3

Charleigh took a deep breath to push the thoughts forming in her head because she definitely had a lot of things to think about this man. She might be a workaholic, but she had a fair share of hook-ups and would definitely put this man on her list. She had zero interest in dating, though. But thinking beneath him, she would never say to fool around a little bit while doing her job in this town.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” the hot dog walker said, catching back her attention.

“That obvious, huh? Just visiting Hopes Spring.” She smiled at him.

“I see.” He nodded, understanding brewing in his eyes. “I would have met you already if you were from around here. Small town, as they say, news travels fast.”

And I would have known what was underneath that white shirt and sweatpants if I were also from around here. Charleigh held that thought. Instead, she said, “You have a lovely dog.”

“A proud owner.” His unbelievably red lips spread into a full grin. Was he flirting with her?

Oh, boy! Charleigh couldn’t help but smile back. “I’m Charleigh, and that must be Lotus.” She looked down at the dog that was now sitting between their feet. 

“How rude of me? I’m Bryce. Welcome to Hopes Spring, Charleigh.” He held his hand out, and Charleigh squeezed it for a handshake. It was strong and large, and there was something in that squeeze that promised her more. Her skin started to tingle, and her body seemed to be on fire in anticipation.

“Thanks.”

“Have you checked around?”

“Not yet. Just arrived last night. And I am actually looking for a restaurant or a coffee shop.”

“How about you check out Clarity? They have tables and serve coffee. You’d love their amazing variant of cupcakes.”

“I could use coffee. Thanks.”

Suddenly, Bryce checked his digital watch. “I’m sorry, Charleigh, but I should really go.” He attached a leash to Lotus. “Hope to see you around. Enjoy your stay.” He started to walk back, and then Charleigh watched him pause. Then Bryce turned around. “There’s a bar a few blocks from Clarity. I’ll be there at eight tonight. I would love to see you there. Drinks are on me.”

***

Charleigh went to check Clarity and bought coffee and a half dozen cupcakes after Bryce left her in the playground this morning. 

Now, she was wearing a dark blue dress, and white sandals and applied light makeup to complement her outfit. 

She didn’t want to overdo everything as she might look outcast from the town. She wanted to blend in and be a part of this community even for a short period of time. 

She asked for the bar’s address from the cashier at Clarity earlier, and now she was in front of Tushy. 

She was welcomed with noises, the smell of alcohol and beer permeated the air. Most of the patrons turned to look at the door. There were pairs of eyes and scrutinizing looks pinned at her, wondering who the hell she was, and everyone seemed in shirts, plaids, and jeans. 

She let out a sigh of relief when she saw women dressed just like hers.

“You show up. I really thought I was drinking alone tonight.” She almost jumped from the voice behind her. 

Without turning around, she smiled. “Can’t say no to a few drinks.”

“Good.”

She stiffened to the hand on her back, ushering her to the table at the right corner. 

“I don’t think it would be hard for you to find someone to join you at the table.”

“Not as beautiful as you. See that bartender?” Bryce tipped his head to the bartender. Charleigh’s eyes found the man Bryce was telling her about. “He’d be my companion all night.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s not so bad.”

Once they settled, a lanky guy approached, asking for their orders. She ordered a dry martini and a local beer for Bryce.

Bryce’s long leg brushed against hers which had her crossed her legs on the spot. She couldn’t deny that she wanted it even more, but the night was still young, and she wanted to enjoy a few minutes without thinking of how it would feel to be under the blanket with the hot and sexy man beside him.

“You look beautiful, Charleigh.” His compliment made her cheeks burn, making Bryce smile at her reaction. She used to receive a lot of compliments, but there was something different when it came from Bryce. 

What’s with this man?

She swallowed hard after sipping her martini. She had to do it. Otherwise, she would end up telling Bryce how gorgeous he was if the word gorgeous was even enough to describe him. Compared to the people around, Bryce was wearing a white shirt and dark pants while his dark brown hair looked messy, yet he still looked perfect.

“What brought you here?”

“Just for a short visit.”

“Does your short stay include visiting a lot of places?” His voice was low and hoarse. There was something in his voice that made her skin tingle with need.

“Not entirely a short visit. I’m here for a job.” Charleigh’s throat went dry.

“Huh. I see.” 

Charleigh watched his throat bob up and down as he swallowed his drink, and she couldn’t help but think it was sexy. 

Mortified, Bryce caught her staring at him, rewarding her with a crooked smile.

The last time she had a one-night stand—it was a month ago before she worked on this project, and she couldn’t say it was good. She ended up leaving the guy as soon as he fell asleep after a round of sex.

Now, she thought if he would invite her to a hotel and blow her brains out. She didn’t usually mix work with pleasure, but she would consider fooling a little because. In a few days, she would go back to her regular life because what happened in Hopes Spring stayed in Hopes Spring. 

One thing she was sure of, though, sex with Bryce would stay in her memory forever. That was guaranteed.