She looked up. Her eyes were full of worry. “Hi.”
He set the basket on the table. “Are you hungry?”
“I can wait. Sit down and tell me what I need to know.”
He sighed and sat. He clasped his hands together because he was shaky. “My collective is a bit…under siege, I guess. Bad things keep happening there.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me, too. The most serious was the guard we hired for nighttime was murdered a month ago.”
Her jaw dropped. “My God.”
“That’s the worst. But my best friend Finn got beat up and his car was stolen. Then there was an explosion.”
“Oh, no, Oliver. I feel so sorry for you all.”
“The police are still investigating some of these. Then smaller things happened to the others but they still have nothing. Until today.”
Her pretty light brown brows rose. “What happened today?”
“We found a black snake in Juliet’s yoga room.”
“Was it poisonous?”
“No, they call it a rat snake. But again, it can’t be dismissed in light of the other incidents.”
“I see.”
He tipped her chin. Her skin was so soft. “Anabelle, this is the hardest thing I’m ever going to say to you. I understand if you don’t want to see me anymore because I might be in danger and by association, you might too.”
She looked torn. Conflicted. She had responsibilities. But she cared about him, too.
He watched carefully. And then, he knew.
“I’m sorry Oliver. But I have two little girls to protect. I can’t see you anymore.”
He swallowed hard. It took all his willpower to answer. “I understand.”
“I care about you.” She cupped his cheek. “A lot, but this is the way it has to be.”
Reaching over her, he picked up the picnic basket then walked her to the car and put it in the back seat.
She followed him. When he turned, she kissed him. “Goodbye, Oliver.”
“Goodbye, sweetheart.”
* * *
Anabelle drove home, unable to cry. She had to be careful. She had to put her kids first. “Damn it!” She hit the steering wheel. “Why did you send him my way, God? If you were going to take him back so quickly?”
Of course, God didn’t answer.
She reached home safely and went inside. “Hi, girls. My engagement was cut short.” She dug in her purse and took out money. “Full price.”
“You don’t have to, Ms. Baxter,” the older one said. “We weren’t here very long.”
“No matter. Take the money. I’ll call you again.”