Page 5 of Unlawful Seduction

A smile crossed my face.

As orange lit up the night sky, I became nothing more than a shadow, a man with no home and no true sense of identity. I’d paid my dues. Now it was time to forge the life I’d always wanted to live.

Whatever the fuck that meant.

Gone was a man named after his uncle on my mother’s side. As of today, Michaelangelo Rinaldi no longer existed.

And that was just fine by me.

CHAPTER 2

One year later

Mallory

“Ah, Sara, these look perfect.” I was giddy inside from seeing my first set of business cards. Maybe they were a little old-fashioned since scheduling, questions, and almost everything else was done online, but I’d always wanted a set of business cards for my incredible practice. I’d worked long and hard to achieve this goal and I planned on enjoying every minute of it.

“I’m glad you like them, Mal. Sorry for the delay.”

I pulled out my credit card, feeling more accomplished than I’d thought I would. “No problem. Perfect timing.”

She pointed to the machine in front of me and I laughed. When I’d last been in Stowe, Vermont, stores hadn’t installed the tap device yet. A lifetime ago. Ugly memories threatened to ruin the day. That wasn’t going to happen. I had a new life in familiar territory. Everything was going to be amazing.

“How’s the house coming?” she asked.

“It’s coming. Not very quickly, but it’s warm and the roof leak is fixed.” Every time someone in town asked about my dad’s house, I felt guilty. I’d known he’d needed help for years, but he’d been a proud man, determined to do everything he could by himself. The fall off the ladder hadn’t done him any good.

But that’s not what had killed him.

The ache behind my eyes returned. I’d been in town only a few weeks, yet I hadn’t processed his death or the fact I had his house and things to take care of.

There were so many memories. All of them special. So far, I’d only gotten rid of a couple of boxes of clothes, giving them to Goodwill. The rest seemed far too daunting.

Sadly, the memories were crowded with more than a single tragic event. I didn’t want to think of myself as a broken woman, but right now, I would admit to feeling a little beaten down inside.

“Suck it up, baby girl,”my father used to say.“Life is what you make of it.”

So here I was.

“It takes time. You’re opening a new business at the same time. Give yourself a little grace.”

Grace. My mother used to say that. “I’m trying. Thanks again.”

“Sure thing.”

As soon as I walked out of the small shop, I gathered a scent of fresh brewed coffee. That was one thing I adored about the smaller town. You could gather amazing scents on Main Streetthat weren’t mixed with the stench of gasoline or garbage. The little coffee shop had become a favorite of mine.

Of course Stowe had all the big box stores on the outskirts, but after living in Richmond for so many years, I preferred shopping local. Well, for most things. I’d certainly abused my Lowe’s card while fixing some things at the house.

However, tonight, I didn’t want the drive or to take the time. What I needed to finish a project I could get at the local hardware store.

I headed down the sidewalk, realizing just how many people still lived here after all these years. I’d told my dad I was leaving and never returning. He’d told me Stowe was in my blood, Vermont in my bones.

I hadn’t bought it. Now here I was.

The hardware store was surprisingly busy when I walked inside. With the best selection of nuts, bolts, screws, and nails this side of the Mississippi, the owners likely made their money one dollar at a time. They also had gardening supplies. I needed a rake for the leaves as well as a box full of nails.

The box of nails was easy to find, but I hadn’t realized just how many different rakes there were. God knew since I’d been living in a condominium, I was certainly no expert. After debating, I selected the one with the fiberglass handle. The last thing I needed were splinters in my fingers.

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