Faith & Fox Smith's Corner

By Jayne Paton

She’s haunted by her history, but he’s the warm embrace she craves. Can they weather the storm and win their forever?

Faith Cadwell fought like hell to give her daughter a fresh start. Resolving not to repeat the same mistakes she made with her abusive ex-husband, she swore off men the moment she fled his controlling clutches. But the handsome mute guy at her little girl’s recital has her struggling to ignore the feelings stirring in her heart... and on a mission to learn to sign.

Fox Smith’s tough exterior hides a gentle soul. So when a casual encounter re-introduces him to the gorgeous single mom, the born-mute bartender is eager to let his real self show. But when he witnesses Faith’s clear connection with another man, he fears he has no hope for true love.

When Faith’s terrifying ex shows up making menacing threats, she’s grateful for her quiet new hero’s protection. And though Fox still believes the fiery woman belongs to another, he’s determined to fight for their future by any means necessary.

Can they overcome misunderstandings and threats to find their path to happily ever after?

Faith & Fox: Smith’s Corner is the enthralling fourth book in The Heartwood romance series. If you like strong-minded women, protective men, and steamy passion, then you’ll adore Jayne Paton’s pulse-pounding tale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jayne Paton
• Release date: Jun 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005585082

Jayne Paton

An author just looking to create a little escapism in a world where everyone needs to be romanced.

Book preview

The heavy tread of his shoes on the polished floor sent shivers through me, and I worked to stop my hands from trembling as I continued to chop the vegetables for dinner. No matter how hard I tried to get my heart rate to slow with the breathing techniques I’d learned from the secret classes I’d been taking online, they weren’t working. His mood had been more erratic of late, and I eyed the counter to make sure everything was as orderly as I could make it.

The air hissed between my clenched teeth at seeing nothing that looked out of place, at least to me. That, however, meant little. No matter how hard I tried to have things the way he wanted them, he would always find fault. I’d learned over the years that the light of glee in his eyes showed exactly how much he got off on terrifying me. The control he needed in his life was attached to everything, from how I put a plate on the table to the way I stood.

It didn’t matter what it was. He had an opinion on how it should be, and only his opinion counted in this house. The only time I could breathe freely was when I was at work. But lately, he’d started to make grumbling noises about it taking too much of my time away from the house and him. I’d become terrified that would be the next thing he’d take from me.

I’d been in my final year at college when we’d met. I’d been flattered by his attention and bowled over by how attractive he was. Hunter, my best friend at college, had warned me that there was something a little off about Kingsley, but I thought it was a little bit of jealousy as I was no longer able to spend as much time with Hunter. He was gay and a huge guy many thought was straight because of his size and inherent flirtatious nature. Kingsley had been no different, thinking that Hunter only wanted to get in my panties. So I’d distanced myself from my best friend and, to my peril, ignored his warnings. By the time I’d realized what had happened, I was married and ostracized from my friends and family.

Kingsley had moved us to River Canyon, thousands of miles from everyone that would see what he’d been doing to me. See what he was doing to our daughter. The bright, bubbly girl had changed over the last year to an introverted child who jumped at her own shadow.

It was time to take a stand, but how to do it was the hard part. I had no one here to help me. They were all Kingsley’s friends, ones who couldn’t see beneath the mask he wore to hide his dark side.

I worked on slowing my breathing to stop showing any signs of distress as he pressed his large body against me. His aftershave was cloying as it filled my nose. The muscles he was so proud of rippled while he pushed his pelvis against my backside. His lips touched my bare neck. The caress did nothing to me, but I gave a breathy moan, one he’d expect.

He’d long since beaten out the love I had for him, if it’d been love at all. Of that, I was no longer sure. I’d read extensively about the manipulation of men and how a person could be brainwashed over time. I no longer believed anything that came out of his mouth. How could I when no matter how many times he apologized, the following day he’d start all over again, letting his temper rule our lives. The one time I’d stupidly suggested therapy to help with his anger issues, I hadn’t been able to take a breath without pain for a month due to the broken ribs I’d sustained.

The only time he’d let up was when I’d gotten pregnant, and for a while, I’d hoped that our daughter would be the one thing that would stop him and make him seek help. Within weeks of her birth, he was back to normal, but he was jealous of the time I had to spend with Royal. As she went from baby to toddler to a child who was aware of her surroundings, I’d slowly come to the realization I had to change things. Yet, I hadn’t figured out how because he controlled everything, including my money.

What are you making? There was an edge to his voice I’d come to recognize and fear.

The beef casserole you love. I kept my tone respectful while the hand holding the knife trembled without my permission. It drew my gaze.

Could I stab him?

Would I have the courage?

What if you don’t succeed? What would happen to Royal? The voice of sanity questioned.

I laid the knife down and attempted to twist to face him, to see how bad his day had been. Whatever went wrong in the company he owned that paid for the fancy house we lived in tucked away from all the other houses in town, it always became my fault somehow.

His hands stopped me, his fingers biting into my hips, surely causing more bruising to add to the fading collection that covered my skin under my clothes. He was never stupid enough to mark me where others could see.

We had this last week. Do you have no imagination? His laugh was hard and bitter. I braced, but it was too late. He was already jamming my body against the counter hard enough it stole my breath. Pain shot through my stomach as it connected with the marble top.

A hand pushed my head down toward the chopping board full of vegetables. He stopped just short of ramming my face into the knife I’d put down. A sob rose, and I closed my eyes and prayed that Royal would stay in the other room.

I’m sorry. I can make something else, I pleaded, all the while hating myself just a little more.

Hot breath touched my ear before his mouth pressed against the shell, and he shouted loud enough to cause pain to radiate up into my skull. Fucking useless is what you are. How the fuck did I end up with you?

I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from crying out, knowing that would only anger him further. The slap to the side of my face stung, and my eyes opened, and I looked directly at Royal’s terrified face. Something he’d broken long ago seemed to snap back together at the sight of Royal’s tear-drenched eyes.

Do something! Do it now! If not for you, do it for Royal.

The internal voice was deafening. It was all too much. I wrenched my head from his hand and slammed it back into his face hard enough to see stars. The loud crack was followed by wetness splattering my hair before I was released. Instinct kicked in, and I grabbed the knife, knowing that when he gained his senses, I’d pay dearly for this retaliation. He’d staggered back far enough to allow me to breathe. His eyes were wide and full of shock as he held his bleeding nose. Not once had I ever fought back, struck him. Never again was I going to be his punch bag!

Royal, come to Mommy. Whatever was in my voice, she ran to me without question. The second she touched my side, I pulled her to me. The knife I kept in front of me and my eyes on the man who’d been my husband for too many years.

He shook his head and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. His eyes narrowed, and cold dread unfurled in my stomach. What do you think you’re doing?

The steel in his voice stabbed at my control, my hand shook, but I didn’t lower it. The car keys I’d left on the hook by the back door were right there. Freedom, if I could just get to them. Could get out the door without him stopping me.

His hand dropped to his side, and he took one step toward me. Don’t move, I said, working on keeping my tone even. It’s over. This, you and me, the abuse, the controlling. It’s over.

The smirk left me struggling to pull in a breath as he actually relaxed back against the breakfast bar behind him. It was fake. He was no more relaxed than me. I’d played this cat and mouse game too many times to be fooled. I edged my way to the door, not taking my eyes off him for a second. The smile was sinister by the time I got to the door. The silence almost deafening as Royal clung to my leg and didn’t let go.

The keys were right there, but could I risk taking my eyes off him? The hand holding the knife was slicked with sweat as I considered if Royal was tall enough to grab the keys.

Put the knife down, and we’ll forget this little indiscretion.

Did he think he was fooling me? Royal, grab Mommy’s car keys.

His lips curled up as he spat out, Touch those keys, child, and you won’t sit down for a week from the spanking.

The sobbing tore at my heart but was swiftly filled with pride as Royal reached for the keys and took them off the hook.

Kingsley hissed a loud curse, but he didn’t move. His eyes were back to going wide. He thought he’d broken me, and maybe he had, but there was still some fight in my little girl. I reached back with my hand and searched for the door handle. Everything from then happened in slow motion. He lurched forward as I twisted the handle and pushed it open. The second the air hit my back, I threw the knife, uncaring what I hit as I reached down for Royal. Spinning, I dove out the door clinging to my child.

Never more grateful that he always insisted the car be right by the back door, I snatched the keys from Royal, clicking the fob. The sound of the locks disengaging was the sound of freedom. My whole body shook, the terror so huge I grappled with the door handle for a second until it opened, and then I launched both Royal and me into the driver’s seat. A second later, the door was shut and the locks engaged.

He howled nonsensical words and hit the car with such force I felt it shake. Royal whimpered in my lap, and I ran a shaky hand over her hair. Baby, I need you to get in your seat. Can you do that for Mommy? I could hardly hear myself speak with the angry cries continuing outside the car.

She nodded. Her eyes were so huge that they appeared to take up her whole face as I shook and helped her strap in. Key in the ignition, I didn’t look out the window as I started the engine.

His spit ran down the window as he bellowed, Get out of the fucking car, Faith.

The years of keeping control broke, tears ran down my cheeks, and I madly dashed them away. I met the stare of the monster outside the window. Fuck you, asshole.

I hit the gas pedal, not once looking back at the manic who proclaimed to love me screaming my name. Love was for fools. One look at my daughter’s terrified face, I vowed I’d never make that mistake again.

Two Years Later

The man sitting at the kitchen table wore a very unhappy expression. We’d been arguing for the last hour over Kingsley. Weeks earlier, Hunter had insisted I file for divorce and had eventually worn me down with all the arguments. He was right, I did need to sever all ties, and this was the way to do it. I didn’t want any money or alimony for Royal, but it also meant that Kingsley could fight for custody of my child. It had been a huge part of why I’d kept hidden and made sure he hadn’t been able to find me. The fear he’d take my child and subject her to more trauma was too much, but living with the terror was worse some days. It ate at me, gave me nightmares. And though I wanted to kick Hunter’s ass for pushing me, he was right. The fear, the terror, would eat away at me, and that would affect Royal. She’d suffered enough, witnessed things no child should see, and it was time to make a stand.

If I was to protect her, then I needed to face the monster whether I was truly ready or not. I’d known deep down the minute I’d registered the paperwork that Kingsley would show up. I’d made sure to keep Hunter’s address off the paperwork, and I’d used a PO Box registered in Farley. It had made no difference. The man was nothing if not resourceful. He’d always been that way. Showing up at the house had proven that. Why had I left the damn door open? I should have never filed for the divorce. Brought him to your house, I muttered crossly.

Hunter held up his hand and shut me down with one look. It’s been two years. You need to move on with your life. I understood hiding here for the first year. I did. I was patient. You and Royal needed time to heal, to find your footing after what that asshole did to you and that beautiful baby. It’s time now, Faith. I’m your best friend. I’ve had your back this whole time. He got up and came to me and wrapped me in his arms. The hug was gentle as he rested his chin on top of my head.

I wound my arms around his middle and clung on, enjoying his masculine scent. He came into your home. He knows where we live.

Yes, and we talked about that. We were prepared for it happenin’. It’s a lesson learned about checkin’ the doors, right? There was humor in his voice as he gave me a little squeeze. Though maybe I should thank him for cleanin’ up.

The laughter was out and unexpected as I pulled back. Trust you.

Hey, good help is hard to find. Do you think he’d want the job of cleanin’ up after me?

My laughter increased as he’d meant it to. We both knew he’d never willingly let Kingsley in the house. You could ask him next time he comes around.

His eyes darkened. Let’s hope I’m here the next time he comes around. I’ll teach the fucker a lesson he won’t easily forget.

I sighed because he meant it, and a part of me was just wicked enough to want to watch. We talked about this.

He tweaked my nose much like he often did with Royal. We talked about it when you turned up here battered, bruised, and broken that I should go and do the same to him. You’re none of those things now. We have all the evidence the doc collected. Every damn mark he’d left on you. The X-rays of all the old fractures. His expression turned serious. You need to stand and fight him, prove that he doesn’t hold any power over you, or you’ll never move on fully. Or be ready to do more than dip your toe into the dating pool.

Whoa there. I’ve been on two dates, that does not mean I need to dive headfirst into the dating pool. I’m still married, Hunter! The couple of dates I’d had were more testers, and both guys had been nice and, as Hunter put it, boring. They suited me, or so I thought. My skin warmed, and it had little to do with the sunlit room.

He chuckled and let me go as I stepped back, my heart jackrabbiting against my ribs when a certain face popped into my head: Fox. The man had been there on the edges of my mind slipping to the forefront on the oddest occasion. Although I’d sworn myself off men and relationships after Kingsley, Hunter had restored my faith in men when I’d forgotten there were decent men out there. Fox and his brothers were proving to fit in that category regardless of their bad-boy image. A shiver ran through me that had nothing to do with fear when I recalled Fox’s gaze on me during the production. I’d noticed it several times, or more like felt it.

There is someone out there for you. Someone who will cherish you the way you should be. Don’t close yourself off to that. Please, he begged, and I sagged when Fox’s face remained front and center.

If I find myself truly interested in a guy, I’ll let you know, and then you can vet him.

His laughter was loud and full-bodied as he cocked out his hip. You trust me to vet your man? You know I can send a straight man gay.

Whatever. I’ve seen the way you stare at Holden. He’s still straight, and you’re still frustrated. His lower lip poked out in an adorable pout that made me laugh. Anyway, we got off-topic. What are we gonna do about Kingsley? Should I take up Ash’s offer of using Levi’s apartment at Smith’s Corner?

He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze dropping to the pin I wore all the time. I’ve got you covered. That security pin will alert me to any issue you have the minute you hit it. I can see your exact location if I need to come and find you. The house security is tighter than Fort Knox. I think you’re better off here for now. I know I can protect you. He pointed at me. You can also kick Kingsley’s butt with all the self-defense trainin’ I’ve given you. Between us, we got this.

The fluttering in my chest calmed a little at the truth of his words. He’d worked hard to get me to the point that I wasn’t a defenseless female, unable to protect myself if needed. Up to now, I’d never had cause to use it, and I prayed that if or when the time came, I’d be able to stand up for myself.

Okay. Okay. I checked the clock on the wall. I’m gonna have to go and pick up Royal before Ash thinks I’ve forgotten about my promise to take the girls for ice cream so he can help Milky with installing the new kitchen.

His face lit up at ice cream. Want company?

I grinned. You want ice cream.

Yeah, and your point is?

The responding grin was full of wicked cheekiness, and not for the first time I wished he were straight and that I could love him. I wish you were straight.

The smile seemed to grow to epic portions. Honey, you and all the female population of Everdale.

I shook my head. Be careful that ego of yours doesn’t hit you on the behind.

Is it ego when it’s the truth? he quipped back lightning fast.

With an eye roll, I grabbed my purse off the table where I’d laid it earlier when we’d started this conversation. Let’s go get Royal before your head gets too big to fit out the door.

Never gonna happen. My head is fixed in the reality that the one man it wants isn’t interested, he proclaimed dramatically, laying the back of a hand against his forehead while he used an exaggerated southern accent.

Laughing, I tugged him to the back door. You haven’t told Holden you’re interested, have you?

He said nothing as he locked the back door after we exited the house. The heat shimmered off the asphalt, and I glanced up at the cloudless bright-blue sky. It’s gonna be another hot one. At least in River Canyon, there were seasons.

We have those here, hot, hotter, and hotter than hell.

At least I no longer melt when I step outside the door. It had taken a little bit of adjusting to when I’d first moved in with Hunter. The constant heat was more than a little shocking.

In the car, keys in the ignition, Hunter touched a hand to my thigh. I glanced at him, my brow arching.

No, I haven’t told Holden how I feel. He seems to have already made up his mind about me. He shrugged, but he looked anything but happy.

Maybe you need to stop flirtin’ with half the town’s population. I know you have a few hookups, but you haven’t dated anyone seriously since—

He pressed a finger to my lips. Nope, let’s not talk about him.

I licked at his finger, and he made a choking sound. Gross!

You asked for it. I grinned and laid my hand on top of his, meeting his stare. I’m not the only one who needs to put the past to bed.

He chuckled though it didn’t sound amused. That’s the problem. I did put him in my bed. Typical, gay guy fallin’ for the straight guy and thinkin’ it would all work out. Holden has heartbreak written all over him. I know he wants me. He doesn’t like it one bit. That means there’ll be no happy ever after for me.

You’re feelings are that strong?

He sucked in a noisy breath, and I caught the flash of vulnerability before he could mask it behind his smile. Unrequited love, it’s what all epic romances are about, darlin’. The Rhett Butler impersonation was impressive, but I didn’t smile.

We’re a pair, aren’t we?

That we are.

A silence descended for a few seconds as Hunter’s gaze went to the windshield, his lips tugging down. Let’s go binge on ice cream.

The smile was back, and it reached his eyes. Ice cream always makes things better.

I can’t argue with that. Now, what flavors are you going for this time?

Listening to Levi and Ash, I struggled to keep hold of my frustration that Faith had chosen not to take Ash up on the offer to stay in Levi’s apartment. After meeting Faith and her sweet daughter, Royal, I’d been a little edgy and feeling out of sorts.

The moment I’d laid eyes on her, I’d been immediately attracted to her. The punch to the gut had been the equivalent of Stone laying one on me. Something he’d done when I’d pissed him off and he’d retaliated with his fists when we’d been teenage boys. Ma had blasted us with the hose to get us apart when we’d been too hotheaded to listen to sense. I could still recall how my stomach had hurt for weeks after. Stone had a solid right hook, one I avoided after that.

I was a quick learner, and it was why I’d kept my distance from Faith after the initial introduction. Her body language screamed stay away. Her sad eyes, offering up the wealth of pain she possibly wasn’t aware she was revealing, only to the likes of me, who used eyes and expressions to pick up the undertones others missed by not looking closely. And I had looked closely, unable to resist torturing myself for the couple of hours I’d sat in the gym supposed to be watching Ashe perform. No, I’d spent the entire time watching the intriguing woman with the sad smile full of secrets that I wanted to learn.

Faith has talked it over with Hunter. They’re happy and feel the house is secure enough to keep the girls safe.

I frowned at