Page 13 of Deadly Conflicts

“No, it’s not,” Ally agreed. “Wait, dealership? Are you the one raffling off the free car?”

“Yeah.” Vince bobbed his head up and down. “I own a series of dealerships now. I’m my own boss. I wanted something close to home so I could move back and be near my mother. I thought a free car giveaway would be a good way to draw attention to the business.”

“That’s definitely an idea,” Ally said. “It’s an expensive idea, but it’s probably a good one.”

“Well, I don’t want to brag … .”

“Yes, you do.”

Vince smirked. “You’re right. I do. I’m giving away an expensive car. How cool is that?”

Ally shrugged. “I guess it’s cool. It would be cooler if you were able to make sure it goes to a needy family.”

“Well, sadly, that’s not how a raffle works,” Vince said. “You can’t rig a raffle because it’s illegal. I understand what you’re saying, though.”

“It’s still a nice gesture,” Ally said. “I hope your new dealership is a smashing success … even if you are a tool.”

Vince laughed. “You’re still feisty. I love that about you.”

Ally shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable with the way Vince stared at her. “Well, I hope things go well with your raffle. I should find Jake so we can get some dinner.”

“The carny?”

Ally stilled. “I don’t know what your deal is, but don’t speak about him that way,” she said. “I love him.”

“I’m glad you love him,” Vince said. “I just … I’m jealous. I admit it. The second I saw you it was as if no time had passed and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with you.”

“Well, time has passed, Vince,” Ally said. “I’m with Jake and I love him more than anything. While I’m glad to see you – and happy you seem to be doing well – I’m not interested in anything more.”

“Because of Jake?”

“Because I’m not,” Ally replied. “Jake and I live together. We’re not just dating and having a good time. We’re building a life together.”

“And yet I don’t see a ring on your finger,” Vince pointed out.

Ally hated herself for glancing at her bare finger. “The ring will come when it’s time,” she said. “It doesn’t really matter from your perspective, though. It’s none of your business.”

“Now, don’t be like that,” Vince cajoled. “Even if we can’t pick up where we left off, I’d still like to be friends. I remember you as being a lot of fun.”

“I am a lot of fun,” Ally agreed, grinning. “We can be friends. We just can’t be more than that. My heart is already taken. There’s nothing to pick up because I let that thread go not long after you left.”

“Well, that’s disappointing but understandable,” Vince said. “Still … friends?” He cocked an eyebrow and extended his hand.

Ally flashed an earnest smile and gripped his hand. “Friends.”

Vince’s eyes flashed as he shifted them to his right and focused on a bickering couple walking past them. The man’s arms were laden with craft show trinkets and the woman was smiling as she watched him struggle under the weight of her shopping finds.

“Isn’t that your brother … and the blonde you were with at the mall?”

Ally nodded, beaming.

“I thought you said he was happy?” Vince challenged.

“Oh, he’s happy,” Ally intoned. “Love is grand … and Mandy will reward him handsomely for helping her carry all of those treasures. Don’t you worry about that.”

“I just … never would’ve believed it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes.”

“Oh, believe it,” Ally said, grinning. “Love changes everyone sooner or later. You just have to find the right person.”