Page 24 of Call It Love


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“Good,” I answered. “Then let’s get to work.”

Chapter 8

Anna

“I’m just me.”

Chase’s earlier words echoed in my head.

That was the problem, though, wasn’t it? There wasn’t anything “just” about him. I’d never known anyone as hardworking or kind as Chase. Too bad I hadn’t fully appreciated that until it was too late.

He deserved better than any trouble I potentially brought to his doorstep. But he wasn’t worried. Instead, he seemed determined to prove to his sisters, the town, maybe himself, that the past was where it belonged—behind us.

Chase didn’t appear to be in a hurry to get rid of me, and even if I shouldn’t, I was going to absorb the kindness he graced me with. I hadn’t been here at my new job for a full day, and already I felt more at ease than I had in a long time.

Still, one thing was certain. I refused to become a burden.

It only took me a few minutes to unpack my suitcases and explore the small cabin. It was simple, maybe a little bland. But for now, it was mine. Chase had mentioned Icould use his laptop to order some things to make it more personal and usable, but I refused to let him spend his money on it. Now that I had a place to stay and a job, it was safe to dip a little into my meager savings.

Stepping outside, I breathed in the fresh air. I closed my eyes and tipped my head back, relishing the feel of the sun on my face and letting it settle into my soul. I felt like the world was finally quiet enough that I could relax and take it in.

Three things I accomplished would be easy today.

I feel safe

I have a purpose

I’m not afraid of tomorrow

They weren’t things I could touch, but they weremine. Hard-won freedoms I hadn’t been able to enjoy in a long time.

Smiling, I opened my eyes. In the distance, I could see Chase and the sullen boy I’d gotten a peek of earlier headed across the grass in a small utility vehicle toward the fields of trees. To my surprise, the boy was behind the wheel.

I was curious about what had landed him here at Silver Creek Farm. Judging from his scowl I saw through the window, it was easy to believe he wasn’t here by his own choice. But beneath the sullenness and rigid posture, I sensed something. Maybe it was the haunch of his shoulders or how he kept his eyes on the ground. I couldn’t be sure, but I had a feeling it wasn’t just anger he felt. He looked lost. Maybe a little scared.

All emotions with which I resonated.

At my feet, Jack flopped to his back, as if he, too, felt safe enough to let his guarddown.

I grinned. “You want to stretch your legs?”

In a flash, he rolled over and sprang to his feet, his tail wagging with anticipation.

“All right, boy. I guess you proved earlier you don’t need to be on a leash.”

He took off across the grass, pausing only to glance back at me. He bent his front legs in a wriggling play bow as if to say I was taking too long. I laughed and followed him, feeling a little extra pep in my step.