Page 45 of Hero's Heart

“Hey,” he said gently, moving closer. “You’re still young, Sloane. There’s plenty of time for college if that’s what you want.”

She wished it were that simple. She forced a smile. “Yeah. Maybe.”

Her stomach growled, interrupting her thoughts. She placed a hand over her midsection, embarrassed.

He chuckled. “I guess that’s our cue to find some dinner. Let’s see what we’ve got to work with.”

They made their way to the tiny kitchenette, rummaging through the sparse cabinets. Sloane’s eyes lit up when she spotted a box of spaghetti and a jar of sauce.

“How about pasta?” she suggested, holding up the items.

“Sounds perfect,” Callum agreed, already filling a pot with water.

As they worked side by side in the cramped space, Sloane felt a warmth spreading through her chest. It was such a simple, domestic act, but it felt intimate in a way she’d never experienced before. She wanted to explain to him what she was feeling, but he’d probably just think she was ridiculous.

Once the meal was ready, they settled at the small table, their knees brushing underneath. Callum twirled a forkful of spaghetti and grinned sheepishly.

“I know it’s not exactly gourmet,” he said. “Probably not what you’re used to back home.”

She took a bite, savoring the simple flavors. “Actually,” she replied without thinking, “this is almost better than what I normally eat at home.”

His fork paused halfway to his mouth, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What do you mean? I thought… Well, with your family’s wealth, I assumed you’d have personal chefs or something.”

Sloane felt her cheeks grow warm. She hadn’t meant to reveal so much. “Oh, um, it’s not like that. I…I actually buy my own food separately.”

“Why’s that?” His tone was gentle but curious.

Sloane pushed her pasta around her plate, debating how much to share. She didn’t want to lie to him, but she also couldn’t bear to see pity in his eyes if he knew the whole truth.

Or, even worse,disgust. He worked in law enforcement after all. Knowing she was basically a criminal was going to taint everything he thought of her.

“I just… I prefer to handle my own meals,” she said carefully. “It works out better for everyone that way. I buy whatever’s least expensive, make do with what I can afford.”

Callum’s expression was a mix of confusion and concern. “But surely your family?—”

“It’s fine, really,” Sloane interrupted, forcing a smile. “This arrangement, it works for both me and my family. Let’s just enjoy our meal, okay?”

The spaghetti suddenly felt like lead in her stomach as she realized just how far removed her reality was from the life Callum must have imagined her to have.

She cleared her throat, desperate to change the subject. “So, um, tell me more about Oak River.”

“Oak Creek,” he corrected, a small smile playing at his lips. “You really want me to talk more about that? Aren’t you bored after everything I told you yesterday while we were walking?”

Sloane felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I… Well, to be honest, I was only half listening,” she admitted. “I was sofocused on just putting one foot in front of the other. But I’d really like to know more about your life there.”

His eyes lit up, and he leaned back in his chair. “Well, it’s absolutely beautiful, for starters. We’re right near the Teton Mountains in Wyoming. The scenery is breathtaking.”

Sloane hung on his every word.

“There’s so much to do outdoors,” he continued. “Hiking, skiing, rock-climbing. I spend a lot of time fishing myself.”

“That sounds amazing.” She found herself transported—could almost smell the crisp mountain air, feel the sun on her face.

“The town itself is pretty special too,” Callum said. “Quaint, you know? Exactly what you think of when you picture a small town in the mountains. There’s this great little place called the Frontier Diner where I have breakfast a few times a week. And Fancy Pants bakery? They make the most incredible pastries you’ve ever tasted.”

Sloane’s mouth watered at the thought. When was the last time she’d had a really good pastry?

“My favorite spot is probably the Eagle’s Nest,” Callum went on, chuckling. “It’s a pub where most of the town ends up at some point or another during the week. They’re famous for this drink called an Electric Smurf. Bright blue and guaranteed to cause trouble.”

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