Free A Change of Heart by Barbara Longley Page B

enough to draw attention, and not so little that she’d come across as disinterested in her own appearance. She snorted. Like anybody would care either way.
    Reaching for her toothbrush, she considered her clothing options: baggy old army fatigues or jeans and a blouse. Hmm. She’d like to do something about her limited wardrobe, but after paying Ted a portion of what she owed for groceries, and forcing Noah to take half a month’s rent, she didn’t have enough left for a shopping spree. Not if she wanted to continue eating, which she did. And not if she wanted to buy a car at some point. Which she also did.
    She could’ve tucked a little of her paycheck away. Noah didn’t expect rent for the first three months, but it just wasn’t in her to take charity. As a child she’d had no choice. As an adult withan education and skills, it didn’t sit well with her. She had a job; she’d pay her way.
    Once she finished drying her hair and putting on a little makeup, she moved into the bedroom and dressed. As ready as she’d ever be, Cory made the rounds, locking all the windows and making sure everything had been shut off. Her stun gun rested in its place on the bedside table, and she had the pepper spray with her. Check. Slinging the strap of her purse over her shoulder, she left the carriage house to wait for Ted on the Langfords’ veranda.
    It was one of those rare days where the temperature and humidity were in sync, warm but not overwhelming. Lazy white clouds drifted across the clear blue sky, and a light breeze lifted the hair around her face. Rounding the corner of the big house, she found Ceejay sitting at the wrought-iron table by herself. Sweet Pea lay sprawled half under the table, half out, like he didn’t realize he was too big to fit.
    “Good morning.” Ceejay held a mug in her hands, and her feet were propped up on another chair.
    “Hi. It’s awfully quiet around here. Where’s the rest of your squadron?”
    “Noah is taking Lucinda to our neighbor’s for a play date. Then he has a few errands to run, and Toby wanted to go along for the ride. Micah is napping.” She ran her hand over her belly and grinned. “Once this one is born, moments to myself are going to be difficult to find.” She swung her feet down and started to rise. “Would you like a cup of coffee? It’s decaf, but—”
    “No, thanks.” Cory gestured for her to sit back down. “Stay where you are. I don’t want to disturb your peace.”
    “You’re an adult. I always welcome adult interruptions. What brings you to the big house this morning?”
    Cory lowered herself to the top step and leaned back againstthe column. “I’m waiting for Ted. He’s taking me to his folks’ place for Sunday dinner.”
    “Oh?” Ceejay’s brow shot up, and her glance sharpened.
    Embarrassment flooded her. “It’s not what you think. We have a bet going, and it’s his turn for show and tell.” Which reminded her—she’d have to do the same soon. She cringed at the thought of bringing him to the shabby trailer park where she’d spent her childhood. At least she’d win their bet and get a free lunch out of the humiliating bargain.
    “My cousin is the sweetest guy you’ll ever meet. He used to pester me to death when we were kids, but if anyone tried to bully or push me around, he was always the first to step up and protect me. He’s more a brother than cousin.”
    “Yeah, but he’s still a guy.” Cripes. She hadn’t meant to blurt that out loud. She turned away. “I mean—”
    “No need to explain. I can’t imagine how difficult things must be for you right now.”
    Cory shrugged. She had no words to describe what it was like. The constant anxiety, nightmares and fear, the disgust—the weight of all that emotional drag gave her no peace. She frowned as an unfamiliar pickup truck bounced along the gravel driveway.
Who’s this?
    “Here’s Ted.” Ceejay sighed. “Look, I understand how you feel about men right