Deception (24 page)
Authors: Gina Watson
“Plane goes both ways you know. Plus I have my job. It’s hard to get away.”
“How’s the real estate biz going?”
“It’s picked up. Especially since Bailey and Maura happened. Whenever you’re ready to settle down with Fiona, give me a holler.”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
“A girl can dream.” She sighed.
“Shit, I passed the entrance.”
“I didn’t see one.” Courtney turned back to glance over her shoulder.
“It’s overgrown.” Everett U-turned and doubled back to the barely visible gravel lane. As soon as he made the turn onto number two David Way, long gangly fingers made of oak scraped against the fancy car creating a sickening squeak. “Shit.”
“So much for not scratching your Beemer. Why does he not keep up with the yard?”
“I don’t know. Look at this place!”
Alley after alley of oaks lined the gravel road that snaked up to the home. Each three hundred year old tree reminded Everett of Medusa with its many long and twisted limbs that seemed to almost reach out and grab him. The canopy beneath the trees was so thick it had triggered the automatic headlights to engage.
Courtney whistled, “This place is ultra creepy.”
“Tell me about it.” The gravel lane wound round and round. “Where’s the house?”
“There”—Courtney pointed straight ahead—“I think I see it.”
Ahead, Everett saw the house slowly come into view. It was a double balconied monstrosity. “I think it used to be white.”
“It’s ghastly.” Courtney added a dramatic gasp to round out her summation. “Does he have anyone to help him care for the place?”
“Not from the look of it.”
Courtney frowned, “Maybe he can’t afford it.”
Everett scoffed. “This clan has more money than we do.”
Courtney shrugged. “I just don’t get it.”
“Do me a favor, don’t say things like that when we get in there. Dad said this is the first time Ashton has reached out to anyone since the incident.”
“Hold on,” Courtney mimed putting on a halo. Everett rolled his eyes at her, and then, in the absence of any designated parking, put the car in park in the middle of the massive lawn.
Walking up to the front of the towering structure Courtney leaned into Everett, “You couldn’t pay me to live in this place.”
“Hey . . . I thought you were wearing your halo?”
Large blue eyes blinked back at him. “That’s my last thing. I promise.”
“Good because we’re here.”
Everett pressed an illuminated button near the door.
“I didn’t hear the bell,” Courtney said.
“Well you wouldn’t hear it out here.”
“I think you can hear our bell from the porch,” she haughtily countered.
“Our bell is ridiculous. It plays
Rodeo Hoedown
.”
“I like our bell.”
“You would.” Everett rang the bell again.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She poked a sculpted nail into his neck.
Everett swatted her finger away. “You like ostentation.”
“Oh please! If that isn’t the kettle calling the pot black.”
Everett engaged the doorknocker that possessed the head of a lion. “Weird.”
Uncomfortable, they both turned and looked back across the lawn at the BMW. A loud crack of wood reclaimed their attention as they turned to see the door opening after years of weathering.
A little intake of breath could be heard emitting from Courtney. It was small but Ashton’s narrowing eyes ensured he’d heard it. She was so not being cool.
Ashton’s eyes tightened further on Courtney. “Don’t move.” His voice was grave and harsh.
Before Everett could move Ashton had lunged at Courtney, his hand cupped her collarbone. Her eyes wide she searched for Everett. Stepping forward he prepared for an altercation, but before he could throw a punch Ashton pulled his hand away, enclosing his fingers around his palm. He bent before them and lifted his dirty work boot, smashing whatever he held in his hand. When he moved Everett saw a horsefly the size of a dollar coin.
“Horsefly’s are as big as buzzards around here. Suck the life right out of you.”
“Ashton, it’s been a long time. Much obliged. Love what you’ve done with the place.” Courtney laughed and just like that she had proceeded across the threshold leaving Ashton and Everett staring at one another.
***
Gina Watson is author of contemporary series romances. She lives in Texas where she leads a double life: university instructor by day, romance writer by night. She loves to be contacted by readers to discuss all things romance.
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