Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
“But he can’t just …” he trailed off, frowning as he worked through several thoughts and feelings that flashed across his face in a medley of frustration. Finally, his endlessly blue eyes met mine, his voice much more measured when he said, “He’ll do it again to someone else. You know that, right?”
With that one statement, he might as well have sliced a sword through my middle. Because that was the one thing that stole my peace of mind lately. In my desperation to rid Jesse from my life, I’d been selfish. I’d only thought of saving myself. I hadn’t considered the others who might fall victim to his insidious charm. But it’s difficult to focus on anything but getting free when you’re in survival mode. I still spent a lot of time puzzling out ways to save those possible victims, but every time, I ended up at a brick wall.
“I’ve very aware of that, Rhys. More than you know.” I paused to let out a heavy sigh. “It haunts me.”
I met his gaze and received a wave of empathy. I knew merely by his expression that he understood the guilt I lived with. If only I’d been braver, stronger, maybe I could’ve gone to the cops and done something real, made sure that even if I couldn’t have him sent to prison for his abuse, then at least he’d get a record that could screw with his career a little.
Rhys cleared his throat, changing the subject, “You said you have some savings?”
“Yes, I … when I first started working at my last job, I was hired as a junior accountant. About two years later, I was promoted to senior accountant, and then a year after that, I was made head accountant. I never told Jesse about the promotions, so he didn’t realise I was receiving a far greater salary than what I’d started out with. I’ve always been a lot smarter than him when it comes to finance, and I figured out how to hide the extra money, sending it to an account I’d opened that he didn’t know about. I also managed to invest a large part of it, earning modest returns. So, as I said, I can cover the down payment to buy a place. It’s getting approved for a mortgage that will be tricky.”
“Maybe Padraig or Jo can go guarantor,” Rhys suggested. “I’m sure they’d be happy to help you out.”
“Oh, I couldn’t ask that of them,” I said, tucking some hair behind my ear. “It’s too much. Besides, it’s just an idea. I’m still not entirely sure if I want to buy. It’s a big step.”
“Yeah, take your time. There’s no sense rushing into anything.”
I nodded and returned my attention to finishing the burger. Though after talking about my divorce, my appetite had dwindled. I dabbed the ketchup from my lips as Rhys stood and started gathering our plates to bring to the sink. I tried to help, but he insisted I sit and relax since I’d need my energy for the afternoon viewings.
To distract myself from how good Rhys looked standing by the sink rinsing dishes—his broad shoulders and muscular backside drawing my gaze like a moth to a flame—I found myself pulling out my phone and searching for the listing for the house next door. By the time Rhys was done tidying up, I’d just about fallen in love with the place. The current owners had modernised the interior with features that were stylish in a classical way. It meant anyone could move in and put their own stamp on it.
The best part was the small back garden that had been landscaped to utilize the limited space. There was a patio perfect for chilling after a long day at the office as well as a raised bed with a little sign that read “The Butterfly Pantry” with flowers butterflies loved, like lavender and geraniums.
Clearly, whoever owned the place was big on butterflies
I was so besotted that I didn’t immediately notice Rhys had come to stand behind me, bending down and resting his hand on the table to see what I was looking at. His warmth and citrusy cologne snagged by attention as I turned and looked up at him.
“I think I’m in love,” I quietly confessed, and there was a brief flash of surprise in his gaze before his attention went to the phone in my hand.
A soft, affectionate smile graced his lips. “If you want, we can knock next door and see if Melanie or Kevin are home. That’s the couple who own it. They might let you look around.”
Just like that, my hopes lifted, and at that moment, I knew the little house was for me. Just the idea of having a place that was mine, a place no one could take from me, had my heart soaring. I didn’t even realise how much I wanted to own my own house until that very moment. I’d thought renting would be fine, but something about traipsing through all those soulless apartments had changed my mind.