Page 2 of Clara's Secure Hideaway

“Mama?”

The sound of her little boy’s sweet voice forced a smile to her lips. She peered around Mitch’s shoulders to his sweet face, the green eyes and honey colored hair so much like her own. “Hi, baby. Daddy and I are just talking while I make dinner. Go back to your room and check on your sister for me, will you please? I’ll let you know when it’s time to eat.”

Mitch glared, never breaking contact. Never acknowledging the presence of their child. The light in his eyes intensified along with his grip.

“Okay, Mama. Love you.”

“Love you, too, baby.”

When his footsteps faded and the sound of his bedroom door closing reached her ears, Mitch’s glower morphed into a smirk.

She closed her eyes, escaped into the dark place in her mind she needed to survive, and braced herself to take on the full force of his wrath.

* * *

Present Day

The last customerfrom the morning rush walked out the door, and Clara slumped on the red vinyl-topped stool in front of the counter. Her feet ached in her white tennis shoes. She still wasn’t used to dragging herself out of bed hours before the sun rose to get to a job. But she was finally happy.

Lulu, her boss and owner of the diner, scurried behind the glass display case. “People sure were hungry today. I might have to teach you how to bake to keep up with the demand of these pastries. Those locusts about wiped me clean out.”

“Baking’s not my specialty, but I’m willing to learn.” She couldn’t help but smile.

She’d learned a lot the last six months. Especially about herself. She was strong and capable, and nothing was beyond her reach if she tried hard enough. With her good-for-nothing ex-husband behind bars, she was free to live her life for herself and her children.

And she planned on making every day count. No more walking on eggshells or placating a man so she wouldn’t get a smack across the face. No more doubting her skills or intellect. No more wishing her kids could grow up in a happier and healthier environment.

Because they were thriving. She’d worked hard and provided them with a safe home filled with laughter and love.

Pride squeezed her chest. Blessed didn’t even begin to describe where she was in her life, and Lulu was a big reason why. So if she needed to learn how to bake pastries and get out of bed even earlier to make it happen, she would.

The bell above the door chimed, announcing the arrival of Deputy Heath Sterling. Her stomach did a flip, and she jumped to her feet before smoothing her long ponytail.

“Morning,” Lulu sang. “I’ve got a fresh pot brewing if that’s what you’re interested in.”

He shot Clara a lopsided grin and gave a subtle nod before claiming a stool and focusing on Lulu. “You know me well. Any chance you still have some cinnamon rolls left? I was busy this morning and couldn’t make it in quicker.”

Lulu fisted a hand on one wide hip. “I figured you’d be around. I kept one safe for you in the back. Give me a second.”

Lulu disappeared behind the swinging door that led to the kitchen, leaving Clara and Heath alone in the diner.

Needing to do something with her hands, she hurried behind the counter and grabbed a dish towel and cleaner to wipe off the tables. There’d be a short lull before the late-morning usuals arrived, followed by another rush for lunch. Best to prepare now.

Besides, standing in one spot and staring at the handsome deputy would only cause them both embarrassment.

“How ya doin’, Clara?”

The sound of his deep baritone skimmed down her back like silk as she cleaned off crumbs and straightened the salt and pepper shakers. So stupid. She was too busy to give this weird attraction she felt any attention, not to mention her choice of men was questionable at best. Everyone in Water’s Edge knew her story. A man like Deputy Sterling would run far away from a single mother with a tragic past.

“I’m good, Deputy. You?” She kept her back to him while she tidied the next table. Making sure to place everything exactly the way Lulu had shown her when she’d started working there months before.

He chuckled, drawing her gaze his way. “We know each other well enough for you to call me Heath. If you want,” he said, lifting his palms. “No pressure. You can stick to ‘hey you’ if you’d like.”

She couldn’t stop the grin that fought to take over her mouth. Heath was a daily visitor to Lulu’s Diner, and she’d come to look forward to seeing him. Even if she’d only admit that to herself. “Heath it is.”

Lulu burst through the door carrying two plates. She slid one in front of Heath and hoisted the other in the air. “I saved one for you, too, Clara. You need to eat. You’re like a tiny little bird. Come sit and take a break while I run to the bank. Carl’s in the back if someone comes in to order. I’ll only be a few minutes.” Placing the second plate next to the first, she untied her apron, draping it over the counter, and disappeared out the front door.

Clara swallowed her anxiety. Her ex-husband was the only man she’d been alone with for years and that never ended well. But there was a quiet softness about Heath that calmed her, which in itself was terrifying.

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