Kindling for the Heart Read online

  Jo struggled to pick up the bag. “A good thing your bag is on rollers. It weighs a ton.”

  “Let me help you.” Sam grabbed one end and they carried it out together. “We can put it in the backseat.”

  “Nice set of wheels, by the way.” Jo wedged her end of the suitcase onto the seat of Sam’s warming vehicle. “Fitting for a lawyer from a big city like Toronto.”

  “You think so, eh?” Sam pushed, but her end of the bag wouldn’t move onto the leather backseat of her new vehicle.

  “Yep,” Jo said as she went to the other side to pull.

  “Just like your truck is fitting for a forester from a small town like Timmins?” Sam slid the bag all the way in as Jo tugged.

  “Not at all.” Jo shut her door and came around the vehicle. “My truck is a tool of my trade, not some status symbol like driving an expensive SUV in the city.”

  “Are you judging me?”

  “Maybe.” Jo walked past her toward the cottage. “I’ll put your stash of wine in the cargo space where you can’t access it.”

  “I thought we could share a bottle tonight for our anniversary.”

  Jo swung around. “Anniversary?”

  “One week ago today, you and Mollie rescued me.” Sam tried to close the gap between them.

  “You mean your anniversary.” Jo continued to the cottage and flung the door open. “You should look at this as a new beginning in your life. A chance to change your ways.”

  “Ouch,” Sam said. “I’m not like that. I’ve always been monogamous in my relationships.”

  “Then why do you have such a one-track mind?” Jo’s big mitts jammed against her parka as her breath sent clouds into the cold cottage.

  “Is that how you see me? I’d love to have a long-term stable relationship with someone, but it’s never worked out. They’re not for me, I guess.”

  “Trying to have a fling with me will never get you the type of relationship you say you want.”

  “I know.” Sam knew Jo didn’t trust her. Probably never would. She sighed, afraid her voice might crack if she said anything else.

  “Look, I find you attractive.” Jo shook her head. “But I can’t go there with you.”

  “I know.” Sam turned away, afraid Jo might see the tears in her eyes. Time was running out and she really wanted to prove to Jo that this was different for her.

  “I’ll take these out now.” Jo picked up the box with the wine and carried it outside.

  Jo was waiting beside her truck with Mollie as Sam locked her cottage door for what would probably be the last time this winter. She felt defeated, wishing she could start over again with Jo. Why did she have to be such a jerk on that first day?

  “Everything’s locked up,” Sam said as she petted Mollie.

  “I’m sorry for sounding standoffish back there,” Jo said, “but you’ll be leaving soon and I’m afraid of getting too attached.”

  “Jo, you saved my life. We’re already connected as far as I’m concerned. I don’t want to hurt you. Ever.”

  “Good.” Jo kicked her feet together, knocking snow off her big insulated boots. “You’ll be gone by next week at this time anyway.”

  Sam crossed her arms. “Says who? Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  “Well I thought…”

  “You thought wrong. You’re supposed to put me to work. I’ve had enough sitting around. I want to start reviewing whatever legal files you’re thinking of.”

  “What about your job in Toronto?” Jo opened her rear truck door and Mollie jumped onto the backseat. “I can’t afford to pay you what you’re used to.”

  “You’ve already paid me more than enough. Besides, this isn’t about money. I don’t have to be back at work for another few weeks, so my services are yours until then.” She’d beg to stay, if she had to.

  “We’ll talk about it later. We should get moving.” Jo got behind the wheel of her truck. “I’ll go first, but won’t leave you behind if you get stuck.”

  “Thanks.” Sam shut Jo’s door then hurried to her warm SUV. She would follow Jo on this drive home, and perhaps anywhere after that.

  Chapter Seventeen

  They made it back into town in good time. Sam unloaded her vehicle while Jo went straight to her office to finish a few details for the open house. She couldn’t stop thinking about Sam. The way her eyes misted when accused of just wanting a fling, as though hurt at the suggestion. Could there be something more there? Sam wanted to stay longer even if she did make it clear she’d be heading back to work in a few weeks. Why wouldn’t she just hightail it back to Toronto now, where she could have all kinds of flings?

  Jo heard the basement stairs creaking, Mollie’s tags clinking as she followed. Sam must have finished unpacking and was heading down to watch TV. She looked at her watch. It was almost five and time to head to her mother’s for dinner. She called out to let Sam know she was ready to go and they left shortly afterward.

  When they arrived, it was already dark, and Anna came to the door to greet them.

  “Hurry in so you don’t let the heat out.” Anna gave each of them a hug as a buzzer went off in the warm kitchen and her mother took a casserole out of the oven. “You both look so tired and hungry. It’s a good thing Mom’s cooked a yummy dinner for you.”

  “Great! I’m starving.” Jo kicked off her boots then went to greet her mother near the blasts of heat still coming from the open oven.

  “Hi, dear.” Her mother closed the oven door and gave her a big hug. “I made your favorite. There’ll be some leftovers for you to take home.”

  “Mmmm. Macaroni and cheese.” Jo could already taste the creamy dish with its hint of garlic. It was her mother’s specialty and she’d never grow tired of it. “Perfect. Thanks, Mom. I can hardly wait to dig in.”

  “How’s Sam?” Her mother looked over her shoulder while wedging a serving spoon into the cheesy dish.

  “I’m great. Homemade mac and cheese is one of my favorites too.” Sam rubbed her hands together as she approached the kitchen island and leaned against a stool.

  “Can I get anyone a glass of wine?” Anna held up a bottle of chardonnay.

  “Shoot,” Sam said. “I forgot my bottle at home…I mean at Jo’s.”

  “There was no need for you to bring wine,” her mother said. “One bottle is enough for dinner.”

  “She had a bunch of bottles stashed at the cottage,” Jo said to distract from Sam’s comment about her place being home.

  “So you’re a bit of a lush then?” Anna raised her eyebrows toward Sam and hinted at a smile.

  Sam laughed. “Hardly. There were only four bottles, and they were meant to last at least a month.”

  “We brought them back in this afternoon,” Jo said. “Along with her vehicle and the rest of her stuff.”

  “I’m glad to hear you got everything out of there.” Her mother handed her a bowl of buns. “These can go on the table.” She turned back to Sam. “It’s a good thing you ran into Jo. She has the connections when it comes to needing a bush road plowed.”

  “Yes indeed. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll wash up for dinner.”

  “Everyone can start dishing up now,” her mother said. “I steamed some fresh broccoli for our vegetable.”

  “Thanks again, Mom.” Jo washed her hands at the kitchen sink then scooped a big blob of mac and cheese onto her plate before plunking down at the table.

  “Are you ready for tomorrow?” Anna tossed the lettuce salad and put some on her plate.

  “Pretty much, but I want to go over my notes again tonight to make sure I have my facts straight.” Jo reached for the salad, ignoring Sam as she sat down beside her.

  “She’s put together an amazing presentation,” Sam said, her hands still damp and smelling like her mother’s lavender soap.

  “I’m anxious to see it,” Anna said. “Mom and I’ll pop by the open house around two tomorrow.”

  Jo rolled her eyes. “You really don’t have to come. It�
�s not like it’s some school project that families have to support.”

  “Josephine, you’re too modest.” She hated it when her mother used her full name. It reminded her of being scolded as a child. “I’m looking forward to being the proud mother of a professional forester at this event.”

  “Will you be there, Sam?” Anna held a full fork of pasta midway between her plate and mouth.

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’ll be a great learning opportunity, especially since I’m going to be doing some work for Jo next week.”

  “You are?” Jo cringed as her mother spoke, a big smile accompanying her chipper tone. “That’s nice. What will she have you doing?”

  “She wants me to cast my lawyer eyes on some of her files involving legal jargon.” Sam broke a piece off her bun and began to dip it in her plate, her elbow almost hitting against Jo.

  “So she’s going to take advantage of you?” Anna grinned from Sam to Jo.

  “Of course not,” Jo said. “Sam doesn’t have to hang around for that.”

  “I’m doing it because I want to,” Sam said. “It’s the least I can do, considering everything Jo’s done for me.”

  “You’re not indebted to me. You can leave whenever you want.” Jo took more salad without offering the bowl to Sam before putting it back.

  “I know.”

  The rest of the meal was relatively quiet as everyone was hungry and tired. Jo got ready to leave right after the dinner dishes were put away.

  “Don’t forget to take some leftovers with you,” her mother said as she filled a glass-lidded bowl with pasta. “You can have some for a quick lunch before your busy afternoon tomorrow. And there’s enough for Sam too.”

  “How kind,” Sam said as she slipped on her boots. “Between you and your daughter, I feel so well taken care of.”

  “It’s good to know your needs are being met.” Anna winked at Jo.

  Jo just wanted to get out of there. “Thanks for dinner, Mom. If you change your mind about coming tomorrow, don’t worry about it. I won’t be insulted.”

  “Maybe you wouldn’t be insulted, but I’d be embarrassed not showing up.” Her mother handed her the food and kissed her cheek. “Have a good sleep, dear, and try to relax.”

  “I have a lot on my mind right now,” Jo said. “I can’t wait until tomorrow night.”

  “Is Sam taking you out to celebrate?” Anna asked.

  “Now that’s a good idea.” Sam almost chirped with excitement. “The two of you have to join us. It’ll be my treat for all the good hospitality you’ve shown me.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to do that,” her mother said. “It’s been a pleasure having you around and I hope you’ll stay for a while.”

  “I’ll be too tired to go out tomorrow night,” Jo said matter-of-factly, in an effort to put an end to it. “Thanks for dinner, Mom. I’ll see the two of you tomorrow.”

  Her truck was freezing inside as she backed it out of the driveway. They both shivered as the heater blasted on high and blew out air from the cold engine.

  “You don’t have to impress my mother, you know.” Jo gripped the wheel.

  “Is that what you think I was trying to do?”

  “Wasn’t it obvious? Making it sound like I’m taking care of your needs? Did you see the look Anna gave me? I’m going to have to pay for that comment when she gets me alone. What were you thinking offering to treat them to dinner with us when I’m going out of my mind with my work?”

  “I’m sorry to have upset you, Jo.” It bugged her that Sam’s voice was so calm. “I’ll try to be more careful in the future.”

  “That’s all you have to say?” The words just blurted out. “Apologizing for upsetting me? Well there’s no need to apologize for that. I’m fine and not worried about a future we don’t have together.”

  “Yes, you are worried, or you wouldn’t be so agitated.”

  “Don’t try to analyze me.” Jo stared out the windshield, her jaw tight. “If you must know, I’m fucking stressed right now. I have a big day ahead of me and nothing to wear tomorrow.”

  Sam burst out laughing. “You have a good sense of humor, Jo. I like that.”

  “I’m serious.” She stifled a smile, suddenly relaxing with Sam’s reaction. “I haven’t had time to wash my favorite outfit and want to be comfortable with what I’m wearing.”

  “That’s an easy fix,” Sam said. “I’ll put a wash on for you as soon as we get home.”

  “There you go again.”

  “What?” Sam’s shadow shifted, and Jo knew she was being watched.

  “Referring to my place as home when it’s just a short-term place for you to stay. Your home is in Toronto.”

  “My house is in Toronto.”

  “So is your life.”

  “You mean my job.” Sam’s shadow shifted again, and Jo glanced to see her looking out the side window. “I want to live for the moment. I feel like my life is here right now, and I want us to have fun together.”

  “I’m a planner. I need to have things mapped out. I want to know where I’m going and that things are stable, especially where my life is concerned.”

  “Stability.” Sam almost spat out the word. “It only works if you’ve found the love of your life or can exist in a tolerable state of unfulfilled passion.”

  Jo turned into her driveway and brought the truck to a racing stop. “Is that what you think I’m doing? Living in a world of denial?”

  “You tell me.” Sam undid her seat belt and turned to Jo. “Just because you have a plan in place doesn’t mean it’s the right one.”

  “And not having one is better? I’m not like you. I need to have a plan. Always.”

  “Always is a strong word, just like never.” Sam leaned into the center console, her arms folded. “I think we’re a lot alike. We certainly have two things in common: we’re extremely attracted to each other and both scared as hell.”

  Jo flung her door open and scrambled out of the truck. “I need to let Mollie out.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Citizens clustered in front of the monitor playing Jo’s slide show, watching with interest. Attendance at the forest management plan open house was good. A number of concerned residents also studied the large maps and photos displayed around the room.

  Jo was busy working the floor, laughing and talking with as many stakeholders as possible to get their views on what was being proposed for the block of Crown land slated for harvesting. She wore black wool dress pants, a royal blue sweater that brought out the beauty of her eyes, and black leather lace-up shoes—casual, but professional. Jo was undoubtedly the leader in the room.

  Sam stood in a corner, admiring Jo from afar and impressed with her ability to address concerns. As Jo flawlessly flowed from one conversation to the next, her opinion was in high demand. Both government and company officials seemed to gravitate toward her when discussions with members of the public became heated and voices were raised. Jo was obviously their issue manager and problem solver.

  Sam was awed and touched by Jo’s modesty. Clearly an expert in her field, Jo gave her full attention to each individual she spoke with. She greeted everyone with a beautiful smile and lengthy handshake to make a personal connection. Sam felt a connection too, her stomach twirling each time Jo looked her way.

  Julia and Anna entered the hall together, both undoing scarves and coats as they navigated their way toward Sam. It was just after two in the afternoon and the forum had been underway for a little more than an hour.

  “Looks like a good turnout,” Julia said as she gave Sam a quick hug. “Jo was worried the place would be empty.”

  “She’s amazing,” Sam was pleased with Julia’s warm hug, sensing the woman really liked her. Maybe even thought she was good for Jo. “The way she set things up this morning and is taking charge of the room right now is impressive. She’d make a good defense lawyer.”

  “My little sister’s always had a way of reaching out and being good a
t whatever she does,” Anna said, draping her coat over a chair.

  Julia put her coat on top of Anna’s. “I’m going to have a look around. I see a few people I want to say hi to.” She headed across the room.

  “Jo’s finally gotten her life back together and it’s nice to see her spending time with you,” Anna said, guiding Sam over to the refreshments table. “Please tell me you’re going to stick around for a while.”

  “That’s the plan.” Sam kept her eyes on Jo.

  “It’s good to hear you’re a planner too,” Anna said as she got a coffee, her spoon clinking against the mug.

  “I’m not, really.” Sam turned to Anna, sensing a hesitation in the way she stirred her coffee longer than necessary. She put her water bottle down on the refreshment table to tidy up a few stray napkins and used sweetener packets. “I met your son the other day. He’s very polite. You’ve done a good job raising him.”

  “Thanks.” Anna’s spoon finally clanked into the metal canister labeled for dirty ones. “Jo has always planned out her life and likes to be prepared for what could be ahead.”

  “Yes, I know that having a plan in place is important to her.” Sam picked up her water bottle and took a drink, knowing she’d just been warned.

  “Good. I’d hate for my little sister to get hurt.”

  “Me too. Is there anything else you want to say to me while we’re alone?”

  Anna patted Sam’s arm with her free hand and smiled. “I think you’re great for Jo right now. Her eyes haven’t lit up like that in a long time. I can see sparkles in yours when you look at her.”

  “Meeting Jo has been one of the best things to happen to me in a long time.” Sam smiled as she peered across the room, where Jo was by herself tidying up some papers next to one of the binders.

  Anna tugged at Sam’s sleeve. “Come on with me while I go say hi to her.”

  “Hey you two.” Jo beamed as they approached. There had been a small break between conversations with stakeholders so the timing for a quick chat was good.