A Heart That's Just Right

By Eryn Grace

Coco Goldy’s car slides on ice in the middle of a Colorado blizzard early in the morning. She finds herself at the doorstep of Jonathan Beare, who resides in the huge home with his elderly mother and father. He thinks she’s the famous burglar-lady-in-black, but she’d never heard of the woman—she just likes to dress in black. She’s stuck at the home, finding out that the man who takes her into his home is none other than the rich owner of Beare Candies. Even though he has a goal of helping her realize her gifts from God, she wants to get away from him before he realizes she’s not the person he thinks she is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eryn Grace
• Release date: Oct 5, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452455471

Eryn Grace

Eryn Grace makes her home in Wisconsin, with her husband, three grown children, and various pets. She writes as all author names on www.SweetTaleBooks.com. See her website at www.eryngrace.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Coco Goldy pushed the button for the doorbell, hearing it ring inside the huge brick home. Wind, sleet, and snow blew onto the covered porch, making her hide her face in her old black coat. Her hands shook and her heart still raced from the car accident that'd left her stranded on the desolate country road west of Denver. Granted, it'd taken a while to trudge through the ice to the house, so she kept telling herself she was shaken from the walking trip but not from the accident. However, she couldn't drive her car in its current condition. She never wanted to drive again, because the thought of dying in the accident terrified her.

The wind blew hard and the sleet hit her face once more. Her frozen hair hit against her cheek as if slapping her, chastising her for being out in such a storm. Hadn't she been punished enough in her life? With her past, it certainly seemed to be true.

The house light turned on and the inside dark wooden door opened. A man stood in front of her, wearing gray sweatpants and a blue sweatshirt, with no shoes on his feet. With one eye opened, his hair was askew as if he'd just woken up. However, his face was so handsome—Coco couldn't believe her luck.

A blast of warmth hit her as he opened the outer glass door. Her cheeks and ears felt sore from the cold, bringing her back to reality from staring at this man.

May I help you? The man checked his watch with a yawn. You do realize it's two in the morning. His jaw tightened. On a Saturday. He seemed almost angry. When I can finally sleep in.

She got the message, feeling guilty and unworthy of ringing the doorbell to the mini-mansion. She needed help and was willing to grovel if need be. Yes, sir, and I'm really sorry. She pointed behind her as her teeth trembled. My car just slid on the ice and it looks dead. I don't think I can drive it, let alone get into the driver's side from the ice. My cell phone battery's dead. Can you call a tow truck for me?

He wiped his eyes and stared down over her. You're soaked. He paused for a moment, his expression turning angry. Wait. You're the Burglar Lady in Black. Get off my porch. He started to close the outer door, but Coco knew this was her only chance before he locked the big wooden door behind it. His home was also the only house around that she could find in the blinding sleet and snow.

She pushed open the glass door farther and held open the inner wooden door. Who? Who are you accusing me of being? With her free hand, she pointed behind her once again. I had an accident and need a tow truck.

He didn't move for a moment, studying her from top to bottom, as if he was memorizing what she looked like. Wait right there while I call the police. As he backed away and closed the door, Coco tried to wrap her head around the man's comments while letting go of the outer door. She heard a lock click. The man was either terrified or didn't trust strangers.

She was hardly scary or untrustworthy. Burglar Lady in Black? He was calling the police? What did she do wrong? She just needed a restroom and to get her car towed. As she sighed in frustration, her neck muscles strained, feeling like she'd been plagued with whiplash from the accident. From the look of the car when she'd walked away, she wasn't surprised her neck hurt because she'd probably been going too fast. She considered running back to her car, but since it took so long to get to this house in the ice and she was so cold, she just had to pay the price and wait. However, if he called the police, she'd probably end up in jail…again. At least it was warm in jail, from what she remembered.

While weighing her options to run back to the cold car, the inner door lock clicked again and the wooden door opened.

The handsome yet angry man stood in front of her with the phone at his ear. She's still here. He nodded, his gaze traveling from her head to her feet as he pushed open the outer door just a bit. Yes, sir. She's wearing all black, but no, she didn't try to get inside. He sighed, shaking his head. I understand. He moved his mouth away from the receiver. You don't behave like the Burglar Lady in Black. I'm to ask you where you were on Wednesday night.

She thought back to that night. I was working until eleven at night. I'm a clerk at Ralph's Groceries in Arvada. You can check. I started work at three in the afternoon.

What's your name? the man asked.

Coco Goldy. She lifted a lock of her hair and studied it, seeing the ice clinging to the strands. It matches my golden hair—at least it's golden when it's dry. I've been nicknamed Goldilocks because of my hair and name.

Goldilocks? He laughed slightly and recited her name over the phone, returning his attention to her a moment later. I'm Jonathan, or Jon, Beare and live here with my parents.

She couldn't believe it, a small chuckle escaping from her lips as she shivered. The three bears live here? Momma Bear and Daddy Bear…which makes you Baby Bear?

Sure, but if there's a real bear on this property, I'm running the other way. He grinned slightly, returned to the phone, and repeated the information on her whereabouts from two nights before. Yes, officer. Thank you. I'm going to keep her here because there's no way she can leave in this storm. If you need any more information, just call me. Jon nodded and laughed. Yes, sir. You have a good night, too, sitting in your office watching the ice fall. He ended the call and opened the door further. I'm sorry, Miss Goldy. I need to apologize for my behavior. It's just that you're wearing all black and that's the Burglar Lady in Black's signature color. Come on in and be my guest.

She pointed behind her, not moving an inch. Wasn't he getting this? I just need a tow truck. My cell phone's dead. I can wait outside for it. Since he didn't seem to trust her, she wasn't about to ask to use the bathroom.

You can't stay out there. Come in and get warm. You look frozen.

She crossed her arms and shivered, not wanting to go inside this unknown home. I just need to use a restroom and call for a tow truck. That's the reason I took this road because the sign on the main road promised a gas station with a restroom.

He backed away, flipped off the porch light, and turned on the inside hall light. I can't let you die out there. With one arm extended, he ushered her into his home. Come inside and we'll see what we can do to help you.

When she entered his home, the warm air surrounded her as if she'd walked into a furnace. She just hoped it wasn't a nasty place to be. Thank you, she said. I'll pay you as soon as I can get my purse out of the car. I couldn't get back in the car because I kept slipping on the sheet of ice. It's not nice out there, but I can try.

Come with me, he said, and locked the inner wooden door behind her. The bathroom's this way.

Thank you. She wiped her feet on the mat and followed him down the hallway past a sitting room on the left. Her black heels clacked on the wooden floor to a bathroom, situated between what looked like a kitchen and a living room. She could only see from the moonlight coming through the far windows and the dim light from the foyer.

He flipped on the bathroom light. I'll wait right here for you.

She inched past him, worried it may not be safe. Thank you. Then I'll be on my way.

We'll talk.

Coco walked inside and closed the door behind her. Her freezing wet clothes stuck to her skin but she was determined. She took a chill, hoping she wouldn't get sick.

After she finished, she opened the door and turned out the light. She took a step in the hallway, walking right into Jon, who was leaning against the wall in the shadows.

She jumped back, her heart beating a million miles an hour. Sorry. I didn't see you there. She'd been looking down at her feet, hoping they weren't ruining the wooden floor.

He smiled as he went into the hallway toward the front, the soft light illuminating his stubble, which hid two small dimples beside his lips. He glanced down over her as she shivered, but she was unable to control it. You don't look well, he said. I can't send you back out there. Everyone's been told to get off the roads, so even if you are the Burglar Lady in Black, you won't get too far if you steal anything.

Steal? I've never stolen anything in my life. Accused, yes, but guilty, no.

With a sigh, he crossed his arms, still watching her. The cop said you probably aren't her. I need to be less judgmental.

She headed toward the door, her heels making that noise again. The sound sliced through the banging of the wind hitting the house. Coco didn't need to be here because she refused to be considered a criminal ever again.

She thrust out her chin in determination, turning her entire body to see him one more time before she walked out the door. I'll be in my car waiting for someone to pass by who doesn't hate me. Maybe they'll call a tow truck if I'm lucky. Thank you for the use of your bathroom.

She turned back toward the door and reached out in one swift movement. Just as the cold metal doorknob chilled her hand, he grabbed her elbow, making her spin toward him, making her neck hurt even more. She winced and took a deep breath, her hand flying to the sides of her neck.

Are you in pain? He appeared to be concerned with lowered eyebrows and a frown.

I'm fine. I'll just be leaving. She turned again, but his hand stayed on her arm, making her look up at his face.

No, Jon said. I can't leave you out there. I'd feel guilty all night long and worry about you. Please stay here. I trust you.

Her eyebrows careened toward her hairline. You trust me? But you just thought—

I thought wrong. The real Burglar Lady in Black wouldn't give the cops her name or her alibi. I'm sure they're checking it out, too.

Coco crossed her arms. My alibi is true. I can show them my driver's license as soon as I get my purse. The cop can call anyone and they'll know I was there because I had to mop the floors that night. Some lady fell, threatening to sue because of me. That was my second strike, even though I was doing my job. They're open 24 hours a day, so they can call tonight. I hope they do to prove my innocence for whatever they thought I did.

Jon's mouth fell open and his eyebrows lifted. A lawsuit? Seriously? You lead an exciting life.

Not exciting. Sad. She felt like life always kicked her when she was down, making sure she could never get back up again. I may have to get a lawyer if Ralph doesn't help me. I even put out signs that said the floor was wet, but the woman didn't notice, or so she said to me. She was reading her phone—probably a text message—right before I tried to stop her from walking on the wet floor. That happened around seven at night. She shook her head. I hate that job, but it's all I have now, considering my car doesn't run. She even glanced at the door, realizing she couldn't see through the heavy wood to her dead car.

Well, it looks like you have to stay here tonight. He took her arm. I can't let you die from the cold. He led her toward the stairs, left of where they were standing. As he turned on a light upstairs and flipped off the hall light, a dim nightlight softened the darkness downstairs. They climbed to the second floor in silence, worrying her.

The feel of the soft thick cushioned tan carpet under her heels made her realize this guy had money…lots of money. It only made her trust him less. People with money—like her ex-boyfriend—usually wanted more than she could give, judging her in the meantime.

She'd humor this guy, stay for a few hours, and go back to her car. She really didn't like staying at a stranger's home, but she didn't think he'd hurt her. Her choice was simple…she could either stay here or freeze outside in the cold. She didn't think she'd die in the house, but staying in her car was another story.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

A smile lifted Jon's lips. After a deep chuckle escaped from his throat, he stopped and addressed her. This is just weird. You really chose the right house to go to in the middle of the night. He continued up the flight of stairs as he took her hand with a laugh. Goldilocks and the three bears. That's hilarious, but I'm sure it'll be even funnier in the morning.

I'm sure. It was most definitely not funny, but the heat from his fingers on her hand was interesting. She wondered if she was so cold that the heat from someone else's skin meant she'd lost body heat. Logic told her she was able to walk, so she was probably fine.

They reached the top of the stairs. Many closed dark wooden doors surrounded them, with a beige carpeted hallway sitting in front of them. To the left sat what appeared to be elevator doors. It was odd.

I'll get you something warm to wear, he said. You have to be freezing.

The more she thought about it, she had to get out of this place. He probably still thought of her as some type of burglar she'd never heard of. She couldn't deal with that and really didn't feel welcome here. However, if it were her house and he showed up, she'd probably call the cops and slam the door in his face to protect herself. At least he hadn't let her freeze.

She had to let him know she wasn't going to be his instant friend because of a fairytale. I appreciate it. If I can just get back to my car after that, I really can wait for a tow truck. I can pay you for the clothing, too. I really don't want to impose.

It's no imposition. He seemed almost apologetic. You don't need to be outside in this weather. You need to stay someplace warm and have a place to sleep. Jon pointed to three doors on the right-hand side of the staircase. Pick one. I'll be back. He walked off toward the three doors on the left, letting Coco pick a room on the right.

It was odd, but she needed to follow directions or he may not trust her. She walked around the top of the staircase and opened the farthest door from the stairs, flipping on the light. It was a huge bathroom, decorated in royal blue with a plush carpet and matching white towels. Even though the place was gorgeous, she couldn't sleep in there because the tub was way too hard and she had no pillow. What was this guy thinking? A bathroom to sleep in?

She turned off the light, took a few steps to the right, and opened the second door. It was a room decorated in dark green with a giant king-sized bed sitting up high, appearing rather intimidating. If she slept in there, she'd fall out of the bed and probably break her neck. Besides, the bed looked entirely too soft.

There was one more room, so she turned off the second room's light and opened the door to the third room. She turned on the light to a room containing a beautiful queen-sized poster bed with a dark blue comforter. She felt at home because it was so inviting. Lace curtains covered the windows, outlined by light yellow walls. It seemed like a little girl's bedroom. A small rocking chair placed beside a window seat on the front wall held a stuffed doll. The doll appeared to be so happy, dressed in a light pink dress with long blonde braided hair, looking like Goldilocks. It made Coco smile, thinking about the story of how Goldilocks had broken the small chair. She didn't want to repeat history in this room, for sure, and wouldn't be sitting beside the window to break that chair.

Another chair with a high back sat in the corner, with a big light brown teddy bear on top. A bear in the Beare house. Coco surmised this chair must be the momma bear's chair. A big chair sat at the desk in the corner closest to the stairs—the daddy bear chair, dark leather, swiveling, and overbearing in such a room.

Whoever had lived here—and it was definitely a girl—had probably grown up in this room, going from her early childhood through her teenage years. Coco wished she'd had such an opportunity, but stopped herself from lamenting her past.

Instead, she gazed at the window seat. Pillows in red, green, yellow, and blue sat on top, which appeared so inviting. She imagined what it'd be like to sit there cross-legged, staring out the window at the clouds in the sky. She'd dream of her future with a wonderful prince. The man would transport her by horseback to a big stone castle away from her horrible life.

If she lived in this home, she wouldn't have had the life she'd already lived, filled with extenuating circumstances, broken promises, and unfulfilled dreams. That past had molded her into the person she was today…someone who was moral.

Popping out of her thoughts, she headed toward the window and lifted the doll dressed in pink. The little girl who'd been in this room had been very lucky. Coco hadn't had any dolls or toys of any kind as a child. Her childhood was much sadder, the type of life she wouldn't wish on anyone.

You chose my sister's old room, she heard.

She spun toward around with the doll still in her hand. Jon stood in the doorway, holding some type of dark fabric.

Yes, she said, inching closer. Is this okay? The bathroom might've been a tough place to sleep, in a hard tub. That king-sized bed was so tall, I might get a nosebleed, and the bed seemed too soft, just from what I saw. This room seems…just right. It's a room I wished I'd had as a child. She put the doll back into the chair and stepped closer to him.

You picked a room that's just right, like Goldilocks would do. He chuckled, lifting the dark blue plush material he held, and handed it to her. I only found a robe, but I think my sister left some clothes in the closet in this room, from before she moved out. She should have big clothes, little clothes, and who knows what else because she's been yo-yo dieting. If nothing fits, wear the robe and we'll wash out your clothes in the morning. Feel free to take a shower if you want, in the bathroom two doors down.

He pointed, but it was unnecessary. She remembered the hard tub.

There's shampoo and soap in there, too, he said. It might help you warm up. Feel free to take another shower in the morning, whenever you get up. You're our guest and I want you to feel like you're at home.

As she took the robe, he appeared to be so compassionate. It was an odd combination of contradictions because he'd seemed more like a mean bear when she'd first met him. The soft glimmer in his blue eyes framed by his dark hair now said otherwise.

She had to keep her distance because she didn't want to get involved with any bears. Thank you. She backed away slightly. You're very kind. I'll pay you for your hospitality when I can get my purse.

Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal.

She glanced down over herself. I might just take a shower, because I fell in an icy puddle. I'm sure I'm dirty.

You did?

She hated the thought. I fell through the ice and into the water in the ditch at the end of your road.

He lowered his eyes down over her. Are you okay? Do you need medical care? You looked like you were in pain before.

She moved her head slightly, just to make sure the pain hadn't gone away. My neck's a little sore, but I'm sure it'll be okay with a shower. It's probably from whiplash.

He crossed his arms. Want some aspirin or something to brace your neck?

No. You've done more than enough to help me already. I don't want to be considered as someone who takes things and isn't grateful. She glanced around the room. I am grateful. This is a lot warmer than my car would be tonight. Thank you.

You're not someone who takes and doesn't give. That's really obvious to me. He watched her for a moment. Do you want something warm to drink? It might help.

I'm fine. Thank you for your hospitality.

You're welcome. He shook his head and walked away, closing the door behind him.

As soon as he was out of sight, Coco went down the hall and into the bathroom with the robe, thinking she probably was filthy and didn't want to dirty the sheets with mud. After a quick shower, she stepped out, dried off in a dark blue towel, and pulled on the plush robe. She was so warm compared to before, feeling calm. The smell of the soap and rose-scented shampoo filled the air, making her feel at home and loved.

Even though she felt as if this house was truly a fairytale home, Coco knew life was no fairytale and no one would ever love her. No matter where she went in life, there were problems. However, she could always dream.

When she went back into the bedroom, she closed the door and laid her black wet clothing over the small rocking chair beside the doll to dry.

She still needed something to wear, so she opened the huge walk-in closet to see what was there. On the far left hung some really big muumuus. She lifted the hanger for a blue one from the closet rod, thinking it might fall off her small frame. It seemed so comfortable and perfect for sleeping, that she decided she'd wear one of the large dresses, but not the blue one. It was too sad a color, and she wanted something to make her feel happy. She searched through the rainbow of colors to find something happier to wear.

After pulling the yellow one off the hanger, she removed the robe and pulled the dress over her head. With one step to the side, she studied her reflection in the mirror. She looked like her head was attached to a huge yellow beached-whale dress hanging down to her knees and ready to fall off. However, it was comfortable and warmer than she thought it'd be.

A giant dresser sat off to the side inside the gigantic closet, so Coco opened a drawer to find some underwear. The ones to the left were huge, the ones to the right about the size of a small child, while the ones in the middle seemed to be about her size in a brand new pack of six. After removing one pair from the package, she pulled it on under the dress and walked around the huge closet, seeing many different sizes of clothing. When Jon said this woman yo-yo dieted, he wasn't kidding. She hadn't even taken the tags off some of the clothes.

A knock at the door made her turn. She ran to open it, only to see Jon in front of her holding a mug.

As soon as he glanced down over her, he broke out in laughter. You chose that? Of all the clothes to wear in that closet, you chose some of her fat clothes? You look like the sun in that thing. I might have to cover my eyes. He lifted his empty hand to his brow in a mock shield.

She glanced downward, feeling her cheeks heat up because he was making fun of her. It looked comfortable to sleep in and it's warmer than my black clothes. She lifted her eyes to his face. Is that okay?

Sure. It looks funny, but yellow's better than black. Go ahead and wear it. I know I'll be dreaming about the giant yellow sunflower in my sister's old room.

He'd dream about her? That was odd, but Coco just figured he must be bored.

He chuckled as he handed her the mug, the heat filling her hand. I want you to drink that, he said. It's hot tea, with some honey in it. He pulled a bottle of medicine from his pocket, tapped out two pills, and handed them to her. Take two of these, too. They're just aspirin, but it'll help your neck.

Thank you. She glanced down, the steam from the sweet tea filling her nose. Bears like honey.

Yeah. Something like that, Goldilocks. He chuckled, his deep voice teasing her ears. You don't need to get sick, too. Get some sleep. There are extra new toothbrushes in the bathroom, along with new toothpaste. Just check under the sink. They should still be in their wrappers. His eyes lowered over her again, laughing before long.