Page 92 of Caught Up In You (The Monroes 2)

Yeah, the heartache now wasn’t too comfortable, but had she let this go on much longer, the pain would’ve been worse if he opted to leave. Anna had warned her about just how reckless Braxton had become and just how quickly he turned to another woman. Cora couldn’t risk being just another number because at this point her heart had gotten fully involved.

Cora was near positive he didn’t do anything with Anna like Anna had implied. That wasn’t Braxton’s style. He may have been reckless, he may have enjoyed women, but he was loyal. She didn’t need to ask to know that truth. Even acknowledging Anna’s claim would be a slap to Braxton’s face. Still, it had been a wake-up call for how fast they’d come together, how intense things had gotten. How could she trust his feelings were the same as hers?

“I won’t have this out here with you,” she told him, turning toward the direction of his voice. “I’ll be back in Haven in a few days and if you still want to talk, we can.”

“How did you get here?” he asked.

“My parents sent their driver for me.”

Because they’d been too busy to come themselves. After the phone calls and the texts from her mother wanting to know where she was, Barbara Buchanan hadn’t been able to tear herself away from party planning to come see where her daughter was living now.

“Where’s Heidi?”

“I was asked to keep her outside.” Cora gripped her stick, mentally tossing it over the balcony. “My parents never liked an animal in the house.”

“Did they ask what you like or do you always bow to their commands?”

Cora rubbed her forehead and blew out a breath.

“Cora, darling, is everything all right?”

Cringing, Cora straightened her back and pasted a smile on her face. “Of course, Mother. This is Braxton Monroe. He and his family are the ones opening the women’s-only resort and spa I was telling you about.”

“Ah, yes. The one you want to work for.” Her mother’s demeaning tone came across loud and clear.

“I will be working for them, Mom. Braxton, this is my mother, Barbara Buchanan.”

“Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” With a smile to his voice, Cora knew without a doubt he’d be laying on the charm without even trying. “You have a beautiful home.”

“Thank you,” her mother preened. “Cora, dear, you need to get back inside to the guests and Eric was looking for you.”

“Actually, Cora and I were talking,” Braxton chimed in. “Tell Eric if he wants to talk to Cora, he can come out here.”

Cora bit the inside of her cheek. She didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cringe at the way Braxton spoke to her mother. Nobody ordered Barbara around like that.

“Eric is Cora’s fiancé, so if he wants to talk to her, she needs to go inside.”

Braxton grunted. “Fiancé, huh? Strange since she’s not wearing a ring and I’ve known her nearly a month and she’s not said a word about getting married. Actually, no, I take that back. She informed me she didn’t want to get married.”

Cora winced. The evening air wasn’t helping her nerves like she’d originally thought. Granted, her nerves were on full alert now and she was even more confused and frustrated than ever.

“Mr. Monroe—”

“Enough.” Cora raised her voice, cutting her mother off. “I’m not engaged to Eric. I’m the only one who seems to remember that, but it’s time you understood I’m not marrying him.”

“Darling, of course you are. Who else is going to take care of you and help with the company? Don’t pull one of your moods now.”

Her mother’s warning was low, heaven forbid a guest overhear a family squabble. What would that do to the impeccable Buchanan name?

“Mrs. Buchanan,” Braxton chimed in. “Cora is the most independent woman I know. I’ve no doubt if she wanted to run this company she could do so with the team you already have working there. Adding on someone to keep an eye on her because she cannot see is only proving to her that you don’t believe in her abilities.”

Her mother’s gasp seemed so loud, though Cora doubted anyone but the three of them heard it. Stunned at Braxton’s words, Cora stood completely still, gripping her cane and wishing she had Heidi at her side.

“I don’t mean to disrespect you in your own home,” he went on. “But I won’t have anyone talk to Cora in a way that makes her feel less than the amazing woman she is.”

Cora had to concentrate on keeping a straight face, which was difficult when her chin was starting to quiver and tears burned in her throat.

“I’m well aware of how amazing my daughter is, Mr. Monroe.”

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