”

We follow him up a curved staircase and down a long hallway to the end, where he opens up a room with panoramic views.

“Oh wow. I might never want to leave.”

“This place has that effect on everyone. There’s a bathroom through there. Help yourself to whatever you need. I’m about to grill some steaks if you guys want to join me. It’s totally up to you. No pressure.”

Aiden looks at his watch. “I need to run into town and track down Blake and the guys.” He looks at me. “You want to come, or stay here with Tom?”

I look at Tom and think about how much time he must spend up here alone. “I think I’ll stay, if that’s okay.”

“Works for me.” Aiden nods as Tom claps his hands with a small smile on his face.

“Excellent. I’ll start the food. Is there anything you don’t like or are allergic to?”

“No, I’m not picky at all.”

“Good, because I’m not a fancy cook, but I can grill the hell out of a steak.” He winks at me.

“Don’t try to steal my girl while I’m gone, Tom,” Aiden calls after him as he heads to the kitchen.

“I make no promises,” he calls back, making me laugh.

“You’re sure you’re okay with this? It’s really no problem, you tagging along.”

“I’m good, I promise. I need a little time to decompress before tomorrow’s wedding chaos.”