Renting His Heart

by Jaclyn Hardy

  Carl clapped him on the shoulder. “Seen enough yet?”

  Austin shook his head. “Let’s see the backyard.”

  They went through the mudroom and into the backyard. A shop stood back away from the house, with several tractors and other equipment. The yard was huge, with a swing set in the back and bushes lining the boundary between the yard and the farmland. The garden was massive, surrounded by lilac bushes. Austin smiled to himself. The perfect place for the fairy garden.

  “You’re sure I’m ready?” Austin asked.

  “Yes, Austin. Make the call.”

  Austin hesitated for a moment longer, and then dialed the number. “Hey, Chloe?”

  Chloe nodded in approval as the last of her models left the stage. Two of Mandy’s dresses had made it in at the last second and Chloe grinned as the claps picked up in volume. She knew they’d love them. She held back a yawn until she could get all the way backstage.

  “Ms. Parker? You have two magazine editors begging to get an interview for their articles. What should I tell them?” Chloe’s assistant asked.

  “Tell them I’ll be sending a quote to all of them later today.” Chloe pulled on her parka and left the studio to get some fresh air. She didn’t need to worry about the clothes or getting them taken. Her assistant would take care of all of it.

  Chloe’s business was a well-oiled machine by now, and she wondered why she was even still here. She glanced down at the ring on her finger. It was a dull gray and had been since she’d left Austin in New York.

  Her fashion job was done for the day, but she still had a few hours of writing that she needed to get done before she slept. Her editor was on her case for the next book. After a quick stop at one of the shops between her studio and her flat, Chloe continued.

  She smiled at people as she walked, loving how familiar everything was to her. She knew who would be where and when. Just like every other day. Home.

  Her phone ran just as she got to her flat. Mom. She sighed and answered her phone. “Hey, Mom.”

  “Hi, sweetie. I saw your show tonight. The clothes were fabulous as always.”

  “Thanks. Wait, how’d you watch it?” Chloe unlocked her door and looked down to find a package sitting on the step. More of her books most likely. Her publisher’s nice way of telling her write the next one already.

  “Someone had it on their live feed.” There was a rustling. “Live_Fashion_91 it looks like. Their recording isn’t the best, but at least I could see it.”

  Chloe rubbed her forehead. There were so many things wrong with this scenario. “Sounds like I get to track this person down and charge them. It was supposed to be a closed show until this weekend.”

  “At least this way I got to see your new line. You never send me the links anymore.”

  Chloe could sense her mom pouting from across the ocean. “That’s because they’re private shows, Mom. I can’t do that without getting in trouble.”

  “That didn’t bother you before. Anyway, that’s not why I called. I saw in the news the other day that Austin had sold his business. I wondered if you knew anything about that. Does that mean he’s going to go live with you? I hate to see you two living so far apart.”

  Her phone beeped, letting her know someone was on the other line. She raised her eyebrows when she saw that it was Austin. “Actually, Mom, that’s him on the other line. Call you back?”

  “Tell him I said hi.”

  “I will. Love you, Mom.” Chloe hit the button to get to the other line. “Austin? Are you there?” Nothing but static came through. “Austin, hey. Call me back. I can’t hear you. Love you.”

  She hung up and set her phone on the counter while she sorted through her mail. Bills, bills, magazines trying to convince her to go work for them, another letter from her publisher.

  The phone rang again, and she grabbed for it. “Austin?”

  “I . . . bad . . . tion . . . you . . . me.” And then the phone went dead.

  Chloe set the phone down, piecing together what she’d heard. Bad connection? Maybe. She dialed his number, but again, nothing sounded right. She hated this. They could talk all they wanted through email, but phone calls and video chats were few and far between. She sent a quick text, hoping that at least that would go through.

  Trying to call, but it’s not working. What’s up? Miss you!

  Chloe grabbed a loaf of bread she’d just bought from the shop and cut it into slices, then grabbed some cheese and some olives. It was simple, but it would get her through until her next snack. She set her phone next to her and pulled up her story. A tale of two lonely people who meet up and a romance sparked between them. It wasn’t her best story, but that’s what an editor was for.

  Finally, her phone buzzed. Austin sent a picture of a perfect little—well, huge—house covered in flowers with nothing but farmland around them. The blue sky behind it was a little lighter than the sky she’d seen a few months before that. The leaves were beginning to turn yellow on the trees in the yard. Another picture came after that one of a small fairy sitting on a daisy fishing.

  She nibbled on the bread before answering.

  What is this place?

  It’s ours.

  Two simple words. She answered back.

  What do you mean?

  Chloe wasn’t sure if she wanted to know the answer. She stood and paced the flat, studying her small kitchen, then the tiny living room, just big enough for her worn out couch. It wasn’t much but it was hers. She looked over at her phone. What Austin was offering was something that was theirs.

  She twisted the mood ring around on her finger and was surprised to see that it had turned violet. Happy, relaxed. It was the first color she’d really seen since getting back here. Even though she was doing what she loved.

  The phone buzzed again. Chloe snatched it off the table.

  Check your email.

  Chloe minimized her story and went to her email account. An email sat there waiting for her to click on it. Her heart thumped in her chest as she clicked on it. The only thing there was a link. She hesitated to click on it. After all it could be a virus. But it was a real estate link, and she was dying to figure out what it was.

  The house from Austin’s picture showed up again. This time it had more details and photos. This one was closer to the town, and he hadn’t had to build from scratch. She had to give him kudos for that. Enough room for visitors—or kids.

  This is amazing. Are you looking at buying instead of building?

  It’s pending your approval. I could pay cash on it from the money I got for the business. What do you say?

  Can I think about it?

  Don’t think too long or someone else will snatch it up.

  Chloe set the phone down and stared at the words. Pending your approval . . . Austin made it seem so easy, but it wasn’t. All he had to do was sell his business he’d already thought of selling and leave. She had a whole business she had to leave behind.

  But still. Austin needed this house. It was perfect, and the chances of something like this coming available again was next to impossible.

  Take it. Let me think, but take it. This house should be yours.

  I don’t want it without you.

  Chloe tossed the phone on the couch and laid her head down in her arms. Tears ran down her cheeks, soaking her hair as she sat there in her familiar home where she belonged.

  Except . . . was it? The images of her walking and waving to everyone she walked by every single day ran through her head. She knew the names of some of those people, but that was about it. She knew the cost of the food, but she hadn’t really stopped to talk to the cashier.

  Chloe sat up and wiped her eyes. She went through the pictures again to see how she actually felt about them. Bright colors, the sky she’d fallen in love with in just three short days, and man willing to buy this house for her.

  Then she stood and walked around her apartment and found herself throwing things in boxes as quickly as she could. Stayi
ng here was insane. Her fans would find her here, the fashion industry would survive without her—or she could travel when she needed to for work. For the first time in years, she talked to her mom almost daily. This was no longer home.

  The dishes could stay since she wouldn’t want to ship them, the appliances could stay, the furniture, well, that need to be thrown away. Chloe sat down at the desk and looked through flights. The cheapest one she could find was in three days. She bit her lip. Sooner would be better, but this gave her a chance to work things out with the studio. She bought tickets—first class—before she could think about it and slammed her laptop shut.

  That night, for the first time in three months, Chloe went to bed with a smile on her face.

  The last of the boxes were packed and shipped, and Chloe’s laptop slid into her backpack to take on the plane. She smiled down at the worn silver key and then set it on the table. The next up-and-coming artist or author or designer would take her place.

  Chloe grabbed the handle of her large suitcase, then said goodbye one more time and walked out, making sure the door was shut firmly behind her. A taxi sat at the curb waiting for her to climb in. “Thank you for holding the cab for me. I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget anything.”

  Her French was broken, and she was pretty sure she’d gotten a few words wrong, but the cab driver simply shrugged and threw her bag in the back before climbing in to leave.

  The Eiffel Tower seemed a little brighter that morning, as did many of the other sights she’d grown accustomed to passing by every day. Austin hadn’t called or texted since that last message a few nights before. But then neither had Chloe. She just hoped that her appearance would be enough to make him forgive her.

  Chloe’s jaw dropped as she passed a bus with a picture of her book on the side. She hadn’t known her publisher was going to do that, but it was most likely a last-ditch effort to keep her there. There were a few more on the way to the airport, and by the tenth one, she texted her editor.

  Nice try. I’m leaving.

  I see you saw the buses.

  Chloe snorted. I think all of Paris saw the buses.

  That was the point. Stay. We’ll up your bonus.

  You don’t give me bonuses.

  Chloe paid the driver and climbed out. “Thank you.”

  The driver nodded and helped with her bags before leaving her at the curb. Once her bags were checked in and she’d moved to the security line, she pulled out her phone to find several more texts from her publisher. She rolled her eyes and sent one more, promising that she would have the next book to them in a week. It was pretty much done, but with the move, she wouldn’t have time to polish it.

  Her gate was on the other end of the airport, so she had to push through the crowds to get there, apologizing as she tripped over people’s legs. There was a little time to spare before the plane would board, so Chloe settled into one of the chairs, staring up at the arrivals and departures. Several flights headed straight for Salt Lake, but she needed to stop in New York on the way. Mom and Mike would both be rather ticked if she didn’t say hi on the way.

  It was strange to be the first ones called to board after sitting in the back of the plane for most of her flights, but when she sat down in the seats, she understood why Austin insisted on flying first class. This was amazing. As the plane took off into the air, she said goodbye to France. She knew she’d be back, but next time she would no longer call it home.

  Austin blinked, trying to keep himself awake while he waited to board. The flight to New York was later than he’d wanted, and he needed to stay awake so he wouldn’t miss the boarding call. Chloe hadn’t called or even texted since he told her he wanted her with him. He just hoped he wouldn’t drive her even further away by showing up in France. If he could even find her. The live feed he’d found narrowed down the location, but only so much.

  The flight before his arrived, which meant it would be another half an hour before they boarded. Austin stood to go get something to eat as the travelers began to trickle out of the plane. He turned to find a restaurant and froze. That messy bun, that short stature. Austin whipped around, but didn’t seen anyone matching that description. Clearly he was going delirious with lack of sleep.

  He turned and ran into something hard. Something with a messy bun that came to his chin. “Chloe?”

  “What are you doing here?” Her words came out in a whisper as a tear ran down her cheek.

  “Coming to find you. I have the papers for the offer on the house, and since they were drawn up with your name on them, I figured you should sign them. So, they’re in my bag, and maybe you should say something so I’ll stop talking.”

  Chloe wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. Austin pulled her closer and ignored the angry comments from travelers trying to get past. They could wait just a little while longer so he could kiss his wife.

  It took a moment for Austin to realize that the fireworks coming from the kiss were actually flashing lights from the photos around them. He stepped away from Chloe to find a couple of reporters standing nearby recording the kiss.

  “Uh, welcome to New York?” He should have realized people would recognize him. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

  Chloe straightened her backpack and took his hand, pulling him toward the ticket counter. “Let’s get your tickets exchanged and get out of here. Or better yet, let’s go and I’ll have my agent take care of it.”

  “You have an agent?” Austin ducked and weaved through the crowd, trying to keep up with Chloe. The baggage claim was filled with other passengers, but at least they weren’t carrying cameras.

  Chloe picked out her bags and set them on a cart and finally turned to him. “Yes. I have an agent. And I have an editor who wasn’t quite so willing to let me go. My guess is those reporters up there were part of a welcome party put on by him. Which means no matter where we go, they’re going to follow. And I have no desire for them to show up in Idaho. Does your mom still own her private jet?”

  Austin blinked. “What in the world happened while you were gone?”

  “I’ll tell you in the car. We need to hurry because that guy right there has a limo with my name on it.” Chloe raced the opposite way with her cart and Austin had no choice but to follow.

  Maybe more time had passed since she left than he thought. Austin stopped at the nearest counter and smiled at the receptionist. “Hey, I need to change my flight. Is there any way I can get my bags off of the airplane that’s supposed to take off in about ten minutes?”

  The woman took his pass and typed it in. “It looks like they’re still out on the tarmac, but I’m afraid we can’t get them in time. Where is the best place to ship them when they arrive?”

  Austin filled out the form she handed him and gave it back to her. “I need to have my flight changed to tomorrow, but instead of France, I’m heading back to Salt Lake.”

  “That’s quite a difference.” She smiled and switched his flights. Once the tickets were printed, she handed them to him. “Have a great day.”

  “Thank you.”

  Austin slid the tickets into his bag and went to find Chloe. She sat on one of the benches in a corner just outside the airport. She looked up and smiled when she saw him.

  “I thought I’d scared you off.” She moved her bag so he could sit.

  “I had to move things around. I won’t be needing my ticket anymore, remember?” Austin pointed at the bags sitting in front of Chloe. “Is that everything you own?”

  She shook her head. “I sent some of it ahead, and left a lot back in France. I figured we could use a fresh start.”

  “Perfect.” He stood. “I don’t know what your plans are, but I’m exhausted and I need to sleep. Are you ready to fly home now or did you have other plans?”

  “Mike is on his way right now.” Chloe stood. “Do you really have all the house papers in your bag?”

  Austin took her hands in his. “Yes.”

  She
smiled. “I have a proposition.”

  “I’ve heard that somewhere before.” Austin laughed and leaned down to kiss her.

  Chloe smoothed out her wedding dress and readjusted her veil. The blue lace over the white satin of her dress had turned out better than she’d expected. A second wedding wasn’t in her plans, but then neither was a small wedding set in Idaho. She’d stayed in New York to do another fashion show and book tour to appease the press, allowing Austin to finish up everything here.

  “So far so good, sweetie.” Mom handed Chloe a handkerchief.

  “You’re sure I wasn’t followed?” Chloe took deep breaths to calm down.

  Mom nodded. “I’m sure.”

  The door opened and Lacey poked her hand inside. “Hey, they’re ready for you. Wow. That dress is amazing.”

  Chloe grinned. “Thanks. It’s a me original.”

  “Of course it is.” Lacey opened the door wider so there would be space for Chloe’s full skirt to fit through. “You just had to top my wedding didn’t you?”

  “Naturally.” Chloe hugged her cousin tight, then held out her arm to Austin’s dad. “Let’s do this.”

  Mr. Quinn took her arm in his and clasped her hand tightly. “Austin’s grandmother is rolling in her grave right now. A second wedding.”

  “Nah. She’s having too much fun bossing everyone around in heaven.” Chloe had been devastated when she found out that Austin had to bury his grandma just a month after he lost his grandpa. And Chloe hadn’t been there for him. “We didn’t lie, you know.”

  Mr. Quinn chuckled. “No, but you found your way around the truth. But for that I’m glad.

  The trees in the backyard were bursting with new flowers as Chloe walked down the aisle. A spring wedding was perfect. She and Austin had technically been married for a year that day, but she was finally getting the wedding she’d always wanted. Well, the wedding her mom and Mrs. Quinn insisted she’d always wanted.