Harlequin Romantic Suspense: October 2022 Box Set by Jennifer D. Bokal

Author:Jennifer D. Bokal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

Let me be your friend. How long had it been since someone had made that kind of offer and meant it without any strings attached? Too long. Making friends in prison had been based on what one could do for the other. Not real friendship, except for the romantic relationships that sprang up here and there. Emma had kept herself apart from all of that, aware she had to be careful who to trust and stayed safe by trusting no one.

But Trace was different. He’d taken her in, offered her a business opportunity and his help, and hadn’t asked for anything in return. She couldn’t put in words how much she valued that.

Slowly, she nodded, using her hand to move a wayward strand of blond hair away from her face. “Thank you. I appreciate that, Trace. I promise I won’t forget it.”

She straightened up the kitchen while Trace went to clean himself up, and then they got in his pickup and made the drive to town. Their first stop, Trace told her, would be the discount store on the other side of town. After she’d picked up a few essentials, he’d take her to fill out applications wherever she wanted, before finishing up at the grocery store.

Essentials. She’d made a short list, planning on getting the discount brand of everything from shampoo and conditioner to deodorant and soap. She’d need a few clothing items too. At least a week’s worth of underwear, a few bras, socks, T-shirts, a pair of pajamas and jeans and shorts. She had no idea what her budget was—and was afraid to ask—but she figured if she stuck with the least expensive items she could find, she ought to be okay.

Still, her stomach churned at the thought of accepting charity from a man she barely knew.

He squeezed her shoulder, startling her. “It’s all going to be all right,” he said, almost as if he knew her thoughts. “Wait and see.”

“Optimism,” she mused. “It’s been a while since I’ve allowed myself to feel that.”

“That’s not true.” His smile lifted her spirits. “You came here with a plan. Not only to reestablish your horse training business, but to clear your name. Even now, you’re planning to get a job to support yourself until your horse business is up and running. If that’s not optimistic, then I don’t know what is.”

Despite herself, she couldn’t help but smile. “You’re really kind, Trace Redkin. Thank you.”

With a nod, he removed his hand and focused his attention back on the road.

They pulled into the crowded parking lot and scored a space close to the front door. Emma took a deep breath to steady her nerves before opening her door. “Hopefully, we won’t run into anyone who recognizes me,” she said, her voice tight.

In response, Trace once again squeezed her shoulder. Then, side by side, they headed into the store.

Checking her list, she made quick work of getting what she needed, buying the generic brand of everything when possible. Once she’d finished with the toiletries, they went to the women’s clothing area.

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