The Loner's Secret Past by Lorraine Beatty

Author:Lorraine Beatty
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-10-07T17:43:14+00:00

* * *

Luke attached the lock to the small wooden box, then set it aside. He’d been edgy and restless today. Visions of Sara’s smile, her obvious connection to Fred, still left a hollow feeling in the center of his chest that refused to dissipate. He’d tried to work, but he didn’t have the concentration to tackle a real project, so he’d put together a treasure box for Jonah and Rusty to have in their secret clubhouse. Fred had helped the boys turn the old shed into a sweet little hideout. They’d been spending time after school and on weekends fine-tuning their space. The treasure box was Luke’s contribution.

Tucking the gift under his arm, he started across the drive and around the back of the barn until he came to the old fence rails and the silo where the shed was situated. He ducked inside and placed the box on the small table, causing it to wobble. Glancing around, he smiled. It was nicer than the clubhouse he and his brother had made. He knew the boys would have hours of fun here.

Suddenly tired, he eased onto the bench, rubbing his forehead. Seeing his rocker displayed in the shop, recalling the joy on Sara’s face, had left him with a wave of doubts. Had he made a mistake in agreeing to sell his chairs? He’d second-guessed his decision a dozen times.

Sara was convinced the rockers would bring a good price, and she was overjoyed to have them in the store. She believed in him and was convinced his rocker would sell quickly. Did he want them to? What would happen after the sale? Would the new owner want to meet him? Want to know about him? It would start innocently enough. Simple curiosity about the craftsman, but one internet search could lead to another, and then what?

But what if the chairs didn’t sell? He needed to earn a living. He clasped his hands behind his head and stared upward. He didn’t know which scenario was more frightening: to see his chairs become a success or discover that no one wanted what he’d made.

A light tapping sound on the clubhouse door caught his attention. Fred peeked in. “I had a feeling I’d find you here.”

“Really? Why’s that?”

“It’s the most private place on the farm short of the hayloft, which is packed with furniture.” Fred pulled up a campstool. “So, what’s eating at you, son? You have the look of a man pulled in two directions.”

Luke took a moment to sort through his thoughts. “I’m not sure agreeing to sell my rockers in the store was such a good idea.”

“Why’s that?”

Luke shrugged. “Who knows where it will lead?”

“Maybe to something wonderful. You’re a talented craftsman. Your work should be celebrated.”

“My work, yes. Me, not so much.”

Fred scowled and pointed a finger at Luke’s face. “You have to stop trying to protect yourself from any kind of attention. You keep your guard up so high no one can get close to you that way.

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