Chapter 19

“I can’t believe I finally found a place to live.” Diana smiled as she looked at the small house she had just rented. “Thank Grace for finding the perfect home for me.”

“I will.”

Steve had offered to help move her things out of the inn. His truck was parked in front of the house, packed full of boxes and bags. Over the past few weeks, things between them had improved. Steve had warmed up to her and had finally accepted her as a volunteer at Equal Opportunity.

Just as Steve stepped inside, another vehicle turned into Laura’s driveway. A red BMW skidded in behind his truck, kicking up a spray of gravel and a thick cloud of dust.

Diana knew that car. Too well.

It was Scott’s.

Her ex-fiancé. And she still couldn’t think of a single good reason for him to show up in Middletown.

Scott slammed his door and rounded the car, planting himself directly in her path.

“Hey, babe. I brought you your ring back.” He leaned in for a hug.

Diana sidestepped him. “Don’t ‘hey, babe’ me. You could’ve saved yourself the trip—I don’t want the ring back.”

Not bad. She had never stood up to him before. If only she could get rid of the quiver in her voice.

Scott blinked at her, mock disbelief in his eyes. Diana couldn’t understand what she’d ever seen in him. His blond hair was plastered with gel, and his designer polo shirt probably cost more than Steve’s entire truck.

He stepped into her personal space, placing his hands on her arms, rubbing his thumbs against her skin.

“Don’t be like that, babe. I’ve missed you.”

“I didn’t miss you.” Diana pulled out of his hold, grabbed a ponytail holder from her wrist, and twisted her hair into a bun. “Leave me alone.”

“Tsk, tsk,” he clucked, grabbing her wrist—hard. “What kind of girl tells her fiancé to leave her alone?”

“You’re not my fiancé. Not anymore. You cheated on me and dumped me with a letter,” she said, struggling to pull free. “I want nothing to do with you.”

He jerked her closer, his mouth at her ear. “Everyone thinks you’re a fool. Poor Diana—the girl who walked away from a great catch.”

She snorted. “You’re not a great catch. I can’t believe it took me so long to see that.”

His fingers tightened. “I told everyone the wedding was postponed while you went off to ‘find yourself.’ But this little detour? It’s ending. You really think I’ll let you make me look bad?”

“That’s up to you. But the wedding is off for good. We don’t love each other.”

Instead of backing off, Scott grabbed her other wrist. A wide, smug grin spread across his face. “Love has nothing to do with it. You’ve got the right family, the right background. You’d make the perfect wife for someone with my ambition.”

Diana kicked him in the leg—hard—and yanked herself free.

“Boy, you are clueless. I’ll never be your wife. You’re a liar and a cheater. Not exactly marriage material.”

Steve stepped out of the house just in time to catch the tail end of the confrontation. His expression darkened.

Diana had shrunk in on herself, while the golden boy towered over her. If Scott had held on for even thirty more seconds, Steve would’ve stormed over without hesitation. He already wanted to—but he wasn’t sure Diana wanted that kind of help.

“You wasted your trip, Scott. There’s no ‘us’ anymore. We’re done. I suggest you move on. I already did.”

“Bullshit,” Scott snapped. “I’m taking you home.”

He lunged for her again, but she stepped back and his hand caught only air.

“I’m not going anywhere with you. Go away. Leave me alone.”

Scott’s ears turned red, and she noticed his right hand trembling. Until now, he’d won every fight, every argument.

Steve moved to Diana’s side. “Are you okay? Do you need help?”

The second Diana saw Steve, she exhaled. Relief softened her posture. Scott couldn’t force anything now. Not with Steve beside her. Not with Steve protecting her.

Scott’s glare could’ve lit a fire. “You’re done playing games. You’re done making me look like a fool in front of our friends. You’re getting in that car—now.”