Page 26 of Just One Spark

"I felt something—" There were tingles, and my heart had fluttered dangerously too.What did it mean?Was I attracted to my childhood friend?

"I can work with that.If you feel something, you could enjoy each other and go your separate ways when it's over."

"I'm worried about falling in love with him and his family, remember?There could be repercussions."Meg tended not to develop feelings for anyone, so she wouldn't understand my fears.

"When was the last time you let yourself get close to a guy?"Meg asked pointedly.

I couldn't, and that was the problem.I always kept myself apart from others.I didn't want them asking questions.For a long time, family life encompassed everything and made any relationships difficult.

When I didn't answer, Meg said, "You'll be fine.You won't let yourself get close to him."

"He's so nice, Meg.He got up early to clear the lane so I could get my truck out.I'm not even his real girlfriend."

"There are lots of nice guys, Hattie.That doesn't mean you fall in love with all of them."She gave me a look."But to be clear, you shouldn't fall in love with any of them, especially nice guys.They can't be trusted."

Was that true though?I knew that Meg was jaded by her experiences.She didn't trust easily.But it couldn't be true that nice guys weren't real.It was just that I didn't deserve a man like that.One who'd want to be involved in his fiancée's family.

I couldn't be that girl for him.Not that he was even thinking about that.This was just temporary."So you think it's fine to stay at his place."

A smile curved over her face."I'd say enjoy it while it lasts: the cabin, the protective man, and whatever else he has to offer."

I rolled my eyes, because she was clearly talking about his body."You're ridiculous."

"Life is short.You have to enjoy it."

"That's true."I just wasn't sure that getting involved with Rowan physically was a good idea.I should have known that this would be Meg's advice.But I couldn't go to Clara to talk about my fake engagement to her brother.

I was on my own in this.I had to hope that everything worked out, and I didn't end up with a broken heart.

"

9

Rowan

Mom insisted on throwing an engagement party for us at the inn.There was a large room off the back that was all glass windows that everyone referred to as the atrium.It was the perfect location for an engagement party, just not mine.Because I wasn't actually engaged.But I couldn't tell my family that.I had to let it play out.

I stood with Malcolm and Callum, discussing plans for the brewery opening, cradling a beer.My focus was on Hattie, who stood next to Clara, wearing a short black dress.The lights shone in her hair, and her skin practically glowed.

Malcolm elbowed me.

I rubbed my side."What was that for?"

He nodded in her direction."You're not paying attention.You're looking at your fiancée."

"Can you blame me?She's gorgeous."

Malcolm exchanged a look with Callum."We didn't realize you were even seeing anyone.It seems sudden."

"I didn't need you in my business, especially when I was focused on the brewery."

"You don't think that she's a distraction?"Malcolm asked.

I tried to think about how I'd feel about his comment if Hattie was my real fiancée."How is the love of my life a distraction from the brewery?"

"You're throwing engagement parties instead of planning the grand opening."

"Mom orchestrated this."I waved my hand around us."I'm planning the grand opening."