Page 18 of Startup Fire

She'd come back to Elken Grove to rebuild her life on her terms. To stop playing it safe, stop settling for less than she deserved.

If she wanted Wayne Drummond, she was going to have to be brave enough to go after him.

Jess checked the time. She usually headed to the barn around this time.

Today would be no different. She'd show up like nothing had happened. Work on their skit for the demonstration. Be professional, friendly, normal.

But she'd also push. Gently. Carefully. But persistently.

She'd show him that she wasn't scared of his walls. That she wasn't going anywhere just because he'd panicked and pulled away.

And if he pushed back? If he really didn't want this?

At least she'd know she tried.

Jess stood and started gathering her things—a couple of water bottles, a sandwich, and her sketch for a new design. Her hands were steady, her heart was pounding, but her mind was clear.

She was done playing it safe.

Wayne Drummond had kissed her like she was everything he'd ever wanted. And then he'd run scared.

Well, Jess Hartley had spent three years in Brooklyn learning that the things worth having were the things you had to fight for.

Time to show a certain grumpy blacksmith that she knew how to fight.