Page 34 of When You Were Mine

Of course you don’t love him.

How can you when you keep him at arm’s length?

Sure, she’d been preoccupied with the resort, but she could’ve made more of an effort.

I mean, really, in all this time, how have you not met his family?

And that’s my answer right there.

She resolved to let down her guard and spend more time with her fiancé. She’d give this relationship a real shot.

Right. Good.

Okay, I got this.

She pressed her hands to her belly, drawing in a deep breath.

In her mind’s eye, she called up an image of her and Trevor at the altar with the cherubs and the roses and the officiant in the bolo tie. Standing at the shore, she set it on a rowboat and pushed it out to sea.

There you go.

She smiled.

A Viking burial.

See that? I’m good.

Now, let’s get this interview going.

And forget all about Trevor Montgomery.

Chapter Five

Jessica carriedon to the lobby, where she found a tall, lean man wearing a dark-red beanie and an unzipped puffy coat. She shook his hand. “Hi, I’m Jessica. Thanks so much for coming out here.”

“Emil.” His voice was gruff, his demeanor reserved. “It’s no problem.”

Well, we’re not hiring him for his personality.“I thought I was asking for the impossible, looking for someone who understands the topography of the area and comes with outstanding recommendations, so I couldn’t be happier to find you.”

As his gaze wandered around the dated lobby, he seemed uncomfortable, almost like he expected ghosts to float by.

“We’re excited about the renovation,” she continued. “This place has a great layout, and when we’re finished, it’s going to be spectacular.”In other words, you’ll want to be associated with this resort. “Would you like me to give you a tour of the property?”

“Not necessary.” His gaze swung back to her. “I’ve been here before.”

“Okay, well, let’s get that interview started.”

Instead of following her, he stayed rooted in place. “I need to know who referred me. Was it Chris? Did he ask you to call?”

She studied him for a moment, trying to figure out what was going on. “No. I’m the one who found you. Do you have an issue with him?”

“Not at all. Chris is a good guy.” He seemed conflicted.

“Then, what’s the problem?” She needed to get to the bottom of this. “Have you worked here before?”

“No, but I spent time here in the summer when I was younger.”

Every single person she hired impacted a guest’s impression of the resort. One bad interaction could prompt a scathing review. This man’s broodiness and clipped answers were unacceptable. “Emil, I have a very small window of time to hire the right people. If you’re not interested in this job, let’s not waste each other’s time.”

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