Page 18 of Just One Spark

"Okay."Clara had mentioned once that she was the only Hart who didn't live on the property.

We drove more slowly due to the lower visibility.The snow was really coming down hard now.It would be dicey for the next few hours.I followed him slowly up the lane and past the brewery.I hadn't realized there was a home back here.Maybe it was new, or it was one of the older buildings they'd renovated over the years.

He pulled up to a small cabin with a wraparound porch and a swing.It was cozy and inviting.I imagined what kind of family would live there, a happy one where the dad came home every night after work and didn't disappear for a night or more.

The familiar ache settled deep in my chest.I grabbed my purse but couldn't beat Rowan to the door.He opened it for me again and helped me down.I should've protested and told him I didn't need help, but the notice on my door had thrown me off.I felt like my carefully constructed life had just imploded.

I prided myself on being independent and not relying on anyone.But now I was moving in with my fake fiancé.It was ridiculous how my life had changed since Rowan declared that I was his.I wanted to resist his interference in my life, but he was impossible to put off.Apparently, when you were Rowan's, you got his undivided attention.I should have been irritated, but some part of me liked it.

I couldn't stop thinking about what I would have done had I been alone when I saw that notice.Where would I have gone?I couldn't afford a hotel for longer than a night or two.

He opened the door and ushered me inside."I'll get a fire started."

I paused in the doorway, taking everything in.The walls were wood, and there were exposed beams on the ceiling.A fluffy throw hung over the back of the large sectional, and a TV hung over the fireplace."This is nice."

Rowan busied himself in the fireplace, dropping logs and starting a fire."Yeah, we renovated it when I started talking about opening the brewery.I can walk to the brewery, and it's separate from the rest of the family.I like my little piece of solitude."

I moved farther into the room.

"I'll get us some dinner as soon as the fire's going.Do you want to change or take a shower?"

"I'll change into something more comfortable."

"The guest room is the first door on the right at the top of the stairs.There's an attached bathroom and towels in the closet."

"Thanks for this, Rowan.I really appreciate it.I promise I'll figure something out and get out of your hair soon."

He shook his head."Stay as long as you like."

He hadn't paused or turned to face me, so I grabbed my duffle and took it upstairs.The guest room was adorable, featuring a wrought iron bed with a maroon-and-navy quilt in a ring pattern.There were curtains on the windows and a dresser and a desk.It was the perfect guest room.His mom or sister must have been involved in the decor, because it didn't look like something a single man would decorate.

I closed the door and changed into sweats and a hoodie.It was what I'd wear when I got home after a long day in the truck.I didn't want to unpack my things because I wouldn't be here for long.

I told Jovie about the fake engagement on the night of the Illuminary when we were closing up the truck.And I wanted to tell someone that I’d moved in with him.

Hattie: My apartment has mold.I can’t stay there.Rowan said I could move in with him while the repairs are completed.

Jovie: Are you okay staying there?

Hattie: It’s actually really nice, and he’s making me dinner.

Jovie: I’m a little jealous.But don’t get too comfortable.

Hattie: I keep telling myself that.

Jovie: I hope you know what you’re doing.

I didn’t bother responding because it was fairly obvious I had no idea what I was doing.

Downstairs, Rowan was moving around the kitchen."I thought I'd make spaghetti.It's quick and easy."

My stomach growled at the thought of marinara and noodles."You don't have to cook for me."

"I have to eat, and it's hard to cook for one person."Then he pointed at the island stool."Have a seat.Unless you want to watch TV."

I should've retreated to the living room and turn on the TV so I wouldn't' have to interact with him.But that would be rude after he'd offered me a place to stay and a meal.So I sat on the stool, and he poured me a glass of water.

"If you want something else, let me know.I can make hot chocolate, but I'm sure it's not as good as yours."