Page 54 of Just One Spark

"Not like how you're thinking.It's just that Malcolm has always been the brother in charge.He's used to throwing his weight around.I don't think he'd like it if I told him to butt out."

I rolled my eyes."I didn't say it like that.You can be nicer about it.Setting boundaries is all about being firm.Trust me; it will feel better when you do it.Right now, he's invading your space, and you need him to back off a little."

"You have experience with setting boundaries?"

"Mom was so needy after my dad died, and I understood that.But it was interfering with my ability to function, to finally start the business I'd always wanted to open.I couldn't focus on my life when I was so wrapped up in hers.I didn't realize how much her mood affected mine until I got some space and clarity."

"You make it sound easy."

"Well, I talked to a therapist."I couldn't believe I'd just admitted that to Rowan.It went against my vow to not let anyone in.I was opening myself up to him more every day, and I should have been scared.But I felt safe sharing more of myself with him.

His face softened."I'm glad you talked to someone."

My throat tightened."I needed that at the time.Someone who would listen to me.So much of what I went through was about my father or how my mother was feeling.But what about what I was dealing with?"

Rowan moved around the counter, pulling me off the stool and into his arms.I was pressed against his bare chest, my arms around his waist.He smelled good and felt even better.But it wasn't sexual.It was pure comfort, and my head was spinning.

"You're the strongest person I know."

I pulled back so I could see his face.

He placed a finger on my lips."Don't even try to argue with me.That's how I see you, and that's all that matters."

My chest constricted.

He tugged me against his chest again, and we stood like that for a minute or so.I was reluctant to pull away because it was so nice.

"Thanks for sharing that with me.I know it's hard to talk about what happened.But I like getting to know you."There was something about his words that sent tingles through my chest.This man was getting to me in the best way.I wanted to sink into him and ask that he never let me go.But that was never our deal.

"I should get ready for work.What are you going to do today?"

I pulled away, feeling the sting of unshed tears."I'll open the truck in my usual spot."

He turned and went upstairs before I could formulate a response.It was nice to talk to someone besides a therapist about my family.I'd kept quiet about it for so long.It felt like a release to talk to someone I trusted.

That made me pause.I trusted Rowan with my body and my feelings.Despite my best intentions, I was falling in love with this man.

It was probably the most reckless thing I'd ever done.But I couldn't pull back now.I was in too deep.

17

Rowan

That moment in the kitchen was everything.I was pleased that Hattie had opened up to me.She'd shared her deepest feelings about her family and admitted that she'd seen a therapist.I was surprised that she reached out to a professional.But she'd talked to someone when she needed it, and that made me admire her more.

She was the strongest person I knew.And I wouldn't let her talk me out of that.

I'd been wanting to comfort her for so long, and this morning, she let me.I held her for a while, and she didn't pull back until I needed to leave.I wished we could have stayed in each other's arms, and maybe in my bed, all day.But that wasn't realistic.Not with the brewery about to open.I had a million things to do before the big day, and Malcolm was breathing down my neck to ensure that I stayed on task.

I liked the idea of setting boundaries with him, but he'd always been like this.Besides, he was family.When Hattie told me what to do, it sounded so simple.But it wasn't.Malcolm wasn't the kind of guy who took direction from anyone.

He was the guy who was always right.Who never got anything wrong.In a lot of ways, he acted like the head of our family.When Mom and Dad officially retired, he'd be in charge.There was no telling him that the brewery was mine to worry about.I'd already tried that, and it hadn't worked.

I walked to the brewery, pleased to find that Beck's truck was already in the lot.Inside, he was spread out on one of the round tables with his laptop and paperwork.

He looked up when I approached."Pour yourself some coffee.We're going to be here for a while."

"I'm going to need the caffeine."I hadn't slept great because I was up with Hattie most of the night.I wanted nothing more than to fall back into bed with her.But it looked like it was going to be a long day.