Lucy
The ringing doorbell woke me the next morning. I groaned, sitting up on the creaky brass bed I’d barely managed to put fresh sheets on before passing out the night before.
“You’re coming down today,” I grumbled to the mallard painting directly in front of me. Of all the five paintings, he seemed particularly intent on watching me.
I stumbled out to the living room, the chatter of my cousin and aunt making it unnecessary to check the peephole.
“Jojo,” I squealed, reaching out for the baby who had developed some delicious-looking rolls since the last time I’d seen her.
“What am I, chopped liver?” Daphne demanded with a grin as she deposited her daughter into my waiting arms.
“Well, you’re adorable in your own way.” I grinned, ushering them inside.
The truth of it was that my cousin was gorgeous. With her long chestnut hair and light blue eyes, she’d always been striking. It was no wonder she’d produced such a gorgeous baby. Her loser ex didn’t deserve half the credit, that was for sure.
“Wow, the forest really did lose some trees on this one, didn’t it?” my aunt said with a chuckle as she looked at my new home.
“I told you.” Daphne shot her a look.
“I thought you were exaggerating.” My aunt shrugged as she placed the coffee tray and box of something that smelled delicious on the kitchen counter.
“Oh thank god, I’m starving.” I groaned as I lifted the lid and practically drooled at the pastries inside.
“I’d imagine since you ran out of the restaurant like your ass was on fire last night.” Goodie raised a knowing brow.
I looked at her sheepishly, a bear claw shoved in my mouth. “I sort of thought you wouldn’t notice.”
Daphne snorted. “You think she misses anything? What didn’t you miss?” she demanded of her mother.
“I didn’t miss Hudson Carter taking a shine to Miss Gorgeous over here and her giving him the high sign.” Goodie grinned.
Daphne turned to me in shock. “What?”
“I feel like I’m missing something that requires coffee first,” I muttered, picking up one of the cups they’d brought and taking a much-needed sip as I repositioned a squirming Jojo on my hip.
“Hudson Carter?” Daphne prompted, as though waiting for it to ring any bells.
And it did, distantly at first. I took another sip of coffee and awareness dawned. “The country star?” I squeaked. I wasn’t a huge fan of the genre, but you’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard the name.
“Yes, honey,” my aunt answered patiently, suppressing a laugh. “He’s from Green River. The Carter family has lived here for generations. He’s a local boy and treated as such, but he still gets his fair share of attention from the tourists and any woman not tied down.”
I thought back to last night. “Seems like an accurate assessment,” I muttered.
“The Carter family has always been good people.” My aunt reached out, taking Jojo from me. “Daphne went to school with half of them.” She hooked a finger in Daphne’s direction.
“Just how many of them are there?” I demanded.
“Well,” Daphne began, looking like she had to think about it. “There’s Griffin. He’s the oldest and chief of police. Still young to be chief, though—he’s always been an overachiever. And then there’s Riley, who runs their construction company.”
“Who had such a crush on you in high school,” my aunt interjected. “And still does,” she muttered to me with a lifted brow.
Daphne rolled her eyes, but her flushed cheeks betrayed there might be more to that story.
“Then there’s Hudson,” she continued. “And the youngest is Haley—she’s just finishing up vet school a few hours north of here, with a toddler in tow.
She lost her husband a few years back in a car accident. I honestly don’t know how she does it.”
“Well then, you two have that in common.” I reached over to give her hand a gentle squeeze. “And three older brothers?” I raised my brow. “Must have been tough growing up—at least when it came to trying to date.”
“Oh, trust me, Haley can handle herself just fine.” Daphne snorted affectionately. Clearly the two shared a kinship.
“So, I’m curious, what had you running like your ass was on fire last night?” My aunt cocked her head, assessing me.
“Can we stop talking about my ass?” I grumbled. “And I didn’t move here to be some country star’s good time.” I rolled my eyes.
They exchanged a look as though they were considering pushing me before thinking better of it.
“So, when can I start digging in? You need me to look at the books, right?” I asked my aunt, wanting to change the subject. “And help you with some hiring?”
Though my business major hadn’t been by choice, I’d always been good with numbers.
“That would be great, honey, but I want you to take a couple of days to settle in. Why don’t we plan on next week?” she suggested.
“I can do that.” I nodded before turning to Daphne. “And you know my real priority is to spend time with this little bugger.” I reached down to squeeze JoJo’s chunky thigh.
“That can be arranged.” Daphne smiled gratefully.
Daphne had been married briefly, but her ex had decided he wasn’t the father type and had cut and run before JoJo was born. Though she’d never ask for help—she was like her mother that way—I knew she needed it, and I was glad to be able to offer it.
Plus, hanging out with Jo was no hardship.
“All right, I need to get this little one to swim class,” Daphne announced, reaching for her daughter.
“And I need to get over to the restaurant,” my aunt added before turning to me. “What’s your plan for today?”
“I think I’ll go on a run up the trail at the end of the street,” I began. “Then I need to get some food in the house, and I saw there’s a garage sale nearby. Might go see if I can get a few things to spruce this place up.”
“Let us know if you need any help. And, honey”—my aunt moved in close for another hug—“you might get tired of me saying this, but we are so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” I smiled sincerely, giving her a squeeze before walking them toward the door.
In the silence that followed their departure, I leaned against the front door, taking in my new space and looking forward to making Green River home.
It was time to get to work.
After unpacking a few more boxes, including my workout gear, I laced up my running shoes, excited to explore the trails near the house. I’d turned to running early on in life as an outlet—a way to burn off the frustration of feeling powerless.
Now, I hoped it took on a new meaning, one of freedom.
I knew from my aunt and cousin that the weather here could turn on a dime—we could even see snow this early in the season. After harsh winters and muggy summers in DC, I relished the crisp, sunny mountain air as I headed up the steep, wooded trail.
I let my mind wander, heart pumping in a now familiar rhythm, legs burning from exertion. I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost didn’t see the woman coming down the trail until she flagged me down.
“There’s a giant rattler across the trail about a quarter mile up,” she informed me as she wiped her brow.
“As in a rattle snake?” I exclaimed in shock.
She laughed. “Not from around here?”
I made a face. “I guess I’ll have to work on not giving that fact away in 2.2 seconds,” I retorted, making her laugh. “I just moved from DC.”
“Ah, not many rattlers there, huh?” She smiled warmly.
“Not that I’ve ever seen. Giant bugs, though.” I wrinkled my nose.
“I’m Katie,” she introduced. “I’d shake your hand, but…” She gestured to her glistening form. “Sweat.”
“Same.” I laughed, liking her immediately. Dressed similarly to me in shorts and a tank, she was cute with dark brown hair and a warm smile.
“I’m Lucy,” I added.
“Want to make our way back down together? I don’t think that big boy is moving off the trail anytime soon,” she explained.
“Sure, I certainly didn’t bargain for that kind of adventure,” I agreed. “Are you local to the area?” I asked as we began an easy pace down the trail.
“Born and raised,” she confirmed as her ponytail bounced in front of me. “I went away for college but moved back a few years ago. Missed it too much.” She shrugged.
“Seems like that kind of place.”
“What brings you to Green River?”
“My aunt owns Goodie’s,” I said, offering the easy explanation.
“Love Goodie’s,” she exclaimed, “and your aunt. Everyone does. I was so sorry to hear about your uncle a few years back.”
“Thanks. I know it’s been hard on her. I was looking for a change and can do my job from anywhere, so I’m hoping she’ll accept some help. She can be stubborn.” I snorted affectionately.
“I’m sure she’s happy you’re here. And I’m sure Daphne is thrilled. I’m constantly amazed at how she juggles everything being a single mom.”
“She’s amazing,” I agreed readily. “I’m so excited to be closer to help out. How do you know Daph?”
“She was a few years ahead of me in school, so we only recently really got to know each other after I moved back and started at the hospital.”
“Oh, are you a physical therapist as well?” My cousin had been working at the hospital since getting her degree a few years back and loved what she did. I just wasn’t sure how she managed it all with an infant in tow.
“Yeah, though I just passed the exams not long ago. Daphne has been kind enough to show me the ropes.”
I wasn’t surprised to hear that about my cousin. Though Daphne could have a seemingly tough exterior, made tougher still by her recent experience with her asshole ex, she had a huge heart.
We ran in silence for a bit, the chirping birds and rustling trees our soundtrack as we neared the base of the trail.
“Have you been to Sweet Bean yet?” she asked as we caught our breath at the trailhead. “Best coffee and baked goods in town. I actually left my car parked in front. Want to grab a cup of coffee?”
“I’d love to.” I was trying not to seem too desperate to make a new friend. Truth be told, I hadn’t had many back in DC. Josh had successfully isolated me from most of my previous friends.
I’d let him do that, which wasn’t something I’d ever allow myself to repeat.
We made our way to the coffee shop, with me pointing out my house as we passed it.
The bakery was immediately welcoming as we stepped inside, the scent of coffee beans and pastries a delicious combination.
The space was open and bright, with several customers posted up around the space in the cozy-looking chairs.
Colorful art hung on the walls, and an acoustic song I’d heard but couldn’t place played through the speakers.
“Hey, Katie,” a woman close to our age greeted, smiling from behind the counter. “Your usual?” She quirked a brow.
“I’m so predictable,” Katie muttered with a grin but nodded. “Greta, this is Lucy. Lucy, Greta.”
“Hi.” I waved. “Everything looks incredible. My aunt brought a whole array of pastries over this morning, and I’m just realizing where they were from.”
“Goodie is her aunt,” Katie put in.
Greta’s eyes lit up as she smiled, making her even prettier with her golden curls tied up high on her head. “Love Goodie and glad you enjoyed. What can I get you?”
“An iced coffee please,” I replied. “As delicious as everything looks, I think I hit my quota for sweets today.”
“No such thing.” Greta winked. “Iced coffee coming up.”
Katie and I found a seat by the window and chatted easily as we sipped our drinks. She dug into the breakfast sandwich, which I now regretted not ordering.
Living so close to such an amazing bakery was either the best news or extremely dangerous for my waistline.
Likely a bit of both, and I had to say, I was okay with that.
I was staring out the window, enjoying my new friend and coffee, when a black F-150 parked out front. I watched distractedly as the door opened, then nearly swallowed my tongue when Hudson Carter stepped out.
With the same ball cap pulled low over his brow and dressed in a formfitting white tee, worn blue jeans, and work boots, he was a sight to behold.
When he clocked me through the window, his lips quirked up in a smile far too intimate for strangers. His gaze scanned over me appreciatively, and I fought a wince, realizing that I was a complete sweaty mess after my run.
Katie caught my expression and immediately swiveled to catch sight of what I was staring at just as Hudson made his way through the door.
He tipped his hat in our direction. “Ladies.”
“Whoa, I didn’t realize my new friend was Hudson Carter’s new snack.” Katie fought a giggle.
I threw my napkin at her. “I’m not his anything. We haven’t even really met.”
“That look he was giving you said he knows you pretty well.” She raised a brow.
I scoffed. “I’m sure he looks at a bunch of girls that way.”
“Uh, no, he really doesn’t,” she disagreed as Hudson stood at the counter placing his order while I tried desperately to keep my eyes off the most delicious backside I’d ever seen on a man.
Greta handed him a coffee, a healthy blush on her face that I doubted had anything to do with his fame.
As he moved toward the exit, he turned to me once more—that same smile quirking his full lips—before walking through the door and climbing back into his truck.
I visibly deflated as he pulled away, the effect he had on me equal parts exhausting and exhilarating.
Before I’d fully recovered, Greta was walking over with a bag of something. “For you,” she practically squealed as she handed it to me.
“What’s this?” I asked in confusion as I opened the bag, finding a chocolate brownie inside.
“Hudson bought it for you.” She was practically vibrating with excitement. “He said you looked like you needed something sweet.”
“OMG,” Katie breathed.
“Has he done this before?” I asked Greta, dumbfounded.
“Never.” She grinned. “You’re in trouble, girl.”
Trouble was right.