Page 50 of Fire in My Heart

“I think you’re reading into things that aren’t there. I came home a little earlier than planned. But I always intended to work for the local police department and help out on the farm.” Being close to my family was part of who I was. Mom dying just pushed things forward more quickly. It didn’t change anything.

Wes’s eyes narrowed on me, but he said, “Yeah, okay.”

There was no way I was talking to him about what happened with Charlotte. I always kept my personal life private, and this was no different. Nothing could happen. I was sure she didn’t want to jeopardize her job on the farm or future marketing positions with the rumors, and I didn’t want anything serious.

Nothing had changed. Wes was looking for something that wasn’t there. I was happy with how things were. When I’d be able to get back into my house, it would be perfect.

I felt a little off kilter because I was living temporarily in the garage apartment. It had nothing to do with Charlotte Monroe.

I headed inside the barn, determined to finish the setup and not talk about my personal life with any of my brothers. They were happy with their significant others, but that wasn’t what I wanted or needed.

CHAPTER 13

CHARLOTTE

Rick: You know I’ll find you.

Iwanted to tell him to just leave me alone, but I was worried that responding would only make things worse. When I first started dating Rick, he was great. He took me to dinner, bought me gifts, and was attentive. Rick was able to steer me away from my family and friends. Since I wanted to avoid my parents anyway, I hadn’t noticed the manipulation. Not at first at least.

Then it was just him and me living in an apartment and working together at the same marketing firm. He had infiltrated every aspect of my life before I noticed it might have been a problem. Then the small criticisms started.Why are you so friendly to other guys? You must be cheating on me.

The distrust seemingly came out of nowhere. But looking back, the signs must have been there; I just didn’t see them. My past steered me clear of guys who drank too much, but not someone like this who was charming at first, then manipulative and critical.

I had no idea that his charming attention could turn toxic. That he was grooming me for the next phase in our relationship. The one where he tore me down, isolated me from my friends and family, and lowered my confidence so that when he inevitably lost control and struck me, I’d blame myself.

I wondered if he thought my father being an alcoholic made me an easy target. That I had self-confidence problems to begin with. But I didn’t. Not until him.

But he hadn’t done his job well enough, because I didn’t do what he expected. I waited until he went to work the next morning, packed up my stuff, ended my lease for the apartment early, and quit my job.

I was scared that he’d get me fired from work or lock me in the apartment. I needed to get away from him. I knew he’d apologize, pretend everything was fine, and do it again. I’d watched my father apologize, promise to go to rehab, then pick up a bottle a few minutes later.

I had no illusions that it was a mistake or that he hadn’t meant to hit me. And I didn’t intend to stick around and find out.

I thought he’d moved on. But then he’d shown up at the inn and demanded I go home with him. I was terrified.

He was good at manipulating people. He could tell my friends anything, and they might believe him.

I couldn’t seem to get warm today. Not since the text buzzed in my pocket just after breakfast. Why did Rick pop up whenever I was happy and settled somewhere new?

I didn’t go to the police or get a restraining order. It was probably too late to do it now, and I wasn’t even sure I could get one since we weren’t married or living together.

I should have felt happy to be on the farm with the holiday music playing over the speakers.

I stood on the ladder to hang the sign that would announce the festival. Guests could wander past the tables to shop. Thefood trucks were already arriving and parked at the other end by the picnic tables.

The scene for Santa photos was done and the sign placed outside the barn doors. I should have felt anticipation for the day to come. But today, I felt dread.

What if Rick already knew I was living on the farm and working here? What if he showed up? I secured one end of the sign with shaking hands while Jameson held the ladder.

He’d spent the morning joking around, but I couldn’t seem to crack a smile. When I slowly backed down the ladder, he stepped to the side. “Is everything okay?”

I attempted to smile. “I’m just worried that no one will come, and this will be a waste of everyone’s time.”

Jameson’s eyes widened. “You have doubts? You’re always so positive.”

“I’m not feeling it today though.”

“I think this is bigger than our usual crowd.” Jameson pointed to the line of cars on the lane and the ones that were already parked in the field.

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