by Ellen Joy
The man was definitely handsome, in the classic dark and mysterious mold. As nice as he seemed, he probably was just like most of the other men she had known in her life. And the last thing she needed in her life was another man. Even her father couldn’t control his anger. How many nights did she hide under her covers, praying his rage wouldn’t be turned on her? How many times did the police get involved, only to send him right back home?
How had she not seen it? How did she let down her guard and trust him? The badge, she thought, proved he was one of the good guys.
Nick’s face flashed in her head.
“You alright?” Jack stood behind her setting down a tray on a table.
She shook her head to dispel the nightmare. “Yes, sorry.”
He set a bowl of soup in front of her, then a breadbasket with a glass container of whipped butter. He filled one glass with water, and another with white wine. All the while, he was definitely laying on the charm. Maybe back in the day that kind of thing would’ve worked on her, but not any longer.
“Really, this is too much.” His generosity was too much, there had to be a catch. She was betting this kind of restaurant didn’t take just anybody off the streets.
“It’s not a problem.” He stuffed the tray under his arm. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
She didn’t respond, but her coolness didn’t deter him.
“Are you staying in town?”
“Yes.”
“It’s pretty slim pickings, this time of year. Do you have a reservation somewhere?”
Was desperation written on her forehead? Then, the throbbing on the side of her face reminded her.
“I’ve booked something.”
A growl came from her stomach, so loud she swore the whole restaurant could hear.
He smiled. “I’ll let you eat.”
Alone again, her shoulders relaxed a bit, and she grabbed the linen napkin to try to pat dry some of the wetness. Giving up, she grabbed a roll and pulled it apart. Steam rose from the center as she dipped a piece into the rich, creamy soup. Immediately, her body warmed as she tasted the chowder. Maybe it was because she was so hungry, or maybe it was because she was so cold, but the soup was the best thing she had ever eaten.
Rachael grabbed the glass of wine and took a big gulp. The light citrusy flavor was something she would’ve chosen when she enjoyed cooking for Nick. When things were good between them. When he enjoyed her company, and when her mistakes, or a bad day, didn’t end in an eruption of emotions.
With the last of the bread, she wiped of the remaining soup and heard the sound of climbing footsteps. Jack appeared with two plates in his hands.
“I wasn’t sure what you might like, so I brought it all.”
He set two steaming dishes on another table, then cleared her bowl and bread plate away. With a flourish, he presented the entrees.
“This looks amazing.” It was more like someone’s idea of a last meal for the condemned, than a quick bite for someone who just stepped in off the street. His generosity made her feel vulnerable and she didn’t like it. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” he said. “I think I missed your name.”
The voice inside her head said not to tell him. To be suspicious, even if his behavior seemed innocent. But something about him made her trust him.
“I’m Rachael.”
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Acknowledgments
There are so many people I’d like to thank for helping with the writing of this book.
First, I’d like to thank my three men. I wouldn’t have followed my dreams if I didn’t have you all by my side. Thank you for your encouragement, patience and faith in me.
Thank you to my mom, dad, and sister who always believed in me.
Thank you to Dr. Robyn Eldredge, the real Dr. Elizabeth, for being my friend and always inspiring me. And for being the best veterinarian out there! Thank you for reading my early versions and being my first fan. I cannot thank you enough for all the hours you put into helping me get it right with the animals. I’m lucky to have you in my life!
Thank you to Katie Page, my editor. A thank you just doesn’t feel appropriate enough for what you have done for me and my career. You truly are an angel. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you to Zoe Book Design for my beautiful covers!
Thank you Krista Dapkey for proofreading my final draft. You have been such a pleasure to work with through this process! Thank you.
Thank you to Danielle St. Laurent-Thorne. The best beta reader a writer could ask for! Thank you for your honest feedback, your reader’s knowledge and advice. You got me through the rough patches and you didn’t even know you’re the reason I kept going. Thank you. I love having you as my friend!
To Darcy Favorite-Brewster, my beautiful cousin and one of my very first readers. Thank you for reading and encouraging. I’m so lucky to have you as my cousin, but even luckier that you’re my friend! Thank you.
Thank you to Debbie Love, my critique partner, for our writing group the Pen Hens. I wouldn’t have finished the final draft of my first story if it wasn’t for you. Not to mention all the other crazy things you do for me and my family. Your heart is pure gold. Thank you.
Thank you to my local chapter of Romance Writers of America in New Hampshire. You ladies are totally inspiring and I want to be like all of you someday.
Thank you to all the readers who picked up this book. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. I’d love to hear from you, please join my newsletter and reach out to me by going to my website!
www.ellenjoyauthor.com
About the Author
Ellen lives in a small New England town, between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains. She lives with her husband,, two sons, and one very spoiled puppy.
Ellen writes in the early morning hours before she teaches language arts to middle schoolers. When she's not writing or teaching, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach.
She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song. All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.
Read more at Ellen Joy’s site.