Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
I’ve just started my shift and already wish it were over. The gas station is the last place I want to be right now.
When an SUV pulls up, my heart sets off at a crazy pace, and I stare at the tinted windows. But then a woman climbs out, and when I look at the back door, I don’t see any dents.
Shoot.
She comes into the store, carrying an envelope, and looking at me, a smile forms on her beautiful face.
I love the dress she’s wearing. It makes her look glamorous. Her light brown hair is styled in soft curls, and her makeup looks like it’s been done by a professional.
Feeling self-conscious, I bow my head and fist my hands in my lap.
“Hi, Jenna,” she says, her tone friendly. “My name is Cassia.”
I nod and peek at her from under my bangs.
“I heard about the robbery. I’m sorry you had to experience that.”
I lift my head slightly, wondering who she is and why she’s talking to me.
“I have a job offer for you.” She opens the envelope and pulls out a piece of paper. “I’ll wait while you read through it. Take your time.”
With a frown forming on my forehead, I don’t touch the document but lean forward so I can read what it says.
It’s a position as a housekeeper for a recluse who lives in Tower. The town is even smaller than Aurora.
There’s a photo of what can only be described as a mansion, and the details say it’s a four-bedroom.
Then my eyes lock on the pay being offered, and I let out a squeak because it’s more money than I’ve ever hoped to make.
Ten thousand dollars. This has to be a joke.
Pulling back, I duck my head lower.
“What’s wrong?” Cassia asks.
I push the paper away from me and point at the amount.
“Your income can be negotiated.”
Frowning again, I look at her face.
“How much do you want?” she asks. When I don’t respond, she continues, “Twenty thousand?”
I hate being teased, and after the awful few days I’ve just been through, it really gets to me.
I shove the page off the counter and point at the door, indicating for her to leave.
Cassia tilts her head, and when a compassionate expression softens her features, it fills me with confusion.
“I’m not here to upset you, Jenna. I was here the day of the robbery and saw you sitting in the back of the ambulance. You don’t belong in a place like this and working for…my partner will be a much safer environment for you where you don’t have to deal with people at all.”
I press a button on the card machine so it spits out a piece of blank paper, and tearing it off, I write a quick note.
Why is the pay so much?
“Oh, well, that’s because you’ll have to move into the house and take care of it around the clock.”
Cassia crouches down and picks up the document. She places it on the counter again and points at the section that outlines my duties, which consist of keeping the house clean and accepting deliveries.
I write on the blank cash receipt again.
The pay is still too much.
Cassia lets out a chuckle. “You’re the first person I’ve met who’s complaining about the income being too high. Would you feel more comfortable if we lowered the amount?”
Oh my God, she’s being serious. This isn’t a prank someone’s playing on me.
My mouth drops open, and I reread the offer, then I scribble on my piece of paper again.
Is this for real?
“Yes, but there is a catch.”
My shoulders slump, and I let out a sigh.
“You’re expected to start right now. If you accept, I’ll drive you to your house and wait while you pack your clothes before taking you to Tower.”
My eyebrows draw together, and I glance around the store. Mr. Cahoon will be furious if I just up and leave.
As if Cassia can read my thoughts, she says, “The owner of this gas station doesn’t care about you, Jenna. The job I’m offering you is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t pass it by because of misplaced loyalty.”
There’s no misplaced loyalty. I hate working here.
I write on the paper again.
What if I leave with you and you change your mind? My boss won’t take me back.
Cassia holds up a finger and walks out of the store. She opens the SUV’s passenger door and comes back inside with a beautiful black handbag. It must cost more than everything in the store.
She sets the bag down in front of me. “This is for you. Whether you take the job or not.”
My eyes widen, and I hesitate before I pull the handbag closer.
God, if I’m sure I can sell it for at least five hundred dollars. Then I look inside and I start blinking fast because it’s filled with money.
Holy crap on a cracker!