Blaze of Winter: A Loveswept Contemporary Romance by Elisabeth Barrett Read Free Book Online Page A

turned out, she’d lied to me about the extent of her dependency. She relapsed—much faster and much worse than I ever suspected—and I didn’t catch it in time.”
    “But isn’t that what addicts do? Lie?”
    She inclined her head in acknowledgment. “Sometimes. Sometimes not. If confronted directly, many will lie outright. It’s just a defense mechanism. But if approached respectfully, most will tell the truth: that they love the high, but know there are plenty of good reasons to stop. And of course, there are those who sometimes lie, but don’t always. My job is to see through the lies to the truth. And in this case, I didn’t.”
    “Surely you can only be expected to do your best with what you’re given. If someone lies to you and then perpetuates the lie, how can you get around that? What are you supposed to do?” Theo asked, opening his hands in a placating gesture.
    “Work with them until they tell me what’s really going on,” Avery said firmly. “Gain their trust and understanding so that they know I’m there to help them, not hurt them.”
    Theo shook his head. “Sometimes people just want to hurt themselves and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
    “Maybe. Sometimes.” She looked away again. “But it’s hard to stomach. When it’s what you live and breathe, it’s not easy to let go of all the emotion that goes with it.”
    “And you’re just supposed to detach from the problem?”
    “That’s my boss’s mantra, but it’s not that simple for me. I try not to get too invested, especially with clients I really bond with, but sometimes I can’t help it.”
    “In most professions, that would be considered a good thing.”
    “Not in mine.” She shook her head. “Not everyone wants to be saved. Problem was, I saw a lot of myself in her and I wanted to help her. I wanted her to make it. And she didn’t.”
    “What parts of yourself did you see in her?” he asked.
    “Empathy. Love. Confusion. Determination. Most of my clients are devoted parents in addition to being addicts. When our dad was killed, our mother gave her life to me and Emma, to make sure we knew we were loved and cherished. We tried to do the same for her, especially when she became ill and then died …” Avery trailed off. “It was hard, but we pushed throughwith Kate’s help. We were never victims. We just did the best we could with the hand we were dealt. Just like my clients.”
    This was getting good. “So what’s the problem? Sounds like you’re good at your job and that you have things in hand.”
    Avery gave a delicate snort, her prim façade slipping slightly before snapping back into place. “Hardly. That’s why I’m here.”
    “Well, I’ll give you the advice that a wise man gave me.” His brother Val, of course, years ago, when he’d first set off for the West Coast. “Start thinking about what you want. What you need. And then go after it.” Theo leaned forward again. “What do you want?” He knew exactly what he wanted. To figure out this woman. Find out what she was made of.
    Just then, Lexie appeared back at their table. “Food’s up. Here you go, Avery. Theo.”
    Damn . Interrupted again. Then the aroma of his freshly cooked burger wafted up to him, tempering his irritation. “This looks delicious.”
    “Can I get you two anything else?” Lexie asked, a slight smile on her face.
    “No, thanks.” He loved his future sister-in-law, but at the moment, he wanted to be alone with Avery.
    “Thank you, no,” Avery said, shaking her head.
    “Well, holler if you need anything,” she said, before turning and heading back to the kitchen.
    “Please,” Theo said, gesturing that she should start eating.
    Avery gave him a brief smile before tucking into her food. While he picked up his burger, he surreptitiously watched her eat. She ate slowly, one deliberate bite at a time, savoring the simple dish. Taking a bite of the accompanying hash browns, she made a little noise of pleasure