Page 21 of Chandelier Enthralled
“I’ll go back for it.”
Cameron cringed. “How did it go?”
The man faltered, a brief hesitation flashing in his wide-eyed expression, a silent admission.
Cameron exhaled. “Greyson, I’ll meet you inside.”
His friend glanced at me with a curious expression.
“My sister has an appointment,” said Cameron. “I need to say goodbye.”
Awkwardness loomed between us. Greyson was assessing Cameron’s reaction to me just as closely. The tension felt uncomfortable and was wholly unnecessary.
Cameron rarely seemed guarded around people he knew, but right now he was conflicted, and I sensed it was because of me.
But then he relented. “Willa, this is my friend Greyson. Greyson, meet mysisterWilla.”
“Hi,” I said, huskily, extending my hand to him.
His grip was firm, his intense gaze locked on mine, piercing through my soul into my very essence. My breath caught in my throat as he seemed to drink in every part of me.
“Willa,” I repeated, vaguely aware of my brother watching me. “I flew in from New York.”
His eyes lit up. “New York’s skyline is a blend of classicism and innovation. Redefines what’s possible.”
“I love it, too,” I said. Sadness tightened my throat. Thinking of my city now made me feel like an exile.
“Love Baker’s Field,” added Greyson. “And no one can forget Serendipity.”
“I love Serendipity.” Joy sprang up, then that familiar ache made my happiness take a nosedive.
Hugo had tainted the place. Now, I couldn’t return to my favorite corner, where I sipped hot cappuccinos while reading. My favorite thing to do in the entire world.
“I have to go.” I moved away from them, snatching the key fob from Cameron’s hand as I went. It looked dreadfully rude. I thew him an apologetic smile.
“I’ll meet you inside,” Cameron told him.
“It was nice meeting you, Willa,” Greyson called over his shoulder, before disappearing inside the house.
This was how a man should act, kind and patient and interested in your opinions. Not like the man I’d left at my place, who didn’t deserve to live there.
Cameron looked concerned. “Let me drive you. Then you can prepare for your interview. It’s been a while since you’ve driven anywhere.”
Yeah.He wanted to see where I was going.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Is this a journalism position?”
“Why?” I asked suspiciously.
His mouth twitched with disapproval, but he said, “Your natural curiosity is an asset.”
I blinked at him, surprised by the compliment.
“Willa,” his said, his tone gruff. “While you were talking about New York, I saw you flinch.”
I squeezed my eyes shut.
