Second Chance Vows novel · Chapter 10 of 24

Chapter 10: The Bumper

I should have said no.

But she had her hand on my sleeve, and she asked in a voice that I could not refuse.

I helped her out of the car, and we crossed three parking spaces together.

The gray Audi sat under the lamp with its windows dark.

It was a beautiful car, newly washed, and the lamp shone on its hood.

"Where is the front of it?" Cosima asked.

"Right here," I said, and I led her hand to the bumper.

She laid her fingers on the cold paint and moved them slowly along the edge, left to right.

She stopped at the corner by the headlight.

"It's smooth," she said. "Too smooth. Like the rest of the car was made last year, and this part was made last month."

I looked where her hand lay.

Under the lamp I could see a faint line in the gray, where one coat of paint ended and a fresher one began.

I had not noticed it before, and I had walked past this car a hundred times.

"The paint is newer here," I said. "You're right."

Her fingers curled against the bumper, and I heard her breath catch.

It was a very small sound, and then it was gone.

"Cosima?"

"I'm fine," she said. "It's cold."

"Admiring my car, cousin?"

I turned around.

Trent stood ten feet behind us with Tiffany beside him.

He had his jacket slung over one shoulder and his keys in his hand.

Tiffany had put on a smile that was almost perfect.

"It's a lovely car," Cosima said, before I could speak.

She stood easily with her face turned toward his voice.

"Thank you." Trent's voice was friendly and very smooth. "I hope Perry isn't giving you the idea that we're rich."

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