The Kiss Lottery

Chapter 1 Everly

Chapter 1

Everly

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a broken heart must be in search of a new man—or at least figuring out who sent her a mystery valentine inviting her to the Kiss Lottery.

So, here I am, back where it all started, in Rose, Tennessee.

Apprehension tightens my chest as I drive into my hometown. The place hasn’t changed much in ten years. The roads are still small, the smiles will be too big, and the gossip—well, I’m used to being the bad girl.

Whatever. Words don’t cut me the way they did when I was seventeen.

Despite my dread about being back, Rose is a darling town with shops that look like they belong in another century. It’s known for its festivals, the most famous being the Valentine’s Day Kiss Lottery.

The town is idyllic, sure.

It’s charming, I get it.

But shadows lurk in the corners.

Painful ones.

I cruise past the majestic courthouse, with its Doric-style white columns. My gaze flicks to the metal bench out front, the one where my mom and I used to sit on Saturdays. It was our special spot. Now it’s just another reminder of things I’ve lost. I grip the steering wheel tight, pushing the grief away.

Hank’s Diner is my destination.

After parking on the square, I plop a ball cap on my head and tuck my rose gold hair through the hole in the back. My oversize sunglasses are next.

What are the odds of running into someone I know? Pretty good since this is a small town, but I look different than I did in high school. My face is thinner, I’m actually an inch taller, my hair is dyed, and my attitude is tougher.

You’d have to look hard to recognize Everly Jean Davis.

Mom always said, “You can change your looks, but never your heart.”

For once, I hope she’s wrong. I don’t want to be the stupid girl I was ten years ago.

I step inside the diner and slide into a counter seat as I scan for familiar faces, hoping I don’t find them.

Yikes. I wince. There’s one. The Evil Snow White of Rose.

Dressed in a killer blue pantsuit is Abigail Wells, still pretty with her round face, dark hair, and ruby lips.

At a table in the back, having lunch with several other ladies, she casts a quick glance my way, sizes me up, then dismisses me. Classic queen bee.

At least I don’t see a hint of her knowing who I am.

Fine. Here’s to seeing enemies.

Which brings me to Beckett Whitfield.

Just the thought of him makes my blood boil.

He’s the ghost I’m least looking forward to confronting.

But confront him I must. I’m going to murder him—just like he described me as the character in his last book. I mean, seriously, everyone in town must know the latest villain in his new thriller, named Ever, is me.

I tug the mystery invitation from my bag and slap it onto the counter, staring it down like it might reveal its secrets if I just glare hard enough. The paper is cream colored and thick, and probably expensive. Little hearts, roses, and flying cupids are on it. It’s ridiculously adorable.

Roses are red, violets are blue—someone in Rose has feelings for you. Everly Jean Davis, you are cordially invited to the Kiss Lottery in Rose, Tennessee. Come take a chance on love.

Gah, it’s corny.

Could Carson, my high school ex, have sent this? Not likely. He’s still convinced I cheated on him with Beckett.

Did Beckett send it?

I huff, shaking my head. No way. The guy wrote a book using me as the inspiration for a villain.

I scan the diner, trying to piece it together.

Who sent this? And why?