Page 53 of Wreck Me

But with each step nearer to the plateau where this unwanted visage stood, more of his long, powerful body was revealed. His back to her, he wore a light army-green T-shirt, perfectly fitted, and dark brown jeans tucked into tan boots. His hands rested on cocked hips as he stood at the ledge facing the sea.

Ginny froze, panting. The climb and the heat had already set her gulping for air. Now she used deep breaths in hopes of steadying herself while her heart did triple-axles in her chest.

This was no mirage.

She crouched down slightly, in case he should turn suddenly and spot her there, then quietly began picking her way back down toward the SUV.

Whew, that had been a close call.

What were the chances? The universe really was playing tricks on her! And how could he have gotten here without his car or truck? She’d seen neither on the way up. Sadie and Grant would be disappointed, but the family picnic at the lot wascancelled. They’d have to find a pull off somewhere, or better yet a park where the dogs could get some running around time.

She was striding swiftly back down the gravel road and thinking about Malibu dog parks when she looked up to see Sadie standing just outside their car. Where before there’d been a glint her sister’s eye, there was now a sheepish grin spread across her famous face.

Ginny froze again. Sadie had insisted they come. Sadie had chosen the time of day, too, even though it meant Monique would be late and must drive on her own. Sadie also, Ginny had noticed without paying much mind, packed extra drinks and utensils into the picnic things.

Fury drove Ginny’s legs the last five yards to stand in front of her sister. “Are you responsible for this?”

“I am,” Sadie said. Her cheeks glowed, and not just from the heat. She looked...excited? She gestured down the gravel drive they’d so recently come up. “Let’s take a walk?”

Without a reply or even a nod, Ginny blasted off in the direction Sadie indicated. She was too angry to stand in one place, and the only other available direction was toward the man who’d intentionally destroyed her life.

Sadie quickly caught up to her. “He got in touch with me three weeks ago.”

“I don’t care.” Ginny maintained her stride.

“He told me…everything,” Sadie said, the sentence ending in a tender note.

With a solid kick, Ginny sent a rock careening down the canyon. “Then you know exactly how he used me.”

“I know exactly why you think he did, but I also know he didn’t.”

Ginny’s laugh was bitter. “Great! He’s fooled you too. At least now I’m not the only Heppner family idiot.”

“But I met Vince,” Sadie continued.

Ginny stopped walking. “You met his brother?”

“Nico insisted. And he confirmed everything Nico said. Early on, the planhadbeen to take down your house, but then Nico got to know you and you met his mom. He was excited to move the house. He just waited an hour too long to tell his brother, and he had no idea his brother had put a camera on the house next door so he could see when you came and went.”

Ginny’s mouth dropped open. “Do you hear yourself? Do you not realize what you’re doing? A couple of creepy brothers had a camera on me, and now you invited him here to torment me some more?”

Sadie let out a tired sigh. “Ginny, you’re hurt and you’re notlistening. Why would they give you this lot if they didn’t feel bad about what happened? This lot is an apology.”

“At best it’s a way to reduce their guilt for what they did. That’s why I can’t keep it.”

“Fine. But then why go to so much trouble to get in touch with me personally? Why insist I meet Vince?”

“To try to figure out if I’m suing them, maybe? Speaking of which, how did Nico get in touch with you? You’re not exactly in the phone book.”

Sadie shrugged. “He knows my producer.”

“Ah, yes, the monied elites,” Ginny said, rolling her eyes. “They all know each other. That’s how they get everything they want in life. It’s so annoying.”

“Yeah…till you are one,” Sadie said, her sheepish grin returning.

Ginny wondered whether the sale of this lot could buy her an island just big enough for her and three dogs. “Does Monique know all the gory details too?”

“Heavens, no. She’d kill me.”

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