Page 318 of Hate Mates

I approach him. "Hey. Where's Christiane?"

He looks up, surprised. "Uh... she's gone, Mr. Monroe."

"Gone?" The word stings. "What do you mean, gone?"

He fidgets. "She asked my mom to watch her animals. Said she'd pay me while she's gone. Didn't say when she'd be back."

My chest tightens. Gone? Without a word?

"Did she leave town?" I ask, stepping closer.

He shakes his head. "I don't know."

I turn and head for my truck, my mind racing. She left? Without telling me? I slam the door and start the engine, my hands shaking. I told her to leave, said she didn’t belong here, but I never thought she would just vanish. What about her chickens? Daisy, Dandie and Debbie? What about Emmanuel? She wouldn’t leave him; despite her protests, she loves him.

My mind races, as I try to figure out who would know where she is, when I remember she’s been working with Paul. She’s put a lot of money into the diner renovation, and she wouldn’t leave without letting him know what to do with the bakery. I drive fast, and my thoughts blur until I reach town.

I pull into Paul's driveway and storm toward the porch.

"Paul!" I call, before I even reach the door.

He steps out, confused. "What's going on, Adam?"

"Where is she?" I snap. "Christiane. She left. Where did she go?"

Paul takes a long breath, looking at me with unreadable eyes. "She went back to France."

The world tilts. I can't process it. "Back to France? Why?"

He raises a hand. "She didn't tell me. Just said she needed to go."

I lose it. I turn, fists clenched so tightly my nails dig into my palms. Everything I've fought for, everything I've built… it all feels meaningless.

Christiane was the one thing that mattered. And now she's gone. And it's my fault.

She's gone. And I don't know if I can ever get her back.

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Willow Glen Series

From Feud to Forever*

Adam Monroe has spent twenty years fighting to reclaim his family's lost land, and the final five acres should’ve been his—until Christiane Devereaux outbid him at an auction. Stubborn, infuriating, and far too tempting, Christiane is everything he doesn’t want, yet he can't deny the undeniable pull between them. Christiane, seeking a fresh start in Willow Glen, wantsnothing more than to build a life for herself with her new farm and patisserie, but Adam seems determined to make her regret every step. Despite their fiery clashes, Christiane finds herself drawn to the one man who makes her feel truly alive.

Also By Juliet McKinley

The Wild Child Reckless Series

This is Growing Up

Delilah has always been in love with her brother’s best friend, Alexander—the one man she knows she’s never supposed to have. When their forbidden attraction finally ignites, it’s everything she’s dreamed of, and more. But when morning comes, Delilah is gone, leaving Alexander with nothing but memories of the best night of his life. Now, Delilah is everywhere—on tabloids, radio stations, and TV screens—and when Alexander learns she’s engaged to another man, he knows it’s time to fight for her. The world may think she belongs to them, but Alexander saw her first, and he’s determined to bring her home, no matter the consequences.

This is Meant to Be

Lillian has just three years before she must submit to her father’s control and live the life he’s planned for her. Determined to make the most of every moment, she sneaks around with Jensen, knowing their secret relationship could cost her everything. Jensen, captivated by Lillian from the first night they meet, refuses to let her go, even when he learns just how off-limits she truly is. Despite the obstacles—her being promised to another and his own dreams on the line—Jensen is ready to fight for her, because when he says go big or go home, he means it. No matter the cost, he will make Lillian his.

This is Taking Chances *

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