Page 9 of Fire in My Heart

“I want to familiarize myself with the farm and itsoperations. That means working and doing what the other employees are doing. It’s a great way to get to know the customers.”

“Will grumpy Teddy be around a lot?”

“He’s supposed to be working with me. But it’s not like he wants to” I had a feeling he’d do anything to please his father even if he’d been fighting him on me for the last year.

“I’m sorry you have to deal with Teddy. But my family is going to love what you do for us. You were amazing at the inn. The customers adored you. You’re welcome back any time if the marketing thing doesn’t work out.”

I’d been working at the inn, tinkering with the idea of starting a marketing company. First, I helped Aiden with the inn, then Violet with her ice cream shop. But Calloways’ Pine Valley Farm was the first big account I’d landed. I wasn’t getting paid a lot since the cottage was part of my salary, but it was a chance to prove myself. To show what I could do for other small businesses in the area.

“Aiden’s home. I’ll let you go.” Fiona sighed, and I figured Aiden was trying to distract her. I’d had a front-and-center view of their relationship over the last year. I wondered if I’d ever find the same thing.

I had a feeling I wouldn’t with Rick hovering on the edge of my life, waiting for a chance to get in. I just didn’t know how to break free from him. I’d never dealt with someone who refused to be broken up with. He didn’t take no for an answer, which scared me.

I wanted to move on with my life. I’d quit my job, lost my apartment, and hid for almost a year before he found me at the inn. Now, I was starting over again with a new job and home.

What would happen when he found me?

Cole invited me to an early dinner at their house. I admired his relationship with Daphne. When they met, the Monroe and Calloway families disliked each other. Our families owned competing Christmas tree farms.

They dated in secret, and when everyone found out, they were understandably upset. But Cole realized he loved Daphne enough to fight for her. Now, they were married, he’d adopted her daughter, Izzy, and they had a son together, Colson.

I drove past the garage, noting Teddy’s cruiser in the driveway. He must be off for the day. I both hoped and dreaded running into him again. He was intense.

I was curious to see what he’d be like in bed, but at the same time, didn’t want to get too close to the fire. I had a feeling I’d burn to a crisp.

Teddy Calloway was the definition of emotionally unavailable. He was closed off to everything outside his family. Lusting after him was futile. He’d never be interested in someone like me. My life was a mess. I was running from an abusive ex, living in a temporary home, and trying to start a business.

I wasn’t a good bet for anyone. Not that he was interested. His standards were either impossibly high, or he didn’t date.

I pulled out of the Calloways property and onto the main road. My heart rate kicked up. I’d felt safe on the property. It was like being hidden away. But now I was chancing the fact that Rick could find me.

I hoped he wasn’t watching Cole’s house. I hadn’t talked about my brother or family much when we were dating, but I was positive it would be easy to discover information about my family online.

Cole lived on a small farm. They’d updated the main house, and Cole constructed a separate building that Daphne used for her pie business. It had a commercial kitchen where she could bake and store pies. And even a small space for customers to eat.

It was a great setup, and I knew Daphne was happy building a life with him and expanding their family.

I knocked on the front door, and Cole answered with Colson on his hip. “All settled in at the cottage?”

I hugged him and squeezed Colson’s chubby leg.

“The kitchen’s unpacked, and the bed’s made. It’s perfect for me.”

Daphne enveloped me in a tight hug. “I told you it would be.”

It was exactly what I needed to hide from Rick. Not that I would tell Cole or Daphne that. I didn’t want to put them in danger too.

Daphne pulled back with a smile. “Dinner’s ready.”

At the smell of roasted chicken and rosemary potatoes, my stomach rumbled. “I’m starved.”

Daphne smiled. “I figured you would be after moving.”

Izzy was setting the table, so I jumped in to help. “How’s my favorite niece doing?”

“I’m your only niece,” Izzy said dryly, used to our exchange.

“You’d still be my favorite.” I adored Izzy, and thought it was great that Cole adopted her.

---