Lucy
My throat was dry, and my neck and shoulders were tight as I sang along to the playlist that had seen me through the flatlands of Kansas and into the mountain range of Colorado.
In my three straight days on the road from Washington DC, I’d listened to just about every podcast and playlist at my disposal.
The good news was that I was close to my destination of Green River, Colorado.
The bad news was that I was losing service.
And I’d gotten tired of the sound of my own voice back in Illinois.
When the music officially cut off over the mountains, I squared my shoulders, determined to avoid a meltdown in the last fifty miles. I’d done the previous two thousand with impressive fortitude, if I did say so myself.
Desperate as I was for entertainment, when my phone rang, my mother’s name flashing on the display, I easily hit the red button. Silence was far better than hearing how disappointed she and my dad were over my decision to leave my life in DC, the life they’d all but chosen for me.
The sign for Green River appearing in the twilight a short time later was a welcome sight as I drove through the quaint downtown. Little had changed over the years I’d been visiting. The cute shops and tree-lined streets looked just the same.
I was headed to my new home—a cottage close to town that, from what the landlord had told me, was in need of some TLC. But the price was right, and I was eager for my own space as I navigated a life that was finally mine.
As I pulled to the curb, I took in the white cottage with green shutters. It was quaint from the outside, though in clear need of a paint job and some landscaping in the front.
Aunt Goodie: Are you here yet?
The text came through just as I cut the engine, eager to get out of the car and stretch my stiff limbs.
Lucy: Here! Going to unpack and probably crash early.
Aunt Goodie: Are you sure I can’t come greet you? I can get someone to cover me for a bit.
I smiled fondly at her text, fully aware that she was overwhelmed at Goodie’s Bar and Grill. She and my uncle had opened the brew pub together twenty years ago, and she’d been running it alone following his passing five years ago.
The thought of my uncle made my heart clench. His passing had been sudden, and though she put on a brave face, my aunt was still reeling from the loss all while trying to keep up her responsibilities at the restaurant.
Which was one of the main reasons for my move to Green River. My job allowed me to work on my own schedule and from anywhere, giving me the opportunity to offer her the support I knew she needed but would never ask for.
And I was in desperate need of a fresh start. I honestly wasn’t sure who was saving who.
Lucy: I’m good, promise.
Aunt Goodie: Come by the restaurant for a bite when you get settled if you’re hungry. I need to give you a squeeze! Love you, Lulu.
I smiled at the nickname she’d called me for as long as I could remember. Her warmth was the polar opposite of both my parents and how I’d been raised.
Lucy: Love you too.
I slipped my phone in my back pocket, stretched, and headed toward the cottage, eager to explore.
Stepping onto the front porch, the boards creaked under my feet as I reached for the not-so-hidden key my landlord had placed under the doormat.
I popped the door open and stepped inside, surveying the wood-paneled front room, complete with a brick fireplace, and small kitchen to the right. Though the peach refrigerator made it look as if I’d wandered into the 1950s, the place had a certain charm.
Plus, I was somewhat prepared since my cousin Daphne had done a walkthrough the week before and warned me that wood had vomited all over the walls and every available surface.
I had to admit, I’d thought she was being dramatic.
A quick walk down the short hall led to a bedroom paneled from floor to ceiling in wood, outfitted with a brass bed, and decorated with framed paintings of ducks throughout the room.
I was sure there was some sort of story there. I was also sure those paintings would be coming down immediately. Though I was grateful the place had come partially furnished, having very little furniture myself, I drew the line at mallards watching me sleep.
The bathroom had survived the wood-panel explosion and instead had floral wallpaper that complimented the peach tub and sink quite nicely, if you were into that sort of thing.
I made my way back out to my SUV, which was packed to the gills with all of my belongings—or at least the ones that mattered. I’d left many of my possessions behind, along with Josh and my former life.
It took me about ten trips to get everything inside the cottage, and by then I was exhausted and starving.
I hadn’t been sure if I’d make it over to the restaurant on my first night, but it was either that or hit the grocery store, and the latter was far less appealing.
Despite my exhaustion, after a quick rinse and a clean change of clothes, I decided to walk the short distance rather than get back into the car.
The evening was warm with a gentle breeze as I took in the bungalow and ranch-style homes that lined the street.
I knew from previous visits that just outside of town, sprawling ranches and large properties awaited.
Green River hosted a beautiful countryside that had called to me since childhood.
I looked forward to experiencing it with fresh eyes.
I hit Main Street in no time, a quaint strip lined with boutiques, a coffee shop, and its evident main attraction—Goodie’s.
I could hear the chatter and music from down the block.
I’d known that business was good, but judging by the scene that welcomed me when I stepped inside, I’d underestimated just how good.
The large space was packed to the brim, country music playing over the speakers as customers stood elbow to elbow at the circular bar. I glanced past the bar to the restaurant area where every table I could see was full.
And it was a Tuesday. I couldn’t imagine what this place was like on a Friday night.
“Lulu!” I spotted my aunt as she appeared from the kitchen.
She looked older than the last time I’d seen her, her dark hair woven with gray and a tinge of sadness in her eyes, marked by the loss of my uncle. But she was a beautiful woman, and that smile, when turned on you like it was on me now, had a way of making your day brighter.
“Hi, Goodie.” I grinned as she wrapped me in a tight hug.
“Goddamn girl, but you are gorgeous,” she marveled, pulling back to get a look at me. “You must be exhausted and starving. Let me find you a seat at the bar.”
“Oh, don’t go to any trou—” I tried to interject, but she was already shooing a large man off a barstool.
“Make room for my niece, Ed,” she clucked without ire, and judging by the man’s grin, he was used to her antics.
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” she added, making me blush.
“Drove all the way from Washington, DC, can you believe it?” She seemed to be telling the room at large.
“I’ll get you a menu, but in the meantime, bet you could use a cocktail after that drive, am I right? ” she asked with a raised brow.
“I so could,” I agreed, taking the seat that poor Ed had relinquished.
A moment later, a delicious-looking drink on ice was being slid in my direction.
“I’m sorry, love, but we’re slammed tonight, so I’m a little crazed.
But know that I’m so happy you’re here. Beyond happy.
” Aunt Goode squeezed my hand briefly. “Take a look at the menu. If I can’t take your order, grab one of the bartenders.
They’ll help you out. And we can catch up tomorrow when I’m not running around like a chicken with her head cut off.
” She made a goofy face I remembered from my childhood.
I grinned. “Don’t worry, I’m all good,” I assured her. “Do your thing. I’ll eat and go home and crash. I’m whooped.”
“I bet.” She nodded and, with a tap on the bar, strode off to wherever she was being pulled next.
I took a sip of my drink, unsurprised to find it delicious, and scanned the crowded bar, eager to people watch as always.
When my gaze landed on the man across the bar, my stomach pitched and a gasp escaped me as I was all but ensnared in his gaze.
I got the sense he’d been staring a while, waiting hungrily to catch my eye.
I’d never in my life had such a physical reaction to a man.
Bright blue eyes framed in long lashes stared back at me intently. A ball cap was pulled low over his brow, and a thick mustache framed his full, sinful mouth.
His elbows were braced on the bar, showcasing muscular arms clad in a formfitting blue tee.
His looks were something, but it was the way he stared at me—nearly predatory. As though he had every right to. As though he could see straight through me and knew every piece of me intimately.
My heart was thudding in my chest, my intense reaction making me want to bolt for the door.
I distantly noticed his companion nudge him, reading his lips when he asked, “Who is that?”
It was enough to break the spell. With a shiver, I looked down at my drink, my hands shaking.
What the hell was that?
I took a much-needed gulp of my drink, the burn a welcome balm to my shuddering insides as I tried desperately to pull myself together.
There was no way I could eat with all that intensity coming at me from across the bar. I attributed my reaction to exhaustion. I’d been through a lot in the last few days.
Knowing I wasn’t in any position to handle whatever that electricity had in store for me, I threw some money on the bar and slid off my stool. I made my way through the crowded bar, just reaching the entrance when a large hand gripped my bicep, turning me gently.
I didn’t need to look up to know who it was. I somehow knew from his touch, and the realization was slightly terrifying.
I looked up into his fathomless blue eyes. His nostrils flared as he stared down at me. “You’re leaving?”
His voice was deep and rich, with a slight rasp that made him all the more intoxicating.
“I’m leaving,” I agreed, trying not to sound as breathless as I felt.
“Stay. Have a drink with me.” His order rankled me, reminding me why I needed a fresh start. I’d been taking orders all my life.
“Didn’t your mother raise you to say please?” I lifted a brow in challenge.
His lips quirked, eyes sparkling. “Yes, ma’am, she did. Will you please stay and have a drink with me?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a few girls around my age positioning themselves in his line of sight, clearly trying to get his attention. One looked like she was about to faint, her cheeks flushed and her eyes gleaming like he was a hard-fought prize.
And maybe he was. But he wasn’t mine.
“Looks like you have all the company you need. Have a good night.” I stepped back, allowing enough space for his adoring fan club to step closer and giving myself a chance to make a quick escape.
Once outside, I sucked in the first full breath of air I’d taken since I’d locked eyes with the mystery man and started walking home.