Page 12 of Tempting Devil

Chapter Five

Imogene

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Melanie asked as I walked her out to my front porch later that evening.

“I’m fine. Promise.” I squeezed her bicep. “Like you said. Samuel had been to Alton’s cabin on numerous occasions before he died. His fingerprints must be left from one of his visits.”

“It’s not that I don’t wish they could be recent. I’d give anything for him to still be alive. But you can’t keep putting yourself through this. You came out here to get a fresh start and put the past behind you. You’ve finally met someone who I think has helped.”

As if on cue, a sleek Jaguar convertible rolled to a stop in front of my townhouse, and I couldn’t fight the smile that tugged on my lips as Gideon Saint stepped out. His tall and muscular body was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his dark hair styled in a sexy, disheveled way.

It was a stark contrast from last night when he showed up at my door at three in the morning wearing jeans and a hoodie. Now, he was back to being Gideon Saint, the mysterious billionaire who saved me in a dark alley a few weeks ago.

“Please don’t throw it away over a ghost,” Melanie whispered, then turned, heading down the front steps of my porch.

“You don’t have to leave,” I said, following her. “You can stay over if you want.”

“I appreciate the offer, but there’s a special place in hell for people who stand in the way of their best friend getting some good dick, especially when you need it. And after today, I have a feeling some good dick is much needed.”

I barked out a laugh, grateful for Melanie’s unique ability to always lighten a tense situation.

“Plus, I have an early meeting tomorrow. Traffic will be much better tonight than in the morning. Gotta love Southern California.”

“Drive safe,” I said as I hugged her.

“Always.” She squeezed back, releasing me when Gideon approached, his expression awash with sincerity as he swept me into his arms.

A few hours ago, it felt like my world had been tilted on its axis. I didn’t think anything or anyone would ever make me feel better. But being in Gideon’s embrace did precisely that. It set everything right again. As if this was where I was meant to be —wrapped up in his strong arms, surrounded by his comforting scent and warmth.

Not chasing after a ghost.

“How are you?” he asked, clutching my cheeks and forcing my gaze to his.

“Okay,” I said with a soft smile.

He surveyed my demeanor, his blue eyes searching for any sign I was lying.

But I wasn’t. I was okay.

“Good,” he replied, sounding almost relieved as he touched a soft kiss to my lips, lingering only a moment or two before shifting his attention toward Melanie, but still keeping a protective hand on my hip.

“How about you? How are you handling everything?”

“Just a little surprised,” she answered. “Alton was never my favorite person, but I thought he’d get stabbed in the balls because he hit on the wrong woman or something. I didn’t think he was the type of person to kill himself.” She rubbed her arms, a chill overtaking her as the ocean breeze wrapped around us.

“Regardless of any of his past misdeeds, I am sorry for your loss.” He shifted his gaze toward me. “Both of you.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“I should hit the road,” Melanie interjected, her voice brightening. “It was good seeing you again, Gideon.”

“Always a pleasure, Ms. Burnham.” He nodded slightly.

“Text me when you get home,” I ordered as she reached her car and opened the door.

“I will.”

“And if you get tired on the drive, you can always call and I’ll keep you awake.”

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