"You can take whatever you want. In a day or two I'll make arrangements to hire someone to come gut the house of its contents. The house is already on the market and..." Her eyes darted to the box of photographs then back to me, the question clear in her eyes.

"You keep it," I said and watched disappointment shift her features again. She took the shoebox and stood up, giving me a big hug. "Thanks for all of your help with the funeral and... um... let me carry that lamp out to your car for you."

I stood in the driveway, waving good-bye, my other hand on my phone ready to call my driver. He would need to pick me up, get me to the airport for the red-eye out of Hicksville and the disappointments that still lingered here.

Chapter Ten.

Lauren "I can't believe you'd do that!" I screamed, angrier than I'd been in my life. My heart was pounding and my blood pressure was probably through the roof. "You had no right looking at my cell phone. That's private. You're crazy."

"Why don't you just admit your guilt then? Save me the trouble. Privacy equals secrets. What don't you want me to see?" He voice was low, controlled, each word ground out in a staccato. "Is it the guy you talked to at the sandwich shop? Who is he, Lauren?"

"I'm not guilty of anything. You take everything I say and twist it around and use it against me. You've got me so mixed up. I don't know what to say or what to do anymore. I feel like I can't do anything right in your eyes."

I'd gone over to Chip's house after work for our usual night together. Things went downhill fast. We'd already been over this a minute ago when I came out of the bathroom and caught Chip with my cell phone in his hand, searching for something-evidence to fuel his jealousy of some imaginary guy I was seeing-and the argument just kept going in circles. I was drained.

"I can't do this anymore. All we do is argue, then you get angry and things spin out of control. I'm sick of it."

"If you love me, you wouldn't have anything to hide. You wouldn't care if I look at your phone. We're in a committed relationship. Lauren, you should trust me. Obviously, I can't trust you. What are you hiding?"

"I can't even talk to you anymore." What an asshole. I wanted to pull my hair out. Here we go again-blame me; yell; punch something to show what a big man you are... hell no, I'm out of here before I let that happen again. Asshole. I snatched my phone and grabbed my purse.

"I'm leaving." I spat.

With my hand on the doorknob, I took one last look back at him standing there by the sofa. His expression had changed. His entire demeanor was transformed. His anger had melted into resignation, and in a pathetic attempt to beg for forgiveness, he said, "Lauren, wait. I love you. I'm sorry."

He ran his hands through his hair and took a step forward, but I wasn't about to wait for the pendulum to swing in the other direction. I slammed the door and tore off down the sidewalk, tears blurring my eyes. I cursed myself for not driving over earlier and, instead, allowing Chip to pick me up. Fine, I could walk. It wasn't that far.

My mind was exploding with explanations and it was a wonder I didn't trip over the cracks in the sidewalk. Again, for what seemed like the millionth time, Chip's anger led us into a heated argument. It wasn't my imagination, it wasn't his testosterone, and it wasn't too much stress from his job. For him to get this crazy all the time, there had to be something else triggering his behavior. It had gotten to the point where even little things set him off. Hell, the string could have broken off his tea bag this morning and he'd go into a rage.

But this time, I wasn't sticking around. I would stop the damn argument before it escalated into something physical. He hadn't hurt me... yet, but we seem to be headed in that direction, although a small part of my brain rationalized that if he wanted to hurt me, he would have done so by now. He didn't work out at the gym, but he was strong and he could easily do damage if he'd wanted. Plus, every time his temper got out of control, he'd say he was sorry afterwards and promise it wouldn't happen again.

In any case, it was a good thing I'd left. If he'd looked at my text messages to Jules, he would have found the ones I sent her about Aedyn. We'd texted that day about the hot guy stepping out of the limo, my curiosity about his identity. Then we'd texted after I'd ran into him in the sandwich shop. Although they were innocent, Chip would have read them as dirty and wrong. I had no way of knowing how he'd react.

I shuddered, realizing he probably really would have hit me then, and I wondered what I would have done if he had. I could call the police, but that would do no good. Chip was in with the local Sheriff's department. He sat on the City Council and everyone knew that council scandal was quickly swept under the rug.

Damn, I knew there were other reasons why I wouldn't call for help. This was a small town after all. Gossip like this would spread faster than wildfire and it would be bad for his business, his father's business and since I worked there too, it would be bad for me. I didn't want to ruin Mr. Harrison's business. Or lose my job and then what? Go back and live at home? No way. In my mind, to sponge off my parents would be a worse failure than staying with Chip.

I stumbled farther down the sidewalk, not knowing where I was going, just needing time for my heart to stop racing, my stomach to stop flipping, my thoughts to stop swirling and the tears to stop falling. I just kept walking, walking and walking, not knowing what the hell I was going to do now. I felt stuck, trapped between my dream and reality.

I swallowed hard and wiped the tears with the back of my hand. I'd walked all the way into town and had finally stopped shaking. I stopped and looked around to get my bearings, which didn't take long in this small town. I stood on the sidewalk in front of the drugstore. I dug into the massive interior of my purse, searching for the tissue I always kept in the bottom. I pulled it out, and wiped away the remainder of my tears. My chest expanded with a deep breath and I hung my head in shame.

This was entirely my fault... again. I really was hiding something and Chip had sensed it. I sucked at lying and shouldn't have been dishonest in the first place. Keeping secrets is not my forte. Even today, when Chip asked where I was going for lunch, I was evasive. I didn't want him to know I was meeting his brother.

I wanted to scream. I should be able to have lunch with anyone I wanted to, without having to look over my shoulder. Plus, Brandon was my doctor, not just Chip's older brother. We were friends from way back, even before Chip and I got together.

I'd asked Brandon to meet me, hoping he could shed some light on what was behind Chip's angry outbursts, but that afforded me no help. It was quite obvious his loyalties lay with his brother, first and foremost.

I balled up the tissue and threw it in a trashcan next to a lamppost. Already the main street in town was decorated with banners for the Fourth of July even though it was still weeks away. There would be a parade that day and fireworks and everything that made life pleasant and enjoyable. Families would bring their kids in the humid heat to sit on the curb and watch the parade go by, with melting popsicles in their hands. I'd dreamed of bringing my own family here one day, wearing matching red, white and blue. If I still wanted that to be my future, I would have to figure out a way to smooth things over with Chip.

My hands jumped to cover my ears. The loud crack of a muffler backfiring startled me back from outer space. I let my hands flop to my sides and watched as a man with a gray beard rode by slowly on his old-guy motorcycle. He was dressed all in black, with a leather vest, jeans and black boots resting high on chrome foot pegs. His face looked weathered and lonely. As the old biker trailed off past the front window of the diner, the figure of a man sitting inside caught my eye. He sat alone in the booth and was dressed in a dark suit, which was unusual since most people didn't get dressed up for a meal at the Hamburg Inn #2.

The restaurant had made the list for the 'best hamburger in town' by the local newspaper, for ten years in a row. I didn't know what happened to Hamburg Inn #1, there wasn't one as far as I knew, nor did I know why the owners couldn't spell the word hamburger right.

I looked again and a flash of recognition sailed across my face. I'd know that profile anywhere. It was Aedyn.

Before I knew it, my feet were carrying me in his direction, although I had no idea what I was going to do, or say, since the last time I'd seen him at the sandwich shop he was so dismissive.

Where my sudden moxie had come from, I didn't know. Especially considering I had just been laid into by Chip, under the suspicion of seeing another man. Anyone in their right mind would've turned tail and run. Who knows, maybe I had a death wish, but the mere sight of him and I instantly felt better. I tried not to look obvious as I glided across the street, watching him drinking his after-dinner coffee.

I walked up to his booth and blurted out, "Hello, Aedyn."

He looked up in surprise from the coffee mug that was just drawing down from his gorgeous lips. "Lauren... hi. We meet again."

All my muscles were turning into wet noodles under his intense stare, which felt amazing and unnerving at the same time. It zapped the moisture from my mouth, even more than his smooth voice had. He seemed to have gotten more handsome than when I talked to him the first time.

His hair was jet black and professionally groomed. His face harbored a strong jaw, full lips, blazing blue eyes and a magnificently dazzling smile. And once again, he was wearing a nicely cut dark suit, dressed to the T, like he was always going somewhere important.

With a large hand wrapped around the cream-colored porcelain mug, he set it down gently. I shifted nervously, lifting up on my toes and setting my weight down into my heels.

"So it does. I was just out for a walk and saw you here, through the window, all by yourself... well, I don't mean to bother you..."

He stood and gestured with an open palm. "Would you like to sit down? I have more time before I have to go."

My eyes darted to the seat and then to the window that might as well be a movie screen for anyone who passed outside. I felt exposed, just standing here like this.

"I really shouldn't," I said. I'd be there on display, me with another man. Chip's accusations becoming real.

"We didn't get a chance to talk for long the other day. You could keep me company while I wait. I only have another couple of hours in town and then I have to get back to Chicago... business calls."

Before I could answer, the dull buzzing of a pocketed cell phone interrupted us.

Aedyn's eyebrows shot up. "Apparently, in more than one way. Excuse me, Lauren."

He pulled the phone out of his inside jacket pocket and glanced at the screen, then pushed what I hoped was the ignore button. He took a step away and turned, looking out the picture window as he gave short answers to the person on the other end. I felt like an idiot, gawking while he handled the call, my eyes glued to his profile in amazement. Aedyn Cumberland. What a devastatingly handsome transformation, I thought again.

Chapter Eleven.

Lauren Aedyn ended the call and tucked his cell into his jacket. He turned back to me and smiled. "Sorry about that... so what do you say? Can you stay awhile? I haven't seen you for years, well, except for the little dance we did in the back hallway of the sandwich shop."

I grinned and rolled my eyes. "Sure, I can stay for a little while. But no dancing this time."

One look in those piercing blue eyes and I found myself melting into the smooth plastic seat opposite Aedyn, agreeing to stay for a chat even if it meant Chip might find out.

The same reaction I felt when I saw him step from the limo came rushing in, sending butterflies to fill my stomach. I suddenly didn't care what Chip may or may not do. I had been blindly tearing around the streets of town after Chip's psychotic attempt to search my phone and I was relieved to finally sit down. Plus, Aedyn said he only had a short time, so what harm could it do?

Now, sitting across from him, drinking him in, old memories came flooding back. It was a welcome distraction from my problems at hand.

He smiled back at me, drilling holes into me with his beautiful eyes. They were the same eyes I'd ignored as a teenager years ago. I remembered how I casually brushed aside a jewel that had been right in front of my face. I'd watched him back then, in moments when he thought I wasn't paying attention. When we worked on our science project at his mother's kitchen table. Now, however, there was an added depth and intensity in his eyes and though his exterior qualities had changed, dare I say improved, I could still see he was the same caring person I knew in high school.

"What are you up to these days?" I tried to mask any salivating with perky quips. "You look... different than in high school." I was not at all surprised that I'd missed the obvious when I saw him at a distance.

A slow smile erupted and he pulled his lower lip between his teeth before he said, "Well, contact lenses help and I filled out after high school. Finally developed some muscle."

I smiled as I imagined sculpted abs to go with the powerful shoulders under that expensive tailored suit. I hoped my drooling wasn't obvious. It was true that men didn't finish maturing and growing until around age twenty, but he didn't get that body from eating French fries on the couch.

"I've been living in Chicago, working, the usual." His eyes seemed to search my face and then landed on my bare arm. "Would you like something to eat, or drink? I can call the waitress over..."

I pushed a loose lock of hair behind my ear and crossed my arms over my chest, trying to hide the bruises on my arm where Chip's fingers had left marks from our heated argument. "Just coffee would be fine." I slumped down a little in my seat.

Aedyn tipped his head in the direction of my now purpling arm. "Is everything okay, Lauren?"

"Yes, of course." Aedyn stared blankly, waiting, his eyes demanding an explanation. "I was in one of those mud-run challenges for charity," I lied, shocked at how quickly a cover up story came to me. "Besides running, it also involved an obstacle course, things like climbing a rope, scaling a wall made of railroad ties. Got a little banged up on the rock-climbing wall. It's nothing." I was babbling, so I stopped and plastered a fake smile on my face. "Anything for a good cause."

I thought I noticed his jaw tighten, but the expression on his face remained stoic. "You should be more careful. Next time you have a charity event, you'll have to invite me to come. I can help. You don't have to get hurt."

My puzzled look must have stumped him. I wasn't at all sure if we were still talking about the charity mud run event or the bruises on my arm.

Aedyn cocked his head to the side, his eyes glowing as if from a distant memory and then he continued, thankfully changing the subject. "It's good to see you again. It's been..."

"Years." I laughed as I realized I'd finished his sentence. My nervousness was making me antsy and every silence in the our conversation felt like hours, vacant minutes of time for Chip to walk by, or any one of Chip's insurance customers who would report to him later that they saw me here with a strange man.

Aedyn returned my smile and said, "I was going to say, it's been a while since I talked to any of our classmates. I don't manage to get back to Granger very often. My work consumes me. I'm what you call the classic overachiever."

"Well, that's a notable quality. You were good in school. I remember that and you always made the honor roll." I shook my head. "Man, those were the days. I was ambitious back then too." I fell silent with the remembrance of my former self and the kind of life I'd wanted to live. Where had it gone? What had happened to my dreams? Suddenly my life seemed dull in comparison to Aedyn's. He'd gone out into the world after graduation and became something grand while I settled for a life in this small town, hoping Chip would make it better.

I studied him as he ran his finger over the smooth handle of his spoon as he waited for the waitress to serve my coffee.

"Can I get you anything else?" She politely asked.

"No, not for now. Just keep the coffee coming."

The waitress smiled and drifted back to her station behind the counter. Most of the other customers from the dinner rush had cleared out, leaving Aedyn and me alone to talk.

"It's strange that we've never run into each other before," he said.

It wasn't strange to me. First of all, I remembered Aedyn Cumberland as-the truth was-just a science partner, someone always willing to help when I had a question about school. After graduation I hadn't thought much, if anything, about him.

"Yea, well... you know... that's destiny for you. Life just goes on and people go in different directions." I shrugged. "Speaking of which, you kind of disappeared after graduation. What happened?"

"I went out and made my way in the world. Put my nose to the grindstone, took the bull by the horns, you know, all those metaphors for going to work."

"From the looks of it, you've done very well with your business. Nice clothes, a limo." I stirred my coffee, although I'd already added the creamer minutes ago. "I have to confess, I saw you get out of your limo at the funeral home the other day."

"Ah, so you were spying on me?" He raised his brows and teased.

"No, I just happened to be at the dry cleaners and...." I felt a blush rising to my cheeks.

"It's okay, I don't mind being watched by my beautiful high school crush."

Now I was really blushing. "You had a crush on me?"

"Oh come on Lauren, all the guys did."

"How sweet, Aedyn." I bit my lip. I knew he liked me back then, he'd even asked me to prom, but I ran with a different crowd and already had a boyfriend. I was obsessed with trying to be somebody and scratch my way to the top of the popularity heap that seemed so incredibly important when I was a teenager. Had he really expected me to say yes? Looking at him now, I could see he did.

I looked down at my coffee again, feeling like a snobby bitch. That must have been the way I appeared back then.

"Well, that was eons ago." He paused and took a drink of his coffee. "At least we have a chance to talk now. I'm glad you happened to catch me before I leave tonight."

"Me too. Sooo, Aedyn Cumberland, back to my question. Tell me everything. What did you do after graduation?"

"The usual." He leaned back in his seat. "First, I went to college, got a marketing degree, then I worked for a large company for a while. After that, I said, 'why not do this for myself?' Why work for someone else? So I started my own a marketing company. It's a grueling business, but it challenges my mind and it's nice to have a business that affords me a few luxuries, like the limo."

"That's no surprise to me. You were always smart at business, smart at everything. I can see why you're successful now. I remember when you and Garrett were in Junior Achievement and your business sold those emergency flashlights for people to use in their cars."

He shook his head and smiled. "The ones that plugged into the car's cigarette lighter?"

"Yes. Those. Garrett couldn't sell one to save his life, but you... you could sell ice to an Eskimo. My dad bought three of them from you and he only owned two cars." My shoulders relaxed and I let out a breath. "You never came to the high school reunion."

Aedyn shot a glance to the side and smirked. "I know." He paused for a moment and stared at me. "I should've. But I was too busy building my empire, trying to rule the world. Anyway... those things aren't my style."

"You know who was there?" I didn't wait for his answer. I pitched forward with excitement. "Miss Campbell, our French teacher."

His eyes lit up. "I remember Miss Campbell. I think I had a teacher-crush on her, or at least on her push-up bra."

"Aedyn. You're terrible. I never would've thought that about you. You were so studious. And you were having perverted teenage thoughts about our teacher as I sat next to you in French class?" I swatted the air with my hand. If he had been close enough, it would've been a playful punch on the arm.

His delightful chuckle floated across the booth and he said, "All the guys had a crush on Miss Campbell. And all the guys had perverted crushes in high school. That's what being a teenage boy is all about. Anyway, enough about that."

"After our project together for the science fair, I don't remember much about you. It was like you just dropped off the face of the earth." My brows knitted in contemplation. "Did you even go to the graduation ceremony? I don't remember seeing you there."

Aedyn stalled for a moment, as if stopped by the need to gather his emotions. His voice came out measured and restrained. "No. I didn't make it. My mother was in the hospital." He took a breath as if wanting to change the conversation. "But up until a couple of years ago, I used to come back every year. I stayed to myself, just visited my aunt and my mother's grave and left."

I had to quell an overwhelming urge to reach for his hand to comfort him, although the thought of what his strong hand would feel like excited me. His thumb, which lazily coursed over the glossy white handle of the coffee mug, distracted me. I wondered what that thumb would feel like rubbing me, how it would feel for him to be touching me. I forced my stare to my lap. This was not what I should've been thinking about right now.

I pulled my wayward thoughts back on track and before I knew it, the table was littered with torn sugar packets. Aedyn and I had been talking and reminiscing for so long, and I was so absorbed in our conversation, I hadn't realized the time had gotten away from me.