Scarlett’s heart felt like it was squeezing to the size of a lemon as she punched Vernon’s doorbell and waited. It had been hours since she’d been up on the roof with Rigby and yet she still felt the burn of his lips on hers, the prickle of his stubble against her skin. She’d lain awake for most of the night, attempting to sort through her feelings. She couldn’t deny that she’d liked hearing that Rigby didn’t love Sadonna. And she’d liked hearing him profess his love for her. She didn’t know what would happen on their date, but she couldn’t deny looking forward to it. This morning as she was running out the door to get to work, Rigby was outside working on Coralee’s house. He asked if she’d go out with him this coming Friday. “But not just for the evening,” he specified, “I want you for the entire day.”

The way he spoke those words caused her blood to sizzle. She’d called Vernon earlier intending to ask if she could go to his house later this evening so they could talk, but then he invited her to dinner. Scarlett didn’t know how she was going to break the news of the date to Vernon. He’d probably hate her for it. But she couldn’t keep stringing him along, not when she had unresolved feelings for Rigby. There was a chance Rigby would shatter her heart again, and she’d end up alone. But about four o’clock this morning she decided to come clean to Vernon regardless. He’d been so good to her, she had to do the honorable thing where he was concerned.

She plastered a smile on her face, Vernon opened the door. He smiled broadly as he stepped up and gave her a kiss on the lips. “Hey, you look fantastic.”

“Thanks.” She felt like a two-timing slime bucket. She’d not meant to kiss Rigby last night, but she had. And she’d certainly not meant to agree to a date. The smell of food cooking tingled her senses. “Something smells good.”

“Grilled salmon with red wine butter, roasted red potatoes, fresh green beans, creamed corn, and French bread,” he said proudly.

“Wow, you went all out.” Gourmet cooking was one of Vernon’s hobbies, and he was quite good at it. While Scarlett’s taste and style of cooking leaned more toward the down-home, Southern style, she had no doubt dinner would be superb. She followed Vernon into the kitchen, dreading how this evening would unfold. Classical music played softly in the background, and Vernon’s house was pristinely clean as always. “Thanks for having me,” she said, then her breath got cut short when she saw the candlelit table with the fresh bouquet of flowers in the center. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her throat constricting as she looked at Vernon, whose milky brown eyes were brimming with excitement.

“We need this, and I had to do something extraordinary for the girl who owns a restaurant.”

“This is really nice.”

“Have a seat. I’m just finishing up.”

“Can I do something to help?”

“No, it’s pretty much done. I’m just taking the bread out of the oven.”

She couldn’t help but think how different Rigby and Vernon were. Vernon wasn’t feminine but he wasn’t tough-guy masculine like Rigby. Unless things had changed drastically, which she highly doubted, Rigby could hardly make his own toast. He claimed to have grand plans for their date this Friday, but wouldn’t tell her what they were. Rigby liked keeping her in suspense, always dangling that carrot. A smile touched her lips.

“A penny for your thoughts.”

She jumped slightly as she looked across the room at Vernon. “Oh, nothing much. Just a joke Harper told at work today.”

He smiled. “Really? I’d like to hear it. You looked so happy.”

Heat rushed to her face. “I can only remember parts of it, I’ll have to get her to tell it to you.”

He frowned. “And yet you were smiling about it.”

She let out a half-laugh. “Yeah, you know how the brain works. I didn’t even realize I was thinking about it until you pointed it out.”

He gave her a strange look. “Okay.”

She tensed. What was he? The Gestapo? Maybe he sensed what was coming, perhaps that was the real reason he’d gone to all this trouble. She stood. “Here, let me help you fix the plates. That way, you won’t have to bring all the food from the stove.”

Dinner was excellent, but Scarlett had a hard time enjoying it. The conversation felt stilted, and she was anxious to say what she needed to and leave. Vernon seemed to be getting antsier by the minute like he was building up to something. When they’d finished their food, his eyes met hers from across the table. He reached for her hand, and she was surprised his was moist.

“Are you okay?” She took an assessment of him. His face looked a little flush, and the candlelight flickering against his features exaggerated their sharpness. He was a good-looking guy in his own right, a far cry from the nerdy kid in high school; but she wasn’t attracted to him like she was Rigby. She’d spent the last two years deluding herself that she could willfully fall in love with Vernon, but now that Rigby was back, the contrast was so stark it was easier to discern her feelings.

“Scarlett, you know how I feel about you.” His voice grew soft as he searched her eyes.

A wave of panic crashed over her. Surely he wasn’t going to propose again. She couldn’t handle that tonight.

“Vernon,” she interrupted, “we need to talk.”

A shadow of frustration fell over him for a split second, but he vanquished it with a smile. “Sure, but just let me finish. I know things have been tense between us … due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Unforeseen circumstances? You mean Rigby Breeland, she almost said. A laugh gurgled in her throat, and she swallowed it back down. She wanted to cry as a sick dread ate away at her. She didn’t want to hurt Vernon. He’d been so good to her … to her grandmother.

“I know we’ve talked about this before and you weren’t ready, but I have to let you know how I feel—get this out in the open.”

Scarlett had the feeling she was watching a train wreck in slow motion as he got down on one knee and retrieved a small, black box from his pocket. Tears sprang to her eyes as she gulped audibly.

A large smile broke over Vernon’s face when he misinterpreted her gush of emotion to be tears of joy. His voice gained confidence as he continued. “Scarlett Foster, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

A tremble started in her hands, then worked its way down to her knees. She clasped her hands together tightly in her lap to make it stop. A serpent-like vice slithered around her chest, making it hard to breathe. “Vern—” The word got cut off, and she had to begin again. “Vernon, I can’t,” she croaked. “I’m so sorry.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

His jaw went slack as his mouth started working. The hurt on his chalky face cut her to the quick.

“We can make this work, Scarlett. I can take care of you and Douglas. You’ll grow to love me as I love you.”

How could she make him understand how she felt? “Vernon, please know that I care about you deeply. That I’ll never forget the kindness you’ve given me and my family.”

His features went rigid as he stood and slumped back down in his seat. Then he gave her a hard look. “What’re you saying?”

Here it was—the moment of truth. She straightened her shoulders, knowing the only way to get through it was to plow straight ahead. “I think we should see other people.” There. She’d said it. A measure of relief flooded over her.

A disbelieving laugh rose in his throat as his eyes bulged. “What?”

“I’m sorry, Vernie—Vernon, but this isn’t working.” Geez. What was up with the name confusion thing?

He ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t believe you’re doing this. After everything we’ve been through together.”

There was nothing she could say to ease the blow.

His eyes sparked. “This is about Rocket, isn’t it?” He glowered at her.

She only shook her head and looked away.

“He’ll hurt you again, like he did before.”

“Stop.”

“He can’t be trusted, Scarlett. He only cares about himself.”

The vehement tone of his voice rankled a nerve as she leaned forward. “And how do you know that?”

He flinched, his eyes darting from side to side. “From you. You told me how he cast you aside for the other girl faster than you could blink.”

She waved a hand. “Yes, but now I have a clearer picture of what actually happened.”

A brittle laugh broke through his lips. “Really? Let me guess … because of something he told you.”

She shifted in her seat. “Yes, actually.”

“And you believed him? Think about what you’re saying, Scarlett. He’s playing you. He was at the concert with Pepper McClain last night, and the two of them looked pretty cozy together. Am I to understand that he’s suddenly transferred his affections to you? It’s time to grow up. Scarlett,” he sneered. “This isn’t high school.”

The comment hit her like an Arctic blast, making her go frigid. Last night, on the roof, Rigby’s date with Pepper seemed insignificant, but Vernon’s comment hit a little too close to home, dredging up old misgivings. But at any rate, she didn’t appreciate the condescending tone in Vernon’s voice. She drew herself up, looking him in the eye. “Contrary to what you think, I’m not stupid.”

“Okay, then don’t act like it. Don’t fall for anything Rocket says.” He shook his head. “I thought you were stronger than this.” His voice grew pleading. “Think about how devastated you were when he broke your heart. I was there to lift you up. I was patient … understanding.”

She didn’t like the direction this conversation was taking. “Yes, you were all of those things, and I appreciate it, I really do.”

He smirked. “Obviously not enough.”

She stood, her face burning hotter than the Talladega asphalt in July. “This conversation is over.”

He jumped to his feet. “Wait a minute. You can’t leave like this. I love you.”

His face crumbled, and for a second she feared he might cry. The sight of him broken was more disheartening than seeing him angry. A pit settled like stone in her stomach. How had she let things get this far? It had been so easy to rely on Vernon during her low point. She felt like such a louse about this whole thing, but had to face the truth—she didn’t love him, and prolonging their relationship would only hurt him more. “I hope you know that I will always treasure your friendship.” Her voice trembled. “For what it’s worth … thank you … for everything.” Emotion clogged her throat as she grabbed her purse from the sofa and fled.

* * *

He couldn’t believe it! Scarlett had dumped him the first week Rocket Breeland was back in town. The hurt sliced through Vernon, making him feel sick to his stomach. He doubled over the sink, fighting the urge to wretch. A burning hatred raced through his veins as he thought of Rocket Breeland—the guy who had everything. From the time he was a kid, Vernon longed to play football, but he’d been skinny and awkward with zero athletic ability. He was picked-on in school, often called pimple face. Then his freshman year in high school, big shot Rocket Breeland took pity on him and took him under his wing. He became an errand boy of sorts for Rocket and his friends. Vernon knew they laughed at him behind his back, and he took it all with a smile so he could be included. But secretly, he loathed Rocket and his friends. It was through Rocket that Scarlett first entered Vernon’s radar. Scarlett and Rocket had been inseparable in high school, and Vernon had been in love with her then as much as now. Once when some kids were picking on him, Scarlett came to his aid. She always took the time to speak to him in the hall and even invited him to join her study group in the library. He raked the leftover food into the garbage disposal and turned it on. The grinding sound reminded him of crushing bone. He wished he could crush Rigby’s bones, be done with him for good.

He began shoving dishes in the dishwasher. Vernon still remembered an experience on the football field as vividly as if it happened yesterday. Rigby threw a winning touchdown right into the end zone. Vernon had been standing on the sideline near the cheerleading squad and saw the look of pure adoration on Scarlett’s face as she watched Rigby. The jealousy that stabbed through Vernon nearly took his breath away. From that point on, he knew he’d do anything—move mountains if necessary to have Scarlett look at him that same way. Scarlett didn’t know it but Vernon would often follow her around, just to catch a glimpse of her. He’d ride his bike past her house, then stash it in the bushes nearby. He’d sneak back and hide in the shadow of darkness, watching her shadow in her bedroom window for hours.

Vernon would never admit this to anyone, but Scarlett had been the driving force that propelled him through medical school. And when he came back to Clementine, he was no longer the pimpled geek the kids tormented but a successful doctor. And while he still wasn’t swooningly handsome, the plastic surgery he’d undergone made him attractive—a sculpted nose, chiseled jaw. Plus, he had his teeth whitened and hair implants.

Scarlett was so impressed with the high-level of care Vernon gave his patients. She attributed it to his generous heart, which was partly true. But it was also advantageous to be in a position of power and authority. The more people he helped, the more his image around town improved. He claimed to be on the lookout for a partner to share his workload, but had no intention of taking on anyone else. He wanted the glory and prestige for himself. If people heard him say that, they’d think he was prideful and vain, but nothing could be further from the truth. He was altruistic … kind … willing to go the extra mile to help, just as he’d helped Scarlett stand on her own two feet again. Of course, that whole thing had been a stroke of luck, fate putting them together.

After Scarlett went to Tampa and saw Rigby in the arms of another woman, she came slinking back to town lower than low. Because of their friendship in high school and how he’d looked after her grandma during her illness, Scarlett turned to him. Vernon led her along carefully, making sure not to put too much pressure on her. And he’d almost won her over … until Rigby stepped back in the picture. In less than a week, Rigby managed to win Scarlett back … or at least turn her away from him. How could she not see Rigby for the shallow, conceited man he was? He’d use her up, then dump her again when some glitzy girl came along.

When the last of the dishes were loaded, Vernon grabbed a dishcloth and methodically wiped down the table as his mind ran through his options. He’d come too far to give up now. He loved Scarlett, and knew she’d eventually learn to love him. It had been a piece of cake to get Douglas Foster in his corner. The old man detested Rocket Breeland almost as much as Vernon. It had been easy enough to drop slanderous hints about Rocket which fanned that hatred, and he followed it up by showing Douglas photos of Rocket with Sadonna Roberts.

Scarlett was stubborn, and if he pushed too hard she’d go the other direction. He let out a long breath. The need to patch things up with Scarlett was so strong he could almost taste it, but he had to be patient and bide his time. He was tempted to drive by her house, see if he could catch sight of her in the window; but if anyone saw him, he’d be labeled as a stalker. It was one thing to watch Scarlett when he was a teenager, but as an adult it was unacceptable.

At this point his options were somewhat limited. He’d have to let this thing with Rocket and Scarlett play out. Hopefully, Rocket would slip up and reveal his true colors. Vernon would expose him for the vain, selfish, phony he was, and Scarlett would see things clearly. Then they could finally be together. On the other hand, there were a number of things Vernon could do to speed up the process. He’d have to call in a few favors, and there would be a little unpleasantness, but he’d get Scarlett in the end. And that’s all that mattered.

He smiled, his spirits lifting as a plan began to take shape. Yes, it could work. Maybe he’d drive by Scarlett’s house after all. The need to be close to her was all-consuming.