Page 26 of Worth the Trouble

“I know it’s not great to discuss work when we’re at a party like this one, but⁠—”

A knowing grin crossed his face. “You need me to schedule that town meeting that folks have been avoiding.”

The blood drained from her face as she searched his eyes. He knew. But then, of course he did. Was he upset? She couldn’t tell.

He shrugged. “That shouldn’t be a problem. Honestly, I don’t get why people are so against change. This place has to be pushed to advance eventually. Why not sooner rather than later?” He looked over her head. “Come on, I’m going to introduce you to some friends of mine.”

She turned to follow along, stunned it had been that easy. But now she was even more on edge, as if she’d done something wrong and was going to get caught. She didn’t recognize anyone at this party. So many faces and yet not a single one she’d seen in town on her excursions.

This wasn’t the tour around town she’d thought Kyle had promised.

True to his word, he introduced her to a few people he worked with. A few who commuted to the city to work or worked remotely. And surprise, surprise. All of them were interested in what her father wanted to build in town.

With each passing minute, she felt her soul slipping. She didn’t want to be here anymore. It was like she’d tripped in a puddle of mud, and she was covered in it. Even though she didn’t owe Wendy or Serenity or even Jason anything, she couldn’t help but feel like she’d let them down.

But if she fought for them and what they wanted, then she’d be letting her father down, and she couldn’t decide which was worse.

It was the dilemma of the century, considering she’d never been interested in going against what her father wanted.

She needed out.

Cecelia couldn’t stay at this party any longer, not with her soul on the line. She needed to figure out where she stood on this matter and stay there. It took another twenty minutes before she could find an opening in the conversation her little group was having so she could slink off with the excuse she needed to use the restroom.

And with that thought in mind, she headed for the front of the property. If she got a little way down the road, she might be able to get a taxi or an Uber, and she could head home.

Cecelia made it to the main road and glanced both ways. Then she turned to the right and started walking. She hadn’t wanted to call a ride service while she was at the house in case Kyle came out to find her.

Kyle.

Well, shoot. She’d need to message him and tell him she’d had to go home.

Her face burned, her emotions getting the better of her. Good thing no one was here to witness her shame.

Cecelia stumbled along the shoulder of the road. Her heels were not the best choice of footwear, a fact made plain when she tripped and her phone flew from her hand.

Right into a puddle.

“No. No. No!” She scrambled for the puddle and sank her hand into the muddy water. No amount of swiping at it or rubbing it against her jacket would make the device power on again.

She threw her head back and groaned.

It was only then that a truck engine registered, approaching. Before she could turn around, the vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

Cecelia held up a hand, blocking the headlights from her eyes. The truck door opened and boots crunched into the gravel on the side of the road. When he stepped into the beam, she knew who it was.

There was no missing that form she would have recognized anywhere.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Jason didn’t believe in fate.

Or at least he didn’t think he did.

Not until he was driving along the highway and saw a familiar figure.

What in heaven’s name was Cece doing out in the middle of nowhere alone? He slowed his truck as she stumbled then scrambled forward.

He didn’t know what she was looking for until she rose to her full height, phone in hand and her face a mask of frustration and surprise.