Page 22 of Just One Spark

"But if you want to talk about him, I'm a good listener.I don't pay attention to small-town gossip."I'd heard the rumors over the years, and I didn't want to believe that Hattie had gone through that alone.I hoped her mother was supportive.

"I don't," she said simply.

I reached over and touched her hand."If you change your mind, I'm here."

"You know, we're not really engaged.You don't have to be a doting boyfriend."

"Whether it's temporary or just an act, you're still my girl."If she were mine, I would have offered her a place to live.I'd get her used to living with me, and then it wouldn't make sense to leave.

Her lips twitched."You're impossible."

"Because I offered you a bed to sleep in and a meal to eat?"I asked, even though I knew what she meant.

She gave me a look."You take over everything."

"I'm not making your hot chocolate, am I?"I teased.

"Just give it some time," she grumbled, and I chuckled.

It was going to be fun living with Hattie, especially because she was so resistant to any help.She wanted to be independent, and I admired that about her.But when it came to her safety, it was nonnegotiable.

I finished eating first, so I started to wash the dishes.When Hattie handed me her bowl, she said, "I should probably head up to bed.I have an early day tomorrow."

"You're not planning on taking the truck out in this, are you?"

She shrugged."Snow's good for sales."

I vowed to help her and not make her life more difficult.I wanted her to stay here after all."I'll get up early and plow the lane for you."

Her eyebrows pinched."Oh, you don't have to go to any trouble?—"

"I asked you to bring your truck, so I need to get you out."She'd eventually realize that arguing with me about some things was pointless.I was going to help her when I could.

"Thank you," Hattie said as she headed toward the staircase.

"You're welcome and, Hattie?"

She turned to face me."You can take a bath in my room if you want.Your bathroom only has a shower."

"That's nice of you but?—"

I nodded in the direction of the living room."I'm planning on watching a movie, and I usually fall asleep on the couch."

"That sounds nice.Thanks again."

She could stay for as long as she wanted.Not that I wanted to get into an argument about that tonight.Hattie Collins was tough.She was going to test my patience, but I couldn't give up.Everything was riding on how this fake relationship played out.

I had a feeling the longer we played this charade, the more in danger my heart would be, because I wasn't versed in keeping distance from people or pushing them away.

I'd have to be careful not to fall for her.Especially if she was determined to keep me at a distance.

8

Hattie

Last night, I took a bath in Rowan's space.I was fairly sure he never used the tub himself because I found unopened lavender bath bombs under the sink.Despite the scent, the space still smelled like him, hops and pine.

I woke to the sound of a plow.When I peeked out the window, I saw Rowan's truck with a plow attached to the front of it, pushing the snow off the lane.I couldn't even describe what it felt like for someone to get up early and do something like this for me.