Page 14 of Christmas Home

I usually did. I was short and quiet and not very memorable. I mean, I could stick out when I wanted to, but sticking out always attracted the wrong crowd. Images of my ex as he knocked me around came to mind.

Ducking my head, I slipped by them unnoticed and sighed with relief as the door shut behind me. I flipped on the TV and pulled out my burger, pleased Mrs. Cole had doctored it up like I liked with all the fixings except lettuce. I’d never understand why people wanted it on a burger.

I contemplated Ruther as I devoured the feast. He’d been in pain but had managed it better than I thought a fancy man of privilege would. Men in his situation either gushed over me, wanting to get me in the sack for a quick fuck, or they stuck their noses up the moment I walked within sight. Ruther hadn’t done either, although he was clearly interested in me. Sexually, that is.

I didn’t expect there to be more encounters between us other than perhaps crossing paths again at the café. Still, after finishing my lunch and disposing of the waste, I laid down and pondered what it would be like to have a man of status like Ruther consider me as something more than a plaything.

I ended up laughing at myself. I was as plain and country as they came. Ruther was like a shiny Lexus, whereas I was a beat-up Cadillac. Sure, fancy men like him might take me for a spin, but I wasn’t worth showing off. Soon enough, they’d trade me in for a better ride. I shook my head then. When had I begun to compare myself to cars?

thirteen

Ruther

After tossing and turningall night, and pain hitting me every time I moved, I somehow woke the next morning surprisingly rested. I hobbled into the living room on my crutches, and Corey greeted me with a smile.

As always, he went to the coffee pot, poured and fixed my coffee as I liked, and placed it in front of me. “I spoke with Jake Hudson about the condo, and he assured me a long-term stay works just fine. Apparently, the owner got married recently and is extending the honeymoon.”

I grinned at our lucky timing. “Thanks, that’s great news.”

“Oh, and another thing,” Corey said and peered at me over his glasses, a sure sign I wouldn’t like what he was going to say next. “Word’s clearly gotten out about why you were lurking in the woods. Mr. Hudson would like to meet with you about your ‘development plans.’”

I chuckled despite Corey’s accusatory look. “Yes, Dr. Ash warned me that Jake was on the trail. I guess he’s the town busybody.”

“Well, you don’t need me to tell you it’s never good for a development project’s potential to leak before it’s settled. You’ll have all sorts of trouble when the locals come at you with pitchforks.”

I shrugged. “There’s no project, Corey. I’m simply curious.”

“So, I should decline Mr. Hudson’s meeting invitation on your behalf?” Corey asked.

“No, let’s hear what he has to say.”

Corey humphed and looked back down at his laptop. I sipped my coffee and stood to go to the kitchen for something to eat.

“Don’t eat much. The meeting is this morning for breakfast. In fact, you’ve just got enough time to get a shower.”

“Okay, help me unwrap this ankle. The tightness hurts,” I said, and Corey nodded.

I washed down more pain meds with the last of my coffee, then basically crawled into the shower. I was happy to talk to Jake and anyone else about a potential project, but honestly, I was more excited to see Clyde now that I’d officially met him. Maybe if I played my cards right, he’d let me get to know him better.

I was disappointed when we walked into the café and Clyde was nowhere to be seen. When Mrs. Cole, who I now knew was his boss, caught me looking, she smiled and whispered, “Today’s his day off.”

I grinned sheepishly. “Am I that obvious?” I whispered back.

“You’ll find this town is full of interested parties, but I think I’m the only one who noticed. You’ll be looking for Jake and his posse, too, I’m guessing?”

I laughed. “You don’t miss much, do you?”

Her eyes twinkled as she smiled at me. “Over in the far corner. That’s where Jake likes to hold court.”

I nodded and headed over. Corey had helped me into the café, but to avoid making me look weak in the face of potential partners, he let me hobble to the table aided only by my crutches.

“Good morning,” Jake said upon seeing us. “Come have a seat.”

Two chairs sat side by side, clearly pulled over in anticipation of our arrival. After we shook hands and sat down, Jake made the introductions. “This is Lance, my husband, and I think you’ve already met Amos and his husband Doc, our mayor. But I don’t believe you’ve met Todd, Amos’s son, and Linc, his right-hand man.”

I smiled and greeted each of them. It probably should’ve been disconcerting, but it amused me how everyone in town seemed to know our names regardless of if we’d been formally introduced.

“So, I hear you paid my better half a visit yesterday,” Todd said and nodded toward my crutches. When he saw my look of confusion, he added, “My husband runs the medical clinic in town.”

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