Santa's Sweetheart (The Christmas Tree Ranch #4)(29)
Opening her eyes, she saw Ed Judkins coming out of the building. Her pulse slammed. He was staring at the car from across the parking lot, staring at her, as if he were about to come over. He was bound to have questions, but she was in no frame of mind to answer them.
As he started toward her, she turned the key in the ignition. The engine purred to life. The car all but sprang forward as she shifted, touched the gas pedal, and zoomed out of the lot. After slowing down, she drove aimlessly through the back streets, fighting her emotions. This was ridiculous. The man wasn’t dangerous. He only wanted to intimidate her. But his words and his touch had triggered responses that she’d struggled to bury for years. She was angry, scared, and on the edge of losing control.
By the time she pulled onto a side street and stopped in front of an empty house with a realty sign out front, she was shaking.
Clutching the top of the steering wheel, she rested her forehead on the backs of her hands. She could feel her heart pounding inside her rib cage. She’d come to Branding Iron for a new start—to heal from the anxieties that had plagued her life and to find her own strengths. Until today, she’d believed she was making progress. She had a job she loved, good friends, and the chance to become a part of this close-knit community.
But all it had taken was a word and a touch from a man in power to reduce her to a bundle of raw, quivering nerves. The encounter had carried her back to the moment she’d come home from school and heard those sounds behind the bedroom door—the moment she’d learned that no man—not even her beloved father—could be trusted.
And her boss was no different from the others.
She couldn’t let it happen again. But something told her that Judkins hadn’t given up. Maybe she should just confront him. But Judkins had an ego. Challenging his power could put her job in jeopardy. It might be easier, and smarter, to lie and say that she had a boyfriend. Sam was a friend. Maybe he’d be willing to help her out with some role-playing.
But what was she thinking? This was her problem, and she mustn’t depend on a man to rescue her. Whatever it took, she would handle this issue herself.
Right now it was time to take deep breaths and think about something else. As she started the car and headed back toward Main Street, Sam came easily to mind—Sam, with his gentle gray eyes, his big, strong hands, and his way of making her feel safe when he was around.
Last night, the sheriff had literally saved her life. And today he’d taken extra pains—and surely paid more than his insurance would cover—to make sure she had a first-class car to drive.
She hadn’t even thanked him properly. Maybe it was time she did.
Stella’s Bakery was on Main Street. Wynette had mentioned that she’d be starting work there today. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to stop by and give her some support—and to pick up some thank-you treats. Grace parked at the curb and climbed out of the car. The red Cadillac drew stares from passersby, who probably thought she’d won the lottery.
By now, the sun was going down. Christmas lights glowed through the wintry twilight. Shoppers hurried to their cars. The stores, including the bakery, closed at six. Grace had arrived just in time.
Wynette gave her a smile from behind the glass-fronted counter. Wearing a pink smock, she looked tired but happy after what must’ve been a long day. “Heavens, Grace,” she said, staring through the front window at the car. “Did you rob a bank or something?”
Grace laughed. “It’s the sheriff’s replacement for the green bug. Mine to drive until the Honda’s fixed.”
“Wow!” Wynette brushed a smear of flour off her cheek. “I know what you keep telling us, but I think that man has got it bad for you.”
Grace shook her head. “I’m sure he was just feeling guilty. But I wanted to thank him by dropping off some treats. Have you got anything left?”
“Just doughnuts, but you know they’re good. I can give you a dozen assorted. We box them at the end of the day, but they’re still fresh.”
“Great. I’ll take a box.” Grace slipped a bill out of the wallet in her purse. “How has your first day gone, Wynette?”
“Awesome.” Wynette handed Grace her change and a pink cardboard bakery box. “My feet are killing me, and I’ve got a lot to learn, but I can tell I’m going to love this job. I’m really hoping Stella will keep me on.”
Just then, Wynette’s new boss, Stella Galanos, walked out of the back. A stunning, dark-eyed brunette of about thirty, she was dressed in a pink smock similar to Wynette’s. An impressive diamond engagement ring dangled from a chain around her neck, most likely to keep it safe while Stella baked. Wynette had mentioned earlier that Stella’s fiancé owned a fancy Greek restaurant in Cottonwood Springs. If the size of the diamond was any indication, the man must be doing all right.
After greeting Grace with a dazzling smile, Stella turned to Wynette. “Great job today,” she said. “When you’re free, I need to show you how we close up the shop.”
“I was just leaving.” Grace said good-bye and walked back outside to the car. Ignoring the curious stares, she climbed inside and drove away.
Grace knew where the sheriff lived. She’d been given a list of contact information for all her students, and his address had stuck in her mind. As she turned onto the street, which wasn’t far from the school, she could see the big tan Jeep in the driveway. The older pickup truck he drove when he was off duty was parked next to it.