Love Like Forever: Hearts in Hendricks

By D.E. Malone

Stealing Her Heart Was Not In His Job Description

 

Romance is the last thing on Carmen Navarro's mind. Up to her neck in student debt, she needs a teaching job, and she needs one fast. As if that wasn't stressful enough, she's also overseeing her parents' renovation project—which would be easier if the carpenter on the job had a little more work ethic and a lot less swagger. She has no time for his flirty banter and affable charm. So why can't she get him out of her head?

 

Matt Stetman is a catch. Everyone in Hendricks knows he'd give the shirt off his back to help a friend in need. He's been told a time or two that he's pretty delightful to be around too. But for some reason, the enigmatic Carmen seems immune to his charms.

 

Just as Matt begins to make headway—with the project and with Carmen—a secret from his past threatens to ruin everything. Can Carmen find the courage to trust Matt and take a shot at love? Or is the foundation of their relationship now broken beyond repair?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dawn Malone
• Release date: Oct 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781951516017

D.E. Malone

D.E. Malone writes sweet contemporary romances and is the author of the Hearts in Hendricks and Blueberry Point Romance series. She loves traveling to places off the beaten path which inspire the small-town settings in her stories. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, and continuing her quest for the holy grail of bakeries. Visit her website at https://www.demalone.com to subscribe to her newsletter or find her on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram at dmalonebooks.

Book preview

Chapter One

The little red arrow pointed to seventy-three on her speedometer as Carmen Navarro sped past the police car sitting at the crest of the hill. Her heart jumped into her throat. She tapped the brakes to slow down, still going ten over the limit, and prayed his lights wouldn’t appear in her rearview mirror during the next minute. Thank goodness for her sunglasses. She was sure her eyes had been as big as moons as she flew past him. A speeding ticket wasn’t in her budget this month.

In the passenger seat, her roommate, Elle Blanding, looked her over. You’re living dangerously, she said in a droll voice.

Carmen turned the radio down, muting the song that caused her to be so heavy-footed in the first place.

Bad habit. I can’t help it when I hear a good song. She made a mental note to find out the artist and title to add to her playlist. Something about a brown-eyed girl. She’d heard it before. An oldie.

Elle gave a short bark of a laugh. Tell that to the cop when he pulls you over.

She checked her rearview mirror one last time. This time, she lucked out.

It wasn’t only the song that put Carmen in a great mood. She’d been daydreaming about her job prospects as she and Elle drove along Highway 61 toward Hendricks under the cloudless, cerulean sky. She hoped to land a teaching job in the next few days. Then the nagging doubts about money and leaving a secure but boring job for a new career would go away.

Still, Elle stared at her, the skin creased between her brows. "What are you smiling about? You almost got a ticket."

When Carmen didn’t answer right away, instead making a point to look at the half bag of potato chips Elle was bent on finishing, Elle made a face, clipped the bag closed, and tossed it into the backseat.

Stress eating. That’s what it is. Elle opened the glove compartment to find a napkin. I wish one of us would just get a call.

Carmen gripped the wheel tighter. One of us will by the end of the day. I feel it.

They’d spent the day shopping in Duluth. Almost a two-hour drive from Hendricks, Duluth was the go-to place for strip malls with all the clothing stores she’d need for a professional wardrobe. She and Elle had planned this trip for weeks, anticipating the new clothes they’d need for their teaching jobs. Hendricks was not the place to shop for work clothes. For outfitting a hiking trip—yes. A day at the beach—certainly. Even a casual outfit—jeans and tops and shoes—most definitely. Hendricks was an outdoor lover’s destination, thriving with a laid-back vibe. It was the upper Midwest version of the Florida Keys.

I bet it’s you. You’re so calm and professional. Me, I just feel like I’m all over the place in interviews. Elle fluttered her hands to prove the point.

Call it enthusiastic. There’s nothing wrong with being passionate. Carmen glanced at her friend. That’s huge in a classroom. Kids will respond to an enthusiastic teacher more than they will to a robot.

Elle sighed loudly. "True, but I have to make a conscious effort to rein it in during interviews. I blame my mother. She had a flare for drama. Your chances are so much better than mine. Plus, you just look more hirable. Elle chewed on her pinkie nail. Is that even a word?"

Carmen huffed. She looked over at Elle who, even in shorts and a plain sleeveless tee, appeared more polished than Carmen felt on a good day. How am I more hirable than you?

Oh, you know. You’re just so on the ball. Professional. Elle flashed her a smile.

We’ll see.

And you just look like a teacher. Elle shrugged when Carmen shot her a look. It’s a compliment.

I’m not sure what that means.

Elle shrugged again and went back to twirling a strand of hair around one finger. Whatever it was, it apparently wasn’t complimentary enough for Elle to explain herself.

Her attention back on the road, Carmen replayed Elle’s words in her mind. She hoped her chances of getting an offer were as good as Elle said. She’d interviewed twice in the last week for a third-grade opening in Duluth and a fourth-grade one in Twin Rivers. All she needed was one offer. Elle, on the other hand, complained nonstop about her interview in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, saying she felt flustered when seven people sat in to listen to her. Carmen couldn’t imagine—Elle flustered? What she wouldn’t give for some of her friend’s confidence. Elle loved the spotlight. Carmen, not at all.

Carmen tried coaching Elle to stay on topic during a mock interview before the big day. She’d spent last Sunday afternoon—two hours—peppering Elle with sample questions. But as grateful as Elle seemed for the help, Elle didn’t return the favor. Her roommate complained of a sudden headache when Carmen asked her to reciprocate after dinner that night. An hour later, Elle left the apartment to get coffee with her boyfriend. Sometimes Carmen wondered if Elle would dump her for someone more fun when she didn’t need Carmen’s help anymore.

Off to their left, a break in the trees revealed Lake Superior gleaming in the sunlight. Elle reached into the backseat and grabbed her shopping bag.

Do you think this will look good with my black pencil skirt? Elle ran her fingers over the blue linen blouse with silver beading along the neckline and hem of its cap sleeves. It caught Carmen’s eye in the store. She’d almost snagged it for herself, but Elle had been quicker in getting the last one in their size.

She glanced at Elle. That’ll work.

Elle pulled out each item, congratulating herself out loud on finding bargains. Carmen didn’t want to talk about Elle’s closet at the moment. She had to admit the navy shirt would look better with Elle’s fair features and honey-hued hair, though. Her tastes ran more toward fiery reds, oranges, and pinks, as Carmen’s mom liked to remind her. Those colors complemented her dark hair and eyes. Dress like you feel, mi querida, Mom always said.

Elle dropped the shirt in her lap and frowned.

Carmen tightened her grip on the steering wheel as they took a tight curve then glanced at Elle. What’s that face for?

You’re no fun when you’re distracted.

I’m sorry. It’s just—

Her phone’s ringer startled both of them. Elle gasped, and Carmen touched Elle’s arm to quiet her friend. The unfamiliar number displayed on her console told her nothing.

Who is it?

Carmen pulled onto the shoulder and stopped the car. I have no idea. I’ll let it go to voicemail then find out.

What if it’s a job offer? Elle gritted her teeth but the smile behind the grimace looked genuine.

The moment had been replayed a few times since her interviews. An unknown number popped up and an unbearable few minutes passed before Carmen found out it was a spam caller. This time Carmen squeezed her eyes shut for a few seconds, offering up a silent prayer. It would be too good to be true. All the anxiety surrounding leaving her radio marketing job to go back for her teaching degree, wondering if the risk was worth it, would be over. The extra two years it took to get her teaching certificate had been fraught with worry. Would she be happier teaching than writing ad copy and doing live events? Definitely. Would guilt still plague her from choosing a different path? Probably. But one thing she did know: Studying marketing to begin with had been a mistake. It hadn’t been her choice. Very few choices had been her own back then. Carmen waited for the voicemail beep to come now that the music stopped.

She tapped the play button and held it to her ear.

It was Charles Denby, the principal at Twin Rivers Elementary.

Please call me back, Carmen. I’d like to talk.

Blood pounded in her ears. She couldn’t read his tone. Had he sounded extra cheerful?

Well, who is it? Elle gripped her wrist, digging in a little too forcibly with a nail.

Carmen withdrew her arm. It was Twin Rivers.

Elle was a tornado of excitement. "What? This is it! Call him back!"

It was already 2:30. If she waited until they got back to Hendricks, he might have already left for the day. This couldn’t wait until tomorrow. She wouldn’t be able to sleep.

I’m going to take this outside, if you don’t mind. Carmen unplugged the phone and checked for traffic in her side mirror before she opened her door. I won’t be long.

Elle crossed fingers on both her hands through the window as Carmen made her way around the front of the car to the grass.

As the school secretary connected Carmen to Mr. Denby, she concentrated on Elle’s hopeful expression like it was a mirror of her own.

Mr. Denby thanked her for returning the call.

Inside the car, Elle’s hands fluttered impatiently.

Mr. Denby complimented her on her credentials. "But—" he started.

Elle’s smile faded like a puff of smoke.

Mr. Denby said he wished he had better news.

Elle’s mouth formed the words oh no as she read Carmen’s expression.

Carmen turned her back to the car for a moment so she could compose herself. A breeze washed over her face. Tree branches stirred. Tears threatened to spill while she held the phone to her ear even though Mr. Denby had already wished her well and hung up. She didn’t want to face Elle just yet or answer her intrusive questions. Carmen wished she were alone, alone to wallow under a sodden blanket of self-pity without Elle trying to lift her up with one of her cliched phrases like everything happens for a reason. Instead, they were twenty minutes from their apartment in Hendricks. It would be a very long twenty minutes.

Back in the car Elle was silent. They stared through the windshield together until Carmen turned the ignition.

Elle cleared her throat. Twin Rivers would be a tough drive in winter anyway.

Yeah.

You’re still waiting on Duluth at least.

Carmen didn’t want to think about Duluth. She wanted to finish mourning this one first. Besides, if she got the Duluth job, she’d definitely have to move. It would be an even worse drive in bad weather. She could have stayed in Hendricks if Mr. Denby offered her the Twin Rivers position.

Right. Checking her side mirror again, she pulled onto the highway. Listen, when we get back to town, I’ll drop you off at home. I have to check on my parents’ place.

She felt Elle staring at her even without looking in her direction.

Okay.

Carmen softened. I’m sorry. I just don’t want to talk about it, all right? I need to clear my head. When she glanced at Elle, her friend’s mouth was set.

After a few minutes of silence, Elle spoke. I get it. I’d feel the same way. Not a big deal.

But her tone said otherwise. Carmen didn’t want to give it another thought, though. For once, it wasn’t about Elle. She’d lost a job prospect.

Twenty minutes later, Carmen pulled in front of the brick two-story building they called home. Theirs was an upper-story loft in a renovated old foundry a block from the lake. She loved their apartment. It was a perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience, and the view was incredible. They’d moved in at the beginning of summer on a month-to-month basis since the owners had just opened the building to renters. It had been a perfect short-term solution.

I’m just going to pop over to my parents’ house, see how the remodel is going. Maybe we can go to the Fish Shack when I get back. Grab an early dinner?

Elle had hopped out and was fishing her bags from the backseat. Sure. Sounds good.

But Elle didn’t look at her, didn’t say goodbye before she shut the door, didn’t look back as Carmen pulled away.

Her roommate acted as if she didn’t get the job.

Chapter Two

Matt Stetman sat in his truck with the door open, letting the lake breeze wash over him, cooling the sweat on his face and chest. He reached for a clean shirt in the backseat, but draped it over his knee, not wanting to cover up just yet. Two more hours until quitting time. Then, the weekend.

It had been an easy afternoon, working alongside the other two guys on a remodel of this ranch. His boss, Dan Johnson, had left him in charge earlier in the day. His wife wasn’t feeling well. She had a doctor’s appointment, and he wanted to go. Matt told him not to worry about them; he would make sure the guys stayed on schedule.

The sun beat down on the hood, casting a glare. When he glanced through the windshield, his older brother, Sean, was making his way up the long, winding driveway. Matt smiled when Sean casually saluted him.

Hey there. I saw you sitting there on my way past and thought I’d stop. On break?

Matt pulled the toothpick out of his mouth and tossed it into the cupholder. All day long.

Sean gave him a look. If I didn’t know you, I’d think you’re joking.

Matt laughed. C’mon, I’m not serious.

The look on Sean’s face meant he didn’t take Matt seriously, but it came and went in a flash.

Sean stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. We need to get together about wedding stuff. Are you free any time this weekend?

You bet. Matt fought a smile as he studied his older brother. It looked like his impending wedding to Darcy Conti was taking a toll. Sean was the quiet, brooding type, a real hard read most times, but the puffiness under his eyes was new and the shifting from one foot to the other shouted wedding nerves to Matt. Poor guy. Matt didn’t envy him one bit.

Sean took off his ball cap and slapped it gently against his leg. His brother was a darker version of him, with nut-brown hair and the grizzled look of a missed shave or two. Sean looked toward the lake and squinted. Matt knew that look.

Say it.

His brother groaned. I really need for you to come through, Matt. I know you know how important this is. There’s a gazebo to build for the ceremony. A very elaborate gazebo. I’m getting married in six weeks.

I understand. It’ll get done.

You’re working ten-hour days here. Saturdays too. When will you have time?

Matt pressed his hand over his heart. "Big brother, I’m shocked you think I’d let you down."

I’m not joking.

Neither am I.

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Sean was probably trying to gauge his seriousness by the wide open expression he wore. Matt couldn’t suppress the laugh bubbling inside any longer. Dude, it’s your wedding day. It’s a big deal. I’m cool. You know I’m the Energizer Bunny of the construction trade.

I know, I know. Sean scuffed his boot against the ground. Sorry, but I had to bring it up.

Matt waved him off. He got out of the truck and shut the door. Leaning against it, he studied Sean. You nervous?

A little.

And I thought you’d be a bachelor the rest of your life.

Probably would have been if it weren’t for Darcy. She’s one of a kind. Besides, Mom would go out of her mind if both her kids were perpetually single. The pressure is on you now.

Matt threw his hands up in surrender. "Count me out. I’m staying as