Page 9 of Caught Up In You (The Monroes 2)

Braxton’s other hand came to her shoulder. “I’m going to help you so Heidi can get out. She obviously wants out this door.”

What was Heidi doing? Cora hadn’t known her to be so pushy . . . literally. Maybe Heidi saw something in Braxton. Maybe she already picked up on the fact he was genuine in wanting to assist. His actions were almost sweet as if he truly cared as opposed to seeing her as a burden. He didn’t come across as being put out and he sure as hell didn’t have to do any of this. He could’ve had her find her own way to the resort to show her around, but he’d volunteered to pick her up and bring her, and he’d treated Heidi as if she wasn’t a huge beast in his backseat. What man would allow a strange dog to take up such space in his vehicle? Eric certainly complained each time they had to go somewhere and he’d gripe about having to get the seats cleaned to clear out the dog hair.

Another reason she needed to move beyond that life. Even her parents had tried to steer her away from a Seeing Eye dog. They’d told her a walking stick would be just fine, especially since she’d always be with someone. The image they painted for her of a life without sight wasn’t one she wanted to continue. Breaking away, starting fresh was the only way she was going to have a happy life. She’d never wanted to be a suit-wearing corporate moneymaker or the wife of one. So here she was . . . not doing any of those things.

And until she figured out what to do about her place in the company, she was here building on something she knew would be the refreshing change she needed. She wasn’t worried about Buchanan Chocolates. They would get along just fine without her and no doubt her parents would pass the reins to Eric . . . just like he wanted.

Reluctantly accepting Braxton’s help, Cora stepped from the car, but immediately backed away from his touch once she was on solid ground. He would learn soon enough she hated being treated like she couldn’t take care of herself. Being dependent on someone at this point would be working backward. She’d been trying for nearly three years to stand on her own two feet.

When she’d first been diagnosed and knew what the future held, Cora feared she’d forget what she looked like. Silly as that may seem, she would stand in front of a mirror, memorizing her features. Suddenly all that stuff that she hated about herself didn’t matter. The brows she wished were more arched, the chin she’d always thought too round, the nose with the slight tilt on the end . . . she soaked it all in because she hadn’t known when she’d wake up and not be able to look at her own reflection.

Binge-watching her favorite shows and rereading her favorite books had also become a priority. She’d logged in so many hours, laughing, crying, running through a gamut of emotions because her entire life had taken on a whole new outlook. She’d tried to cram in as much of her life as possible.

Taking walks, enjoying the sights of the city, even though she’d never loved living in the city. Suddenly when you know something will be taken away, your entire opinion changes. She’d driven out to the country a couple times just to look at the bright blue sky with no skyscrapers blocking her view. Butterflies became more stunning, the lush plants seemed more vibrant. Everything she could soak in, she did. Until the day she couldn’t take in any more.

The darkest day of her life was her rock bottom. Nothing could put her back down there again. She refused to be that vulnerable and crushed.

Immediately Heidi was at Cora’s side and Cora reached for the stiff collar. “You can lead the way. Heidi will follow.”

“Actually, I have a surprise inside. I hope it’s okay with you.”

Cora pursed her lips. “A surprise? I’m intrigued.”

Braxton’s shoes scuffed against the concrete, so she knew he’d turned to walk away even before the gentle tug from Heidi leading the way. Cora wasn’t sure what she expected in terms of this unexpected surprise, but the fragrant scent of apricots hit her and she stopped, immediately forgetting all about anything beyond right now.

“Do you have fragrant olive planted out here?”

“We do. How did you know?”

Cora closed her eyes and took a deep breath in, wanting to take a moment and enjoy the beauty she knew was around her. The sun shone down on her face, warming her, her hair slid around her shoulders as the soft breeze sent her long strands dancing and that fragrant plant just made this first experience even more perfect.

“I love that plant. I’ve always wanted one, but living in the city doesn’t make much space for thriving plants.” Cora started forward again, gently nudging Heidi that she was ready. “There’s nothing like the sweet scent of apricots. Your guests will love that too.”

“We’re going to put lilac bushes around back near the patio,” he told her. “Watch your step here.”

Heidi hesitated, angling her body just in front of Cora’s, letting Cora know there was an obstacle. Raising her foot gently, she started up the step and Heidi carefully guided her up the three steps to the porch.

By the time Cora reached the front door, she hesitated when she heard the distinct sound of hinges squeaking. “You have a nice, wide wooden porch and you’ve put porch swings on each end. I can hear them swaying in the breeze. I love this place already.”

She inhaled the various mixture of floral aromas, listened to the swings, and couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging. Had this happened before? Had she ever craved for more of the moment? She’d been thrust into meetings, deadlines, marketing, and so many other business-related things since the day she’d been born. She’d been forced to grow into the person her parents desperately needed her to be. She never would be that girl—what a disappointment for them.

Heidi remained at her side and Braxton hadn’t moved or said a word. She’d lost herself in her own thoughts and hadn’t taken into consideration he may be waiting on her.

“Sorry.” She released a deep breath and offered a smile. “I didn’t mean to hold you up. My mind traveled. Bad habit.”

“You’re fine,” he retorted. “I’m just . . . you’re so in tune with everything around you.”

Cora shrugged. “I have to be. I can’t see, so my other senses pick up on every single thing.”

“You told me that yesterday, but I didn’t realize how sharp your other senses were.”

“Pretty sharp. Why don’t we go inside and I’ll see what else I can impress you with.” Not that she wanted to show off, that certainly wasn’t her intent, but she couldn’t stop herself from wanting to prove to Braxton just how capable she was.

The soft click of the front door had Heidi easing forward and Cora excited with anticipation. Right inside these doors could be her new life, her new career with a local business that had a fresh, new idea. What better avenue to start the next chapter than with a place that was also looking to prove itself to the community and surrounding cities?

The Monroe guys and Sophie all had so much invested, financially and personally, in this resort. Cora couldn’t imagine how anxious they were because she was a bundle of nerves herself.

She was interested in meeting the other brothers collaborating on this women’s-only resort. The Monroe clan was bringing a piece of the European life to Haven, Georgia, with Bella Vous and Cora couldn’t wait to be part of this experience. And word would get out that this resort was run by three guys and women would flock to see what all the hype was about.

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