Page 25 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

She narrowed her eyes.

“You don’t understand how it feels to have your entire life orchestrated for you. I do. I never had a chance,” Cain said. He wasn’t going to keep a lid on his frustration for much longer.

“And now?”

“I took the chance.”

“You won’t get away with this.”

“Said like a storybook villain. Please stop,” he said. “Are you going to out me?”

“Maybe.” She notched her chin in the air. “I could.”

“It’ll hurt Andrew.”

“If it saves him from long-term heartache, then it’s worth the hassle.” She hooked the last bale. “Do you know the tabloids say you’re being hospitalized for exhaustion?”

That sounded about right and like something his mother would say to cover for his absence.

“And your parents aren’t worried. You made that crap about them being overprotective all up.”

He hadn’t lied about any of his past, but whatever. She wasn’t listening to him. His parents were good at playing off their concern as long as it worked to their advantage.

“You’ll get found out.”

He had news for her. “I already have been and I told Andrew. He’s an adult, and if he doesn’t want me, I’ll go from there.” He’d be crushed and would fight tooth and nail to get Andrew back, but he’d worry about that if it ever happened.

“Bullshit.”

He sighed again. He needed a new tactic with her. “Why are you upset? What’s the root of this? Who destroyed your faith in people?”

“No one.” She backed away from him. “Nothing.”

“I don’t know who screwed you over, but they had no right. You are a sweet woman, pretty and independent. They messed with the wrong person, but you’re stronger than they ever believed. Don’t let them win by getting bitter.”

She sank onto the lowest bale and toyed with the hook. “You figured all that out on your own?”

“It shows.” He sat beside her. Maybe he’d worn her down enough to listen to him. “I see the same hurt in Andrew’s eyes. You both love with your entire heart. Whoever you love is a lucky man.”

“Do you love Andrew?”

“Too soon to tell, but when I look into his eyes, I want to give up the biz and live here. I feel human with him. I’mmewith him, not the celebrity.”

She continued to fiddle with the hook, and he wondered if she’d use it on him if he said the wrong thing. She glanced over at him. “He likes you, too.”

“I know.” But hearing the words from her thrilled him.

“Don’t hurt him,” she said. “I’d tell you what those guys did, but it’s his story to share.”

“It is.” He rubbed her back. “I care about Andrew more than anyone. I’ve never considered giving up acting for anyone, but I like Cedarwood and this farm because he’s here.”

The rumble of the tractor interrupted anything else he had to say. He stood as Andrew backed the wagon into the barn. Sweat glistened on his tan skin. The bones of his back were more visible and dust from the bales stuck to his arms. He parked the tractor then turned the vehicle off. When he jumped from the seat, dust billowed around him.

“I’ll be right back.” Maddie escaped the barn.

Andrew wiped the sweat from his brow. “What’d I say? I haven’t said anything.”

“Nothing.” Cain held on to the hook. “We chatted.”

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