Page 40 of Fire in My Heart

With a wave, Charlotte headed to her car. “See you boys tomorrow.”

“Boys?” I protested, and Charlotte merely laughed at us.

A flood of something akin to anticipation flowed through my veins.

Wes came to stand next to me. Together, we watched her get inside and drive away. “What did I interrupt?”

I waved in the direction of the building. “We were decorating the barn.”

Wes raised a brow. “Charlotte looked guilty when I opened the door.”

I moved to check that the bailer was turned off and stored properly. “Humph. I don’t even know what that means.”

Wes unfortunately followed me. “You’re a cop. You know when someone looks guilty.”

I gave him a look. “Don’t use my job against me.”

“Why not? You would.” He considered me for a moment before he asked, “Are you going to double-check the gate to make sure it’s closed properly after I leave?”

I almost said yes, but then I sensed a trap. “Why are you asking?”

“Because you just can’t help yourself. You named yourself protector of this family. But we don’t need one anymore. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, but we’re all adults now.”

“Dad—”

“He can make his own decisions. You don’t have to check up on us. You can trust that we can handle things without you.”

The idea that my family didn’t need me anymore sent panic skittering down my spine.

Wes considered me for a few seconds before he said, “But I’m wondering if something is going on between you and Charlotte.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up his hand. “I think it would be good for you.”

My brow furrowed. “You think it would be good for me to be attracted to an employee?”

“Dad hired her as a marketing consultant for the farm. He’s worried about you. He wants you to take a step back.” Wes shook his head.

“I know he does, but—” I wasn’t sure I could do it.

“How many serious girlfriends have you had?” Wes asked.

I frowned. “There was the one in college before Mom died. You know I had to transfer closer to home, and it didn’t make sense to continue a long-distance relationship.”

“You didn’t have to stop your life then, and you don’t now.”

“Nothing’s going on between us. She kind of hates me.” Or I hated her. It was all jumbled in my head.

“I think you could work on that. She’s a really nice person to everyone else.”

I chuckled without any humor. “She deserves someone better than me.”

Wes touched my shoulder. “There is no one better than you. When are you going to realize that? You dropped everything when Mom died and helped out around here. You never stopped. But it’s time for you to pursue something for yourself. Everyone else has a significant other.”

I swallowed over the lump in my throat. That fact hadn’t escaped my notice. Everyone was paired off. “I don’t know if I want that.”

“Maybe you haven’t taken the time to consider it, but you should. Charlotte’s great, and if she can put up with you for longer than a few minutes?—”

I smacked his hand off my shoulder. “I’m attracted to her, but I don’t know if she feels the same.” I didn’t mention the almost kiss in the barn.

---