Page 74 of Just One Spark

I hated that Jovie was mad at me.This was why I didn't get too close to people.I didn't have to worry about what they thought of me or how they felt about anything.I just went home to my empty apartment and pretended it was fine.

But now I knew how it was to live with Rowan in his cozy cabin.How amazing and tight-knit his family was.How great it was to have friends.And I didn't want to go back.The thought of leaving the Harts was painful.

If Rowan gave me any indication that he felt anything for me, I'd reconsider my plans.But until then, I had to protect myself in this situation.I couldn't assume anything.No matter what Jovie thought.

She only saw us together occasionally.She was making assumptions based on a few interactions.It didn't mean she was right.

I finished closing up and drove to Rowan's.As usual, his truck was in the driveway, but the lights were off in the cabin.

I turned on the porch light and ate the leftovers in the fridge.Then I went to bed, hoping he'd come home when I was reading.

This was for the best.He was going to be busier when the brewery opened.He wouldn't need or want a girlfriend.He wouldn't have any time to spend with me anyway.

I'd give him space to focus on the brewery.I wouldn't distract him from his goal.This was his dream, and I wouldn't do anything to ruin it.

Today was the grand opening.Rowan had been leaving early for work and working late, coming home long after I was already in bed.

I'd packed my things with the goal of moving to the apartment tomorrow.Rowan wouldn't even notice I was gone.I'd barely spent any time with him since Christmas.If this was a precursor to how life with Rowan would be if I stayed, it was a good thing I was getting out now.

I drove the truck to Christmas Town and worked for a few hours.Tonight was also New Year's Eve, and people had plans.So the foot traffic was light now.

After today, things would slow down considerably, and I'd have to come up with fresh ideas for how to keep customers coming.Should I sell cookies, or create a hot-cocoa kit to take home?

I'd have plenty of free time to brainstorm ideas.There wouldn't be any distractions in my apartment.No one to cook for or talk to about our days.Not that we were doing much of that anyway right now.

It was midafternoon, and I was starting to think about when I should pack up so that I could get ready for the grand-opening ceremony.

Jovie rapped on the window.

I opened it."Hey."

"I wanted to apologize for the other night.I was out of line commenting on your life.If you want to break up with Rowan, then that's your decision."

I swallowed over the lump in my throat."It was good to hear your perspective."

She raised a brow."Are you heading over to the opening with Rowan, or would you like some company?"

"I'd love some company."I was worried about going alone.I remembered what it was like during the soft opening; I knew people there, but Rowan didn't have much, if any, time for me.

"I'll text you once I've parked.You can meet me in the lot, and we can walk in together."

I poured her a hot chocolate and handed it through the window to her."Why don't you want to go in alone?"

She sighed."Malcolm sent me one of those letters, and I'm a little worried he'll demand that I leave."

"Does he even know who you are?"Jovie hadn't grown up here and only moved onto her grandparent's property when she was an adult.

She rolled her eyes."I'm sure it's not hard to figure out if you google my name."

I frowned, concerned for her."You really think Malcolm would confront you?"

Her eyes widened, and she nodded."They were very strongly worded letters."

My lips tipped up at her tone."I'll protect you from the big bad Malcolm."

She let out a breath."Thank you."

Now that I'd spent more time with the Harts, I found all of them to be nice.Even Malcolm.