Page 26 of Safe With You

The words had a bite to them as if Katie were crazy even to consider it.

“What I do with it is none of your business. It belongs to me, end of discussion.”

Christopher brushed past Mom and barreled straight toward Katie, his eyes flashing. “You don’t get to just keep everything for yourself.”

Katie almost tripped as she scrambled backward, but Ethan stepped between them. He didn’t even get to speak before Christopher shoved him hard.

“Get out of my way!”

Ethan stepped back, extending his arms to prevent Christopher from getting around him. “Put your hands on me again, and I’ll press charges.”

Christopher raised his arm to hit him as if it had been a dare, and Katie gasped.

Mid-swing, Grant snatched his wrist and pulled him back. “Knock it off! Get in the car.”

Christopher yanked against him, still glaring daggers at Ethan. “I want my money.”

Grant forcibly turned him around, grinding his words through his teeth. “I said, get in the car.”

Katie had never seen him manhandle Christopher that way before, but considering how volatile he seemed, it probably wasn’t the first time. Christopher dragged his feet, sending Ethan another fiery look before shooting it at Katie. The absolute hatred left her cold. Finally, he jerked out of Grant’s grasp and slumped into the car, slamming the door.

Before Mom or Grant could say anything, Ethan pointed them both toward the vehicle. “You’re done here. All of you.”

Mom stared expectantly at Katie as if waiting for her to contradict him, but after Christopher’s outburst, her voice abandoned her. Finally, Mom shook her head with a scowl, and she and Grant stalked toward the car. Both of them slammed their doors as they got in.

Movement caught Katie’s attention out of the corner of her eye. The orange tabby walked toward her, oblivious to the confrontation. She rushed over to scoop him up. She didn’t trust Grant not to run him over in rage. Holding the cat close, she retreated safely back to Ethan’s side. Grant turned the car around, spraying gravel as they pulled onto the road and sped off.

Once the sound of their vehicle had faded away, Ethan turned to her. “Are you all right?”

Katie just blinked, clutching the cat to her chest. The precious thing purred all the louder, the deep rumble cutting through the panicky sensation inside her. She forced a nod, and her voice broke free. “Yes.” She swallowed. “Are you?”

She couldn’t believe her brother really intended to hit him. Ethan brushed his hand across his chest where Christopher had shoved him but then waved it off. “I’m fine.”

She released a gusty breath. Her knees trembled, but the cat helped. He nosed her chin and then bumped his head against it. She buried her face in his soft fur for a long moment, focusing on him instead of the storm of emotions roiling inside. When it subsided, she raised her head to look at Ethan. He still waited there patiently, watching her with a concerned look.

“I’m all right.” Her voice was surprisingly steady—better than yesterday. That first confrontation had been brutal but prepared her for more. “Thank you for sending them away.”

“Glad to.”

The chilly breeze prickled Katie’s face and hands, and she shivered. Giving the cat a quick kiss on the head, she set him down and turned to the cottage. All she wanted was to go back inside, where it was warm and familiar and safe. Ethan followed and cleaned out the wood stove before checking all the appliances for her. They didn’t say much, but working helped the rest of Katie’s nerves to settle. Once she had eradicated the worst dust and Ethan completed his inspection, they sat on the couch for a break.

“Everything seems to be running smoothly.” Ethan glanced around the room as if going over a mental checklist. “Just let me know if something acts up. I do know the sink in the bathroom leaks. I never got a chance to look at it while Grandma was still here. The faucet is pretty old. It would be best just to replace it.”

Katie would have to add that to the shopping list she’d started. “All right. I guess if I plan to stay for any length of time, I’ll need groceries. I was thinking of going into town tomorrow morning and can get a faucet then.”

“I have to drop off a couple of benches at the furniture store. You can ride in with me if you’d like. Otherwise, you can let me know when you get back, and I’ll switch out the faucet.”

“I don’t want to take up so much of your time. I’m sure you have a lot you need to do for your business.”

He shrugged. “I don’t mind. The beauty of being self-employed is setting my own hours.”

“If you’re sure, as long as you don’t mind me taking the time to shop.”

“Not at all. I could use some groceries too. Contrary to what it might look like, I don’t always mooch food off my parents.”

Katie grinned. “I mean, if I had a mom like yours who cooked as well as she does, I’d be there for meals all the time too.”

Chapter Thirteen

---