Debra Burroughs - Paradise Valley 02.5 - The Edge of Lies Read Online Free

like it we’re moving right back to Virginia.”
    He swept her up in his arms and twirled her around the living room of their small apartment. Then he kissed her deeply, passionately, sending her mind and emotions into a delirious spin.
    “You won’t regret it, darling.” Then he scooped her off her feet, kissed her again, and carried her into the bedroom.

Chapter 4
    They drove across the country in Evan’s gun-metal-gray Dodge Avenger, surviving a tire blowout, a crazy summer storm in the Midwest, and a near-miss on the freeway a couple of hours outside of DC.
    Emily had finally drifted off to sleep, only to be awakened when their vehicle swerved almost out of control. She opened her eyes abruptly, frantically asking Evan what had happened. He told her that a black Suburban clipped their bumper. Relieved to be safe, she thanked him for his expert driving skills—if not for that, they might have crashed into the ditch, or worse.
    “Where did the SUV go?” she asked, glancing out the back window.
    “I don’t know,” Evan replied. “He must have taken that last turn-off.”
    “Shouldn’t we call the police?”
    “And tell them what? I’m just glad the bugger is gone.”
    She accepted the explanation and was relieved that the Suburban had disappeared, deciding it was probably just a case of road rage.
    The rest of the trip went much smoother and, within a few days, they made it to Idaho, as did the moving van. The newlyweds unpacked and settled into Paradise Valley, into the well-kept, craftsman-style bungalow they’d purchased on a charming tree-lined street in the older part of town.
    Not long after moving in, Emily’s sister phoned. “How was the trip?”
    Emily told Susan about the freak summer storm they’d battled and the flat tire, but she thought she’d keep the near-miss on the highway to herself. Knowing what a worrywart her sister was, not to mention Susan’s misgivings about Evan, she thought it was best not to offer her any more fodder for her rants.
    “I don’t understand, Em, why you had to move all the way across the country. Now we’ll never see you.”
    “I hardly saw you when I was in Virginia.”
    “You were welcome to come and visit any time.”
    “It’s not as if Maine is just a few hours’ drive, Susan. With the Georgetown student loans and the pittance I made at the diner, you know I couldn’t afford to come very often. It wasn’t like you ever offered to fly me up there.”
    “Emily, we’re not flush with cash either, what with Brian’s business not doing well and kids to raise. It cost us quite a bit to bring our whole family down to DC for your wedding, not to mention my dress and Brian’s tux.”
    “I’m sorry it cost you so dearly, Susan. I didn’t mean to be such a burden.”
    “Why are you being so argumentative—so defensive?”
    “Defensive? I don’t think so. It’s just that…”
    “What?” Susan asked.
    “Well, it wasn’t as if you ever really liked Evan, or the fact that I was marrying him.” Emily remembered the remarks her sister had made right before the wedding.
    “He’s okay. It’s just that he’s a man of the world and you’re a sweet young girl from the country.”
    “You make it sound like he’s bedded women all around the globe and I just fell off a turnip truck. I know I’m young, but I am college educated and have been living in the city for a few years.”
    “I didn’t mean to offend you, but you have to admit, you two are very different. I’m just not sure he’s the one for you. I don’t want to see him break your heart.”
    “Well, I am sure.”
    Emily sighed and pulled her hands through her hair. Was this how it was going to be between her sister and her husband?
    “I don’t understand why it was all so sudden—the decision to move, I mean. Sounds to me like he’s running away from something.”
    “No, Susan, we’re running to something—to a wonderful new life in a charming little town—a new home, new