Read Caught Up In You 3: Designer Love and Empty Things (Edgeplay) for Free Online

that’s your family’s home. Consider it part of your grandfather’s pension.”
     Shock rocks through me. “Really?”
     He nods once. “Obviously, you can’t sell it because it’s within the grounds of the Rosemont. But maybe now you’ll stop worrying about being homeless.”
     “Thank you.” I try to wrap my arms around him, but he brushes me aside.
     “Go see to your grandfather.” He’s dismissing me, but I recognize his coldness for what it is this time, a shield to ward off more hurt.
      I’ve hurt him, this man who just gave me the single greatest gift I could ask for, roots and a sense of permanence.
     “Connor, I’m sorry.” I say.
     He looks back at me, his eyes telegraphing an ocean of pain and betrayal. He’s almost drowning in it. “If only I could believe you mean it.”
     ~*~
     It’s been almost a month since I saw Connor. He’s come and gone multiple times from the estate, but he hasn’t been by to see me once. The day after Pop’s great escape, papers arrived deeding the small groundskeeper’s cottage to the Sinclair family for the next three generations. I don’t even need to worry about a sale of the main house as we are listed as tenants to the Rosemont Estate.
     The days are long and boring. One of Connor’s security teams takes me to Golden Oaks every evening to visit with Pops and then escorts me back home. I had one doctor’s visit where I was pronounced fully recovered from the car accident. Otherwise I don’t leave the estate. My security guys are responsible for my grocery shopping. I thought for sure my face would catch fire when I handed one of them the list that included tampons and chocolate.
     I’ve reread almost every book in my collection and watched hours of pointless television. I’ve even taken up cooking real food, after having become used to Connor’s delectable dishes. Of course my concoctions are nowhere near the quality of his, but it’s something to keep my mind occupied.
     I’m not sure what my next step will be. If I’m careful, I have enough money to keep Pops in Golden Oaks for another two months, but eventually that nest egg will run out. There’s a serious shortage of employers here at the Rosemont and I doubt Connor will give me a recommendation to work with one of the landscapers.
     More than anything else, I miss him and regret hurting him. The look on his face the last time we spoke is burned in my mind. With nothing but time to think, I’ve gone over the scenario, replayed it from every angle. I’ve come to the realization that I could have handled a few things differently. Maybe if I’d enlisted his help in finding Pops we wouldn’t be at this giant impasse.
     Even if things between us can’t go back to the way they were, I owe him an apology.
     With that in mind, I head up the hill to the main house. As far as I know, Connor hasn’t hired a new head groundskeeper. Maybe there is still some hope that I can get my old job back.
     Although, with the threat of eviction no longer looming large on my horizon, I’m not sure I still want it. Knowing I can stay here and enjoy the change of seasons without bearing the massive weight of the caretaking responsibility is kind of nice. Freedom after so much confinement.
     The tips of the oak leaves are turning golden on the northern side of the property, the maples outlined in burgundy and orange. The nights are growing colder; we’ve already had a few that came close to the freezing point. I love fall here, and seeing the first stages of my favorite season must be a sign heralding good things to come.
     A new minion answers my knock. She’s a mousy little thing, so unlike the polished sex kitten she replaced. I offer her my hand immediately. “Baily Sinclair, here to see Mr. Edge.”
     She shakes it tentatively, as though she’s afraid to touch me. “He’s down in workout room. I could call him if you’d like.” I get the impression that the idea of interrupting him