Free You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) by Melanie Jayne Page A

right,” Jasmine added softly.
    “I never looked at it like that. Having Miller changed my life. I cut back on traveling and working late. It was nice to have somebody around, to come home to.” She looked away as if she had shared a secret and now felt uneasy.
    “That was a very risky way to buy a home. I wouldn’t recommend that to my friends or clients,” Major said.
    Finn couldn’t hold his tongue. “We get that, Major. The point is, Hale saw a dog that was alone and in need of love. She stepped in and changed both of their lives. Turns out that Miller needed her care and she needed someone to care for.” Finn focused on Hale as he finished his conclusion.
    Their eyes met for a moment before she spoke. “Yes, that’s right. I had forgotten what a home and caring for someone felt like. Up until then, I worked and went to the condo to sleep and I would simply wake up and do it again the next day.”
    Jasmine took Hale’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Izzy’s right, Miller helped bring you back here.”
    Finn could hear the phrase “to me” in his head. Where the fuck had that come from? He didn’t want to think about Hale Cameron like that. He could be friends with her, but nothing more, he reminded himself.
    “Oh there you are, Finn. I’ve been looking for you.” Bitsy’s sugar-sweet tone broke into Finn’s thoughts. She was accompanied by two of her friends.
    “Hello ladies, have you met Hale Cameron?” Major took over the introductions. “Bitsy is in charge of this delightful event and Angela Charles and Karo Lenter were a great help to her. These lovely ladies work so hard to better Whitleysburg.”
    “Congratulations, it’s a huge turnout.” Hale’s smile was polite, but her tone lacked warmth.
    Bitsy moved closer to Finn and leaned into his side, trying to force him to put his arm around her. “Earlier, Finn and I were discussing that it was a teeny bit surprising to see you out so soon after poor Joe’s passing, Hale.”
    Finn tried to move away from Bitsy.
    Hale seemed to stand taller. “Really? That’s odd, it was the mayor who issued me a special invitation to this event, just this morning.” She gave a challenging glance at Bitsy.
    Bitsy sputtered. “A special invitation, this morning? I didn’t know you all were that close.”
    “Not that kind of close, Bitsy. Now don’t go spreading rumors about the mayor.” Hale’s tone was as sugar coated as Bitsy’s. “Finn has been telling me that I need to become more active in the community and has offered bits of advice here and there. That’s all.” The look in her eyes was not friendly as she waited for Bitsy to offer another volley.
    “He probably tells you which events could use your money.” Karo jumped into the fray.
    “Yes, everyone knows that your daddy gave and gave to the community.” Angela raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow in Hale’s direction.
    “Yes, of course, I’m sure that’s it. I mean why would anyone want to associate with me except for my money?” Sarcasm laced Hale’s tone as she stared at the three. “I guess that means that I will be seeing quite a bit of you all, now won’t I?” She finished with a regal look.
    He watched the others shuffle their feet and some cleared their throats to cover a chuckle. Jasmine had a huge smile, and gave Hale a quick approving look.
    “It was so nice for you all to stop by and say hello, but I’m sure there is something that needs your attention, somewhere else.” Jasmine clearly dismissed the women. There was color in her cheeks, but Bitsy and her friends quickly departed.
    “Hale, I do apologize, I had no idea that those ladies would be so discourteous.” Major patted Hale’s arm.
    She looked at his hand on her forearm. “No need to apologize for their behavior.” She flashed a quick smile.
    “But they shouldn’t be impolite in public,” Major continued. “I will say something to them.”
    “Don’t bother,” Hale said, but her eyes were on