At the Sight of Holly Read online

  She got out of the car and slammed the door. Janet wanted him to pull her into his arms, tell her she looked nice, and make her feel wanted. Instead she couldn’t even hold his attention, and she didn’t know why. If he wanted to leave that badly, she wasn’t stopping him.

  Vinny got out of the car and grabbed hold of her arm, preventing her from entering her house. “I’m sorry. I really had a nice time. I want to see you again. It’s just I have to leave.”

  “You don’t have to make excuses. Obviously you have someplace better to be than here with me. So please, just go.” She shouldn’t care. Janet had just met him less than a week ago. If she never saw him again, it shouldn’t bother her. Yet, even the thought of that upset her.

  “Please Janet. Don’t be angry. I need to get home, but I’d like to take you out again Friday. May I pick you up at the same time?”

  His fingers were gentle against her arm, and she didn’t want him to take his hand away. There was no way she could turn him down. Her heart said yes, even though her head said she should tell him to get lost.

  “Vinny, I…I…” She had no idea what to say.

  * * *

  This was exactly what Vinny didn’t want to happen. The clouds were starting to roll in, and he needed to end this date long before it should. Damn, she asked him to come in, but once the storm started, Vinny would be stuck there until morning. He wasn’t so cocky as to assume he’d be invited to spend the night. Although she was stunning, and he didn’t want to let her go, he wasn’t in the habit of sleeping with a woman he’d just met.

  But he couldn’t let go of her, not with the hurt he could see on her face. Janet’s sweet lips were calling out to him, with a force unlike anything he’d ever known. There was something different about her, and it continued to draw him in. Vinny badly wanted to taste those red lips of hers. No longer able to resist, he claimed her lips. Their kiss was gentle, yet filled with more…connection than any kiss he’d experienced before. He knew he should end it quickly before it got to the point where neither of them could stop. He wanted to taste more of her, and it didn’t help that she melted into his arms, either.

  Pulling her closer, he kissed her deeply. How he wanted to part those lips and explore all she had to offer. But he couldn’t forget the approaching storm. Although her kisses were amazing, being on the road wouldn’t just risk his life, but others’ as well.

  Bringing the kiss to a halt, he heard her soft moan escape as he raised his head. That’s not helping. “Please tell me I can see you Friday.”

  “Yes,” Janet answered breathlessly.

  It wasn’t easy to leave her standing there, hunger in her eyes. Instead of doing what she wanted, what they both wanted, Vinny kissed her on the top of her head and dashed for his car. Vinny knew he was cutting it too close, because as he backed out of her yard he was forced to head towards the clouds. Things were already becoming more difficult to see, and nearly impossible at a distance. At this point he didn’t believe he would even make it home. All he needed was to make it far enough away that Janet didn’t know he couldn’t see. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d rode out a storm by sleeping in his car.

  He made it two blocks before he pulled over, no longer trusting his ability to judge the road or pedestrians correctly. Vinny leaned his seat back and closed his eyes. Instead of the flashes of lightening, all he could picture was Janet’s face. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on, but her fiery personality captivated him as well.

  Janet could have any man she wanted, that was for damn sure. This was a rough country, and she needed, deserved, a man who could protect her at all times, not just on clear, sunny days. A low growl rumbled through him, part anger and part frustration. Why would she want someone who needed to be home before dark?

  Blocking out everything, he was startled when he heard a knock on the driver’s window. Pulling his seat into an upright position, he rolled down his window. The rain started pelting him in the face as he heard a familiar voice.

  “Did your car break down?” Drake asked.

  It sucked because until he heard his voice, he couldn’t be sure who was standing there, not even with him that close. The rain only intensified his night blindness. No way could he let Drake know. The guy seemed much more laid back at dinner, but Vinny didn’t need Drake running off to tell Isa. Damn. I’ve come so far so no one knows.

  “Happens when the wires get wet.” It was a legit excuse, just not a truthful one.

  “Want a ride?”

  Getting out of the car wasn’t an issue, but he’d need to hold onto Drake’s shoulder or arm to make his way around. He’d rather Drake think he was an unappreciative ass instead.

  “I’m all set. Thanks for stopping.” Vinny started to roll the window back up, but Drake didn’t leave.

  “Come on. This storm is supposed to last all night. I can drop you back off to your car when it clears.”

  Why be so nice now? “I’m good.”

  “Is there a reason you don’t want to come with me?” Drake asked.

  Several. “Yeah, you just interrupted a damn good nap. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to it.” Vinny didn’t wait for him to leave. He shut the window and reclined his seat again. Closing his eyes didn’t make much difference at this point, but he didn’t even want to see the shadows of Drake or anyone else right now.

  He heard Drake’s car door open, then the car drive past him. There was no way this wasn’t going to make it back to Janet. Good thing he had two days to plan on what to say. But did it really matter? Vinny already knew it was only a matter of time before Janet realized something wasn’t right and started to decline his dinner invitations. It probably would be better for her if Drake told her what an ass he was now. The longer this charade went on, the harder it would be, not just on him, but on her. I don’t want to hurt her, now or later.

  He had no idea how his grandfather and mother did it. Could use some of their wisdom about now. As though the universe had been listening, his cell phone rang. He had it programmed so that with the touch of a button it said the name of the person calling. Even his text messages were read out loud to him in the evening. Technology was good. He just wished they could come up with something to give him all his sight back, or at least stop his condition from progressing.

  Answering his phone, Vinny said, “Hi Dad, what’s up?”

  “We haven’t heard from you in a week. I wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

  Most grown-ass adults don’t need to check in all the time. His parents weren’t fond of him being on the other side of the world. He’d explained to them before he left, that whatever happens to him while in Tabiq, easily could have happened back home in Wrentham. Dad agreed. Mom not so much.

  “Tell Mom nothing is wrong. I’ve been busy.”

  “That never stopped you before. What’s got you so preoccupied that your mother has to nag me into calling to check on you?”

  Vinny laughed, knowing damn well that’s what happened. His mother’s sight might be even worse than his, but she still ran that house. She did all the cooking and cleaning. The only time she lost her tempter was when his father left things lying around where they weren’t supposed to. Heck, Mom even has the dog trained not to leave his toys on the floor.

  But somehow his mom seemed to be part psychic as well, because she had a knack for calling any time he needed them. The problem was, he could never tell his mother he was having woman problems. If he did, he might as well have taken out an ad on social media. Dad on the other hand, wasn’t much of a talker. Unless he’s having a few beers with the other veterans. Then the stories start flying.

  “I met someone.”

  “Ah. A woman. Now I see why you’re not talking to your mother. She’d be asking a million questions. I only have one.”

  “What’s that?” Vinny asked.

  “What the heck am I supposed to say to your mother? You know she’s going to know if I’m hiding somethi
ng from her.”

  “Dad, it’s nothing serious.”

  “It sounded like it could be.”

  Could be and is are different things. “It won’t work out.”

  “Is she married?”

  “Dad, you should know me better than that.” Vinny was almost insulted his father even asked. Then again, he hadn’t given his dad much to go on, either.

  “Then what’s the issue?”

  “I’m screwing things up. Right now, I don’t even know why she still agrees to see me.”

  “I would think it’s because she likes you. But what do I know? I’ve been married for forty some odd years.”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  “It sounds like you’re the one standing in your own way. Why is that?”

  Vinny hated saying it. “RP.”

  “Yeah, so your mother has retinitis pigmentosa. We’re happily married…well, most of the time.”

  Vinny knew all relationships had their issues. He knew there were those who had much bigger problems than the one he faced. But still, this wasn’t the same as someone leaving the toilet seat up or socks on the floor. There was no fixing it, no matter how much he wanted to. Why should he take his issue and make it hers? It would change her life, and not for the better. “It’s different for me.”

  “Why is that?” his father asked.

  “I’m a man.”

  “Damn it. No one told me. Good thing I named you Vinny instead of Valerie.”

  “I don’t see the humor in this at all,” Vinny snarled.

  “I’ve earned the right to laugh. If your mother and I didn’t keep our sense of humor all these years she’d probably have killed me. But we’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff.”

  “Dad, I could someday lose all my sight. That’s not small,” Vinny said bitterly.

  “And I could’ve been killed serving overseas, but your mom married my stubborn ass anyway. Damn, I don’t think of the difficulties. If we did, where would it have gotten us?”

  “Dad, I’m not you and Janet is not Mom.”

  “You’re right. But I also know what you’re made of. Men who have no issues with their sight don’t have the balls to pack up and go off to a foreign country and start a business. Son, you not only did it, but you’re actually growing your business without any help. My buddies talk about their sons, and let me tell you, what you’re lacking in sight, you make up for in drive and motivation. Now take all of that and put it into making things work with you and Janet,” his father said.

  For a man of little words, you have a lot to say, Dad. “Thanks Dad.”

  “Vinny, I assume you haven’t told Janet about the RP?”

  “Nope. And I’ve had to bolt out of our dates because this is the rainy season here.” It felt like a black cloud that appeared each time he finally was alone with Janet.

  “When are you seeing her again?”

  “Friday.” But I’d like to see her before.

  “Then my suggestion would be to make it something special. Show her who you are. Then you’ll know how to proceed.”

  The sound of thunder directly overhead interfered with the connection and the call dropped. Vinny was glad in a way, because he needed to do some thinking on his own now. He had only planned on taking her to dinner again, but Dad had a point.

  Nothing was coming to mind. They spoke of so much, but what could he do for her that would be special? Unique? She worked in a high-end resort, where she had access to things he could never afford to give her.

  This is why it doesn’t matter if she knows or not. Vinny couldn’t imagine a woman who was working her way up, and had dreams of management, would want to play…babysitter every time the lights went out. No matter what Dad had told him, Vinny didn’t want to become a hindrance to Janet, standing between her and her dreams.

  It was thinking of her dreams that gave him the perfect scenario for Friday’s date. Vinny wasn’t sure how he was going to pull it off, but if he didn’t open his shop for two days, he might just be able to build what he needed. I might not be able to give her everything, but maybe I can give her one thing she misses.

  Now he had a purpose to being up all night. He mapped out exactly how he’d build it. Vinny would need to acquire and manipulate several air conditioners, enough Freon, PVC piping, and compressed air. If he could get the temp down below thirty-two degrees and maintain it long enough, he might just be able to pull this off.

  Vinny had the parts, or at least knew where he could get the ones he was missing. There was one problem, maybe two. He needed to find a vacant place where he could set it all up, and also needed help to make sure Janet didn’t freak out and actually showed up. Drake wasn’t the way to go; the guy would be happy to see me out of Janet’s life now. Vinny didn’t need to give him any further reason not to like him. The only other person he thought might be on his side was Isa. She definitely seemed a hell of a lot more understanding. And helpful? It was risky and would really piss off Drake, but Janet was worth it. First thing in the morning, he was going to pay Isa a visit. If she agreed with what he had planned, then Vinny was moving forward. And this will be a date Janet will never forget. If, however, Isa hated the idea, this very well could be the end of his garage and stay on Tabiq.

  Chapter 5

  “Isa, are you sure this is where we are supposed to meet?” It looked like an old, abandoned warehouse.

  “Yes Janet. I’m just running a few minutes late. Why don’t you go inside and wait for me there?” Isa said.

  Because this place looks scary as shit. “I don’t mind waiting for you outside.”

  “Janet, I don’t want Drake to drive by and see you out there. It will ruin everything.”

  She couldn’t picture why Drake would come all the way out here. There was nothing to see. It looked like it hadn’t been used in years.

  “Why would he come here?” Why are we here?

  “He might be looking at expanding the resort.”

  Isa must be so bored being home that she actually thought Drake would leave the ocean-view location for this. It definitely was secluded and was perfect if he was trying to ruin the reputation of New Hope Resort. Maybe call it End of the Line.

  “Isa, I’m not sure this is a good idea.” That didn’t mean she’d leave her friend to go there alone. Isa was a wife and mother. Janet needed to suck it up, go inside the stupid building, and take a look. She could snap some pictures and text them to Isa, maybe she could prevent her from coming here as well. “I changed my mind. I’m going in. I’ll let you know if it’s even worth your time coming.” Which I already know it’s not.

  “Thanks Janet. I really appreciate this. I’ll hang home until I hear from you.”

  Janet chuckled as she ended the call. Isa hadn’t even left the house yet. At this rate, Janet could be in and out even before Isa got close.

  Getting out of her truck, she went to the door and knocked. No one answered. Probably because it was vacant. Janet hoped it was locked, which would provide her with the perfect excuse not to go inside. Unfortunately, as she turned the knob, the door opened. Janet took a deep breath and went inside.

  Immediately she realized it was freezing inside. Was this a freezer of some kind? There were large sheets of plastic that blocked her from seeing any farther. I think I’ve seen enough. Not that she’d really seen anything.

  She turned and was about to head right back out the door when she heard Vinny’s voice. What the heck is he doing here? When she finally caught a glimpse of him, she was shocked to see him wearing a wool overcoat. It definitely was appropriate for the room’s climate.

  “What are you doing here?” Janet asked.

  “Waiting for you.” Holding up a white scarf and coat to her, Vinny said, “I think you’re going to need these.”

  Janet didn’t take them. Instead she asked, “Vinny, what’s going on? I’m supposed to meet Isa here to look at the property.”

  “No. You’re here to meet me for our date.”


  She was so confused. “That’s tonight after work. This is my lunch break, which doesn’t allow time for a date.” I’m not even supposed to have left in the first place. Janet couldn’t say no to Isa when she asked for help. Now she was thinking Isa just may have set her up. Not that she really minded. Janet had been thinking of Vinny all morning. But this was crazy. She was risking her job for what? An afternoon of…whatever this was.

  “Trust me Janet. You have been approved for the afternoon off. Now put this on.”

  Janet slipped on the coat, then the scarf, because she really was cold. Then Vinny took out a wreath of green leaves and red flowers. He placed it on her head.

  “Now you’re ready.” Vinny reached out and took her hand in his and escorted her through the plastic.

  As they came out into the other side, she swore her eyes were playing tricks on her. There were painted pine trees on the walls and even a painted log cabin. But that’s not what had her eyes wide open. It was freezing in here for a darn good reason. It’s a winter wonderland. As she stepped farther inside, she felt the cold snow brushing against her ankles. It wasn’t paper or plastic as she’d first thought. Bending down, she scooped up a handful and shaped it into a ball.

  “Vinny, this is…” There was no one word to describe what she was feeling, a combination of homesick and immense joy. She’d been taken out on some unusual dates, but no one had ever done something like this for her. If she wasn’t in such awe of it all, she might have broken down and cried. Tears of ice.

  “You said the one thing you missed here was the changing seasons. And when I look at you, I think of the first snow of winter.”

  He surely wasn’t thinking she was pure. “Innocent?”

  “No,” Vinny said before pulling her into his arms. “Breathtaking.” He tilted her head to look up. She could look into his eyes and never grow tired. “Do you know I haven’t stopped thinking of you from the moment I saw you walking to work?” She shook her head. “I think I like you best dressed like this. Your hair looks gorgeous down, and the halo of flowers brings out your honey-brown eyes.” Vinny ran his hand through some of her hair. “It’s like silk.”