I was too exhausted to plan anything for tomorrow. If I didn't get some serious sleep, I'd never make it through my shift. "Tomorrow's not good," I said.
"Then how about the next day?"
"Monday?" I said. "I'm working that day, too."
"But you don't go in 'til late, right?"
"Yeah. But I can't afford to be late anymore."
"I won't make you late," he said. "I promise."
I bit my lip, thinking about it.
"C'mon," he said. "It's my last day in town this week. Say yes."
"You're taking a trip?" I said.
"Not a vacation. Work. This event in Vegas. You wanna come?"
"Very funny," I said.
"You think I'm joking?"
"I don't know what to think, but it doesn't matter. I'm working every day 'til Friday."
"Then c'mon, say yes for Monday." His gaze met mine. "Please?"
I stared into his eyes, and something in my heart gave way. "Maybe," I said.
His eyes softened. "I'm taking that as a yes." He glanced toward the house. "Can I walk you to the door?"
I shook my head. "Nah, that's alright." Awkwardly, I gave him a little wave and headed toward the house. As I walked down the long driveway, I felt his gaze on my back, but I didn't turn around.
When I unlocked the front door and went inside, I peered through the window blinds and saw him still standing there, a dark silhouette on the quiet street. I left the window to flick on the living room lights. When I looked out the window a second time, he was gone.
I found Chucky asleep in his favorite basket.
Five minutes later, I stumbled upstairs and fell into bed, fully clothed, in the Parkers' guestroom. Just before sleep claimed me, I saw Lawton's face, looking at me the way he used to, before all the drama, all the heartache.
It would be nice to see him look at me that way again.
But would he, if he knew who I truly was?
Chapter 25
The low sound of harp music felt like a jackhammer to my brain. Groaning, I glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand.
One hour. That's how long I'd been asleep. It wasn't nearly long enough.
With muttered curses, I reached past the clock and fumbled for my cell phone, still making that dreaded sound. With bleary eyes, I studied the display.
Shit. It was Loretta, the stepmother from Hell.
I had a choice to make. Suffer a little now? Or suffer a lot later?
I did the smart thing. I answered. "Hello?"
"Don't tell me you're still asleep," she said.
