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  “I hope I’m not overstepping, but Violet, there’s a big difference between hard work and becoming a slave to it. People will take every inch that you give them. If they think they can call you at all hours of the night, they will.” His tone commanded her attention.

  “I will admit it’s been nice to have a breather for once. I’ve enjoyed my time here, especially meeting you,” she said softly, reaching out to grasp his hand across the table. “It’s refreshing to meet people who live life authentic to themselves.” He grasped her hand across the table cradling it between both of his as they spoke. His skin felt so warm and reassuring, it was like he could lend her his strength through that one touch.

  “I dreamed of living in a community similar to this when I started out on my own. It still amazes me how that dream has been realized.” His thumb was rubbing tender circles on the outside of her hand. “Could you ever see yourself here, Violet?”

  She snapped her eyes up sharply to look at him, caught off guard by the question. She then laughed. “If I could wave a magic wand and have anything I wanted, yes, I would love to be able to live here. That’s a total fantasy though right? If anyone found out, my career would be toast.” She shook her head. The idea of her moving here was totally ludicrous. Then why was she filled with a sudden longing so strong that she ached with it?

  “I’m doing it and I’m an attorney.” His expression was candid. “Privacy is taken very seriously in Corbin’s Bend. I’m not the only one with a high profile career around here. Strong measures have been taken to assure the safety and privacy of all residents.”

  “It seems like such a risk.” She shook her head, eyes wide. “I envy those of you who have taken this leap of faith. It would take a lot of courage.”

  “Sure, it does take courage to be who you are in this world. The pull to conform is strong. But is it worth it to sacrifice your happiness so that others will approve of you? The only person you are obligated to please is yourself. The question, Violet,” he asked, pulling her up into his arms, “is what do you want?”

  She was swept into his arms, thoughts and feelings swirling inside of her. “That’s what scares the bajeezus out of me,” she admitted with a shiver. That something that had been hovering in her head ever since she had arrived here had finally clicked into place. It was impossible to deny the pull that she felt to this man, to this lifestyle that she had barely begun to explore. She longed to be able to meld her submissive desires with the sizzling dominance that Charles oozed. She had a feeling she had some ruminating to do.

  Chapter 5

  The morning of the festival dawned clear and bright, excitement crackled in the air. Tendrils of eager anticipation bubbled inside her as the neighborhood bustled with activity. People were milling about putting up tables, canopies, and every kind of artwork imaginable. The most amazing smells wafted up from the food vendors. She wasn’t hungry yet, because she had decided to take Charles’ Breakfast is the most important meal of the day directive seriously. So she was going to have to wait until lunch to sample their delicious fare. What she was really looking forward to, though, was mingling with other artists and exploring their work. Today was going to be a great day.

  Violet and Ever had been busy most of the early morning working to get everything in position. It was fun to work side by side with her best friend. As the pair finished helping an older lady with her boxes, a petite woman with raven hair waved cheerfully walking over to them. “The day could not be more perfect could it?” she said brightly.

  The two women called out their agreement. “Char,” Everleigh greeted, leaning in to give her friend a quick hug, “this is my friend Violet. Violet, this is Charmagne. Her husband, Brent, is the president of Corbin’s Bend’s board of directors. She has been a lifesaver with her help organizing this crazy event,” she said as she gave the other woman’s hand a quick squeeze.

  “Hi, Charmagne.” Violet smiled brightly “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “It’s wonderful to meet you too, Violet. Call me Char. Ever’s told me so much about you. It’s great you could make it!” A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and she lowered her voice. “A few little birdies told me this morning something about you being seen out more than once with a certain charming eligible bachelor recently.” She winked conspiratorially.

  “Guilty.” She flushed as she gave Char a sheepish grin. “Charles is a hard one to resist.”

  Charmagne looked at her knowingly. “Trust me I know exactly how these alpha men can be when they meet someone who piques their interest. Brent was the same way when we first met, although I wasn’t as sure of myself as I can see you are,” she said as she grabbed one end of the sign for the main entrance while Violet grabbed the other end to hang. “Well, not that it makes a difference, but I give my full approval.” The other woman smiled warmly at her. “I’ve heard only great things about you.” She leaned in to whisper in Violet’s ear. “You must be a special woman to have caught his attention. Trust me, most of the single ladies around here have tried, but he just doesn’t take them up on it. It seems he’s been waiting for a lady with a certain something and it looks like that lady is you.” She gave Violet one more pat on the arm before excusing herself to check on the vendors.

  Feeling kind of dumbstruck, Violet wasn’t sure what to say so she stayed quiet, deep in thought, as she hung the sign and started unfolding the legs of the ticket table. Her mind reeled at what Char had revealed. One thing she knew for sure, if things kept going at this rate, she had some serious considerations to take with work and living so far way. Long-distance relationships were not known for working out.

  Everleigh pulled her from her thoughts with the morning’s to do list. “We can unpack the car and get you set up first. Then would you be willing to make the rounds with me and see if anyone else needs any help? How does that sound?”

  “Sure, that will be great.” She nodded.

  They were careful to place each painting in perfect alignment to those around it. Finally satisfied that everything was perfect, they stepped back to admire their handiwork. “I think we’re finished,” Ever said with glee.

  Violet turned from her booth to see how everyone else was coming along. Canopies of red and white lined the way, each booth in various stages of set up. Art of every kind surrounded them. “Things are shaping up,” Violet said, rubbing her hands together invigorated. “So, do you want to take that end and I’ll take this end?” she asked while pointing out different areas of the fair. “I can take this side while keeping an eye on our booth at the same time.”

  “Sure, that sounds like a plan. I’ll check back in a bit,” Ever agreed.

  A string of curses caught her attention from the booth across the way. A short pixie of a woman was struggling to put her canopy up on her own. She couldn’t tell exactly what she was saying around the thick Irish brogue but there were a lot of fecking and shite’s flying around.

  Suppressing a laugh, she went over to see what help she could offer. “Here, let me give you a hand with that,” she offered. “Canopies are definitely more than a one person job.”

  The woman looked up from her efforts. “Oh, thank you,” she said gratefully. “I don’t know where my Jim has gone off to, but he’s left right when I need his help the most.”

  “Well, how about you grab that side and I’ll grab this one,” she offered. They each took an end and put the legs in the correct position before raising it up. When everything was put to rights, she extended her hand. “I’m Violet Walker by the way.”

  “Angela O’Brien, but call me Ange.” The other woman smiled. “I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you new here or just stopping in for a bit of fun?”

  “I’m here visiting a friend. You might know her, Everleigh Harris?”

  “Oh, I know Everleigh, sweet thing, so good with the kids. She teaches my Ava and Jack. I don’t know how she manages with all those kids, but she’s a marvel. And of course the kids adore h
er. You can imagine, an hour where they can get as covered in paint or clay as they would like with no mum’s around to fuss. They love it.”

  “Ever always has been great with kids,” she said as the most decadent smell floated up to her as she inhaled. “What is that heavenly smell?” She asked looking around for the source.

  “Do you have a sweet tooth?” Ange asked, offering her a chocolate pastry. “I own a little bakery called Ange’s Angel Cakes.”

  “You have no idea,” she groaned as she took a bite of the delicate pastry. The buttery sweetness melted on her tongue. “This is practically sinful,” she moaned in pleasure.

  “Well, then you will have to take a few with you for your help and please stop in for a cup of coffee and cake before your trip is through, on the house,” she added.

  “That sounds like a plan! Be careful, though, or I might never leave.” She laughed.

  “You know,” Ange’s eyes sparkled mischievously, “now that I know who you are, rumor has it that you have quite a hot thing going with our Mr. Head of the Discipline Committee.”

  Violet gasped. “Does everyone know? You’re the second to mention it today!”

  “And I won’t be the last I’m sure,” Ange said with a chuckle. “Not much gets past anyone around here. Word travels fast especially when it comes to our eligible bachelors.” Ange patted her arm warmly. “It might seem odd with Charles being in charge of community discipline, but he has a special place in most people’s hearts. He may be firm when it comes to doling out the spankings, but he’s just and more than generous even outside of the committee bounds. You won’t meet another man who cares quite as deeply about those who fall under his wing. We can’t help but notice when he starts spending time with a new lady love,” she said with a wink.

  Violet broke out with a little squeak at the mention of Charles doling out spankings and she felt the fierce warmth of the blush that crept over her cheeks. She coughed and recovered quickly hoping the other woman didn’t notice. “I will admit it’s nice to hear so many wonderful opinions about Charles, even if I’m not sure how much I want to be the center of intrigue.” She grinned.

  Violet liked this vivacious woman. She would be a hoot to spend more time with. She made a mental note to be sure to visit before it was time to head back home and took her leave to finish the rest of her rounds.

  She frowned, taking in Everleigh’s pale skin as they met back at their booth. “Are you feeling okay, Ever?” Concern filled her as she took in the sweat breaking out on her forehead despite the cooler early morning air. “Come here,” she said, ushering her friend to the nearest chair. “Let me get you some water.” She rushed over to pull a bottle out of the cooler they had brought with them.

  “I’m fine, don’t worry,” Ever assured. “I’m just a little dizzy from all of this running around. I just need to sit down for a minute and I’ll be right as rain.”

  “Okay, let’s sit down for a minute and drink a bottle of water while we enjoy a taste of these,” she said, producing two delicious looking breakfast pastries Ange had given her for her help. “A bite to eat probably wouldn’t hurt at any rate.”

  “Oh, no, I can’t.” Ever jumped up. “That reminds me, I have to go check on the temporary stage that Jim, Ange’s husband, is setting up for the bands to play on.” She raked her fingers through her hair. “I can’t believe I forgot to do that. Besides, I had a nibble this morning before we came. I’ll be fine.”

  “Ever,” Violet began, her concern growing. “I’m sure that Jim has that handled. And didn’t you say that Brent and a few of the other guys were in charge of the maintenance and overseeing the construction type projects? Seriously, sit down with me for a few minutes. You’ve run yourself ragged. You have an excellent team to help you with everything. You don’t have to do it all yourself.”

  “Oh, Violet, you’re such a good friend for being concerned, but I’m fine,” she said breezily. “I promise. I just need to make sure that everything is going as planned. It’s a big undertaking to make sure that an event of this size gets off the ground smoothly. I’ll just be a few minutes and I’ll be back, I promise.”

  Before Violet could get another word out, Ever had disappeared into the crowd. Furrowing her brow, she couldn’t shake her concern. She knew a blood sugar drop when she saw it, and Ever looked like she was about to crash. She tried to think back on when the last time she had actually seen her friend eat. She had been so caught up in her feelings with Charles along with getting everything in order for the fair, that she couldn’t recall. After the festival was over, she promised herself she would talk to Everleigh about her concerns.

  It wasn’t long before her worries over her friend were put to the back of her mind. The art fair opened and it was a whirlwind day. Violet enjoyed every minute of it. Her booth was full of activity and between customers, she had time to chat with those with booths around her. She had forgotten the way art fulfilled her. The booth next to hers was filled with carved wooden sculptures. They were seamless. The gentleman, who was from out of town, had everything on display from animals that looked incredibly realistic to 3D decorative wall plaques. The lady catty corner across the way did layered paintings where the painting practically popped off the canvas. It reminded her of a paint sculpture on canvas. Seeing all of the gorgeous mediums reminded her that there was so much that she wanted to learn herself.

  The time flew by. Before she knew it, she glanced down at her watch and it was two o’clock. She couldn’t believe how much time had gotten away from her. She had most likely met every resident in Corbin’s Bend and then some. People had come from all of the surrounding cities to enjoy the cultural experience. What really struck her was how friendly and inclusive everyone was. It was in stark contrast to her life in Colorado Springs. It was a refreshing change.

  A woman in her mid fifties ran up to Violet’s table out of breath. “Are you Violet? Everleigh’s collapsed. Someone’s taken her to the doctor’s house for treatment.”

  “Oh no!” she cried out alarmed. “Where do we go?” She looked frantically around trying to decide where to go.

  “I’ll take you there, hon. That’s why I’m here,” the woman offered.

  A kind woman who had been walking by spoke up, “You go. I’ll watch your booth. Take care of your friend. Everything will be fine here.”

  She recognized the woman as Darla from the restaurant. “Thank you,” she said gratefully and rushed off with the older woman.

  “Come along and we can take my car,” she said, showing her the way. “My name’s Venia. I’m Everleigh’s mentor.”

  Thankfully the doctor’s house was close by. They arrived in just a few minutes. Venia ushered her into the office.

  As she walked in, she saw Everleigh lying reclined on a hospital type bed. Her skin looked sallow and she had an IV in her hand attached to fluids of some sort. Violet rushed over to Everleigh’s side. “What happened? How are you feeling?” Concern filled her as she looked at her friend who looked small in the white clad bed.

  “I don’t know, Vi,” she said weakly. “One minute I was up helping someone move a box, and the next minute I was on the ground.”

  Before they could talk much more, a tall dark haired man entered the room. He brought with him juice and crackers confirming Violet’s earlier thought of low blood sugar.

  “Hello,” he said, extending his hand to her. “You must be Violet. My name is Dr. Marcus Devon.”

  He turned toward Everleigh and handed her the food and drink. “Try to nibble on these and sip this juice. It should help you stop shaking. You gave us all a big scare.”

  He pulled out his chart, glancing over the sheets. He explained that they had run some basic blood work. “Well, Everleigh, you had what we call a hypoglycemic episode. That’s where your blood sugar falls too low. This commonly occurs when you haven’t eaten as much as your body needs. I want to continue fluids for awhile because you’re dehydrated. Your blood work shows slightly anemic
too. I will write you a prescription for that later. The first two are the reason you fainted.”

  “Thank you, Marcus,” Everleigh said, meekly taking a sip of juice.

  “No more skipping meals, young lady.” He looked down on her sternly. “Your health is nothing to take lightly. And I suggest you call your husband before he hears about this from someone else and worries.”

  “Yes, sir,” Ever said, chewing on her lower lip.

  “Please do tell him to call me if he has any questions at all,” he said, closing her chart.

  “I will,” she promised, taking a bite of the saltine crackers.

  “Okay, I’m going to let you rest for a bit. I’ll check on you in a while.”

  After the doctor shut the door behind him, Violet turned to Everleigh. “You better call Robert soon. I called him on the way here to let him know what happened.”

  Everleigh’s face went paler than it already was. “You didn’t,” she groaned.

  “Of course I did. What did you expect? Honey, you fainted and were rushed off to get medical treatment. Of course I’m going to call your husband to let him know what’s going on.”

  “Oh, God, I’m going to be in so much trouble,” she groaned. “This was one of our deals. I take care of myself and he allows me the freedom to set my own schedule. If I don’t, though, my ass is toast and he gives me a set schedule for everything. Oh Vi, what did I do? And now to take his attention away from his work.” She put her head in her hands dejected.

  Violet walked over taking a seat by the bed. She rubbed her friend’s arm. “Ever, you know I sympathize, I really do, but you had us worried sick. I can’t even imagine what Robert’s going through waiting for your phone call right now.” She grappled for a second trying to find the best way to ask her next question finally deciding that the direct approach was best. “Ever,” she began gently, “is this something that you struggle with, even when Robert’s home?”