Anything but Love by Beth Ciotta Read Free Book Online Page A

Box information. His letter had been so kind and, at the time, she’d been in a bad place. His words had proved balm for her anxious soul. She’d felt compelled to call in response. They’d spoken a few times over the last two weeks, mostly to clear the air. But in those conversations they’d also struck up what Rae tentatively thought of as a friendship.
    “You sure about this?”
    Rae nodded. “Absolutely.”
    “You don’t look sure.”
    She shifted and, by the light of the moon on the dash, she caught the concern in Sam’s eyes. Concern and … a flash of desire. The latter was disconcerting. She thought they’d moved past that. They’d certainly discussed it. She’d made it clear she wasn’t interested in an intimate relationship. He’d said he had no intention of pushing. She thought that meant he’d given up the pursuit. Now she wasn’t sure. It was troubling and flattering at the same time. Sam didn’t have a problem with her being an heiress. And he wasn’t intimidated by her college degree. His confidence was attractive. If only she were
attracted
.
    She searched his ruggedly handsome face wondering why she couldn’t have fallen for him instead of Luke. Sam was grounded and successful. He had two great kids—Ben and Mina—whom she adored. He’d been attracted to Rae even when she’d been doing her best to look as drab and frumpy as possible. That was admirable, right? They’d had a date, one date, but she hadn’t felt a spark. Not then, not before. Certainly not after. Mostly she’d felt awkward.
    Kind of like now.
    “I’ll admit,” she finally said. “I’m a little apprehensive about reconnecting with everyone.” Luke’s reaction to her ruse was a bitter pill she’d yet to swallow. Would others lash out in kind? “After all, I lied about who I was.
Am
.”
    “You had your reasons.”
    “Yeah, well.” She blew out a breath. “I’m glad you told me about Sugar Tots. I can definitely help there. And I think I know how to get the CL publishing date back on track.”
    “I didn’t share our troubles expecting you to use your money to rectify things.”
    “I know that, Sam. You told me because you knew I’d care.” She smiled then. “Thank you for that.” At least someone had given her the benefit of the doubt. Sam hadn’t bought into the trust fund baby clichés assuming she was spoiled and manipulative. Someone who’d go
slumming
in Sugar Creek on a dare or a whim, just to see how the
yokels
live. Luke’s presumptions still stung.
    “I know you have personal issues. Things you don’t feel comfortable talking about. I’m not a talker either,” Sam said. “But I am a good listener.”
    He’d proven that on the phone.
    “Just saying.”
    Rae nodded then broke Sam’s gaze, swallowing past a lump in her throat. If only Luke had taken a more tolerant approach rather than pushing and badgering her into lashing back then closing down. She regretted how they’d parted. The ugly things she’d said. When they next spoke, she promised herself she would take the high road, no matter what. She couldn’t control Luke’s behavior, but she could certainly monitor her own.
    “Where am I taking you?” Sam asked as he put the truck in gear.
    “What? Oh. The Pine and Periwinkle Inn.” She’d made an open-ended reservation.
    “How long are you staying?”
    “I’m not sure.”
    “An extended stay at a resort … could get expensive,” he said as he pulled out onto the dark country road. “The kids and I, we have an extra room.”
    The lump in her throat swelled to the size of an orange. “Thank you but, not to sound pretentious—”
    “Money’s not an issue. Right. So, just curious, and you don’t have to elaborate, but making due on what little you made as a day care assistant when you were used to an opulent lifestyle … that must’ve been a challenge.”
    “There’s something to be said for living by your wits and seeing what you’re made of.”
    Eyes on