Chapter 27
27
I n the days that followed, Lila and Whit found themselves navigating the delicate dance of rebuilding their relationship. The initial awkwardness following the incident with Candy Faye began to dissipate as they spent more time together at the clinic. Whit made a concerted effort to be transparent, sharing details of his life and work that he had previously kept to himself. He often found excuses to join Lila on farm calls, their conversations becoming more relaxed and genuine with each passing day.
One afternoon, as they drove to a remote ranch to tend to a colicky mare, Whit opened up about his time in Texas, explaining his past relationship with Candy Faye. “It wasn’t a serious thing,” he said, his eyes fixed on the winding mountain road ahead. “She was more interested in the idea of what we could be, rather than what we actually were.”
Lila listened quietly, her hands resting in her lap. She appreciated his honesty, even though a part of her still felt a pang of jealousy. “I understand,” she replied softly. “I guess I just needed to hear it from you.”
Whit reached over, gently squeezing her hand. “Thank you for giving me another chance,” he said, his voice sincere.
They drove in comfortable silence for several minutes before Whit glanced over at Lila. “Hey, what do you say you let me take you out for dinner in Jackson on Friday night.”
Lila’s face brightened, but then she sighed. “Oh, Whit, I’m sorry. I’ve already committed to going to a book signing with the girls. It’s for Roxie Steele, the romance author I told you about. She’s just finished her latest novel, and her publisher is offering early copies at the signing in town. The event is being hosted by Bluebird Books, our little bookstore.”
Whit smiled. “Sounds fun.”
Lila couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Sounds...interesting.”
Whit, looking incredibly handsome in a snug white T-shirt that accentuated his chest, raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, interesting?”
“Well,” Lila said with a smirk, “I’m not sure anyone will show up. Roxie Steele writes…shall we say, rather saucy material.”
“Ah,” Whit replied, understanding dawning.
On Friday, the day of the book signing, the new town community center was surprisingly crowded. Lila and her friends arrived, expecting a modest turnout, only to be greeted by a line that snaked around the block.
Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Tables were set up with stacks of Roxie Steele’s latest novel, Desire in the Dust , and a banner reading, “Welcome, Roxie Steele!” hung from the ceiling.
The owner of Bluebird Books, Jason Griffith, wore a delighted look as he manned a makeshift table set up with a cash register.
As Lila, Capri, Reva, and Charlie Grace made their way through the crowd, Lila spotted familiar faces. There was Mrs. Jenkins, the town librarian, clutching a copy of the book with a look of guilty pleasure. Old Mr. Thompson, the retired history teacher, stood in line with a bemused expression, likely wondering how he ended up at a romance book signing.
In the corner, the Knit Wits were gathered, their needles clicking furiously as they sat on folding chairs, chatting, and laughing. Dorothy, the unofficial leader of the group, waved them over. “Girls! You won’t believe how spicy this book is. I had to fan myself just reading the first chapter.”
Lila chuckled, shaking her head. “Dorothy, I never would have pegged you for a fan of... let’s call it, steamy literature.”
Dorothy winked. “Honey, life needs a little spice, don’t you think? Keeps things interesting.”
Reva leaned in, whispering, “Did you see Mildred? She’s here, too. I never thought I’d see the day.”
Sure enough, Mildred, the town’s most conservative resident, stood in line, her face a mix of curiosity and scandalized intrigue. “Oh, my goodness,” Lila whispered back. “This is too good.”
Capri elbowed her and laughed. “Looks like the lady has fans of the male persuasion as well.”
Fleet Southcott and Albie Barton stood in line clutching their copies. Earl Dunlop was right behind them with his book open and reading.
Just as Lila was about to join in the laughter, she felt an elbow in her side. Reva leaned in, her eyes wide with alarm, and pointed across the room. “Lila, look over there. It’s her.”
Lila followed her friend’s gaze and froze. Standing near the entrance, looking entirely too confident for Lila’s liking, was a young woman who had to be Candy Faye Hutchison. The girlfriend was back in town, and she was dressed to impress.
She wore a fitted gray tank top that showcased her toned arms and highlighted her elegant collarbone. Paired with this was a stylish denim skirt that hugged her curves just right, ending just above her knees to show off her long legs. Completing her look, she wore a pair of polished, and obviously expensive, brown cowboy boots that added a touch of Texas flair to her ensemble.
Her reddish-brown hair with blonde highlights was styled in a short, trendy cut that framed her face perfectly. Her makeup was flawless, with a subtle smoky eye that made her hazel eyes pop, and a soft, rosy blush accentuating her high cheekbones. A pair of small, elegant earrings added a touch of sophistication to her look. She exuded confidence and poise, her expression making it clear she was here for a purpose.
Lila’s heart sank. “What is she doing back?” she muttered under her breath.
Reva frowned, her eyes narrowing. “She must be here for Whit. I can’t think of any other reason she’d come back.”
Just then, Candy Faye caught sight of them and sauntered over, a smug smile on her face. “Well, well, if it isn’t the famous Lila Bellamy.” She held out a hand to shake. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Lila forced a tight smile, trying to keep her composure. “Candy Faye.” She shook, then dropped her hand as quickly as possible. “What brings you back to Thunder Mountain?”
“Oh, you know,” Candy Faye drawled, her Texas accent as thick as ever. “Just passing through, thought I’d stop by and see how an old friend was doing.”
The implication was clear.
Lila’s eyes flashed with annoyance. “I wasn’t aware you had any friends in Thunder Mountain.”
Her implication was equally clear.
Candy Faye laughed, a tinkling sound that grated on Lila’s nerves. “Oh, Lila, always so serious. Lighten up, will you? I was just hoping to catch up with Whit. You know, old times and all.”
Capri stepped forward, her hands on her hips. “Well, he’s not here, so I guess you’ll have to find someone else to bother.”
Candy Faye’s smile didn’t falter. “Oh, that’s okay. I know where he lives.”
Lila felt a surge of protectiveness and anger. “Candy Faye, Whit and I are—” She paused, realizing she didn’t want to reveal too much. “Whit is busy.”
“Is he now?” Candy Faye replied, feigning surprise. “Well, I guess I’ll just have to wait around and see him when he’s not so…busy.”
Lila clenched her fists, trying to keep her cool. “I’ll text and alert Whit you want to see him.”
Candy Faye leaned in closer, her smile turning icy. “Oh, Lila, no need. I know where he lives.”
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Lila seething. Reva placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t let her get to you, Lila.”
Charlie Grace patted her on the back. “The nerve of that woman. Whit dumped her and she keeps coming back for more? Don’t let her bother you, Lila. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Yeah,” Capri said. “He’ll send her packing, just like last time.”
Lila took a deep breath, willing herself to calm down. “I know. But I can’t help but feel like she’s ready to stir up trouble.”
Reva nodded. “We’ll keep an eye on her. But tonight, let’s focus on having a good time. Candy Faye isn’t worth ruining our evening over.”
Lila managed a small smile. “You’re right.”
Still, Lila couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Candy Faye’s return was trouble. She’d come all the way from Texas, her mind set on one thing…reclaiming Whit Calloway. It didn’t matter that their tumultuous relationship ended or that Whit had started a new life here in this small mountain town. Candy Faye had decided that Whit belonged to her, and she wasn’t about to let him slip through her fingers.
Before she could voice her concerns, Lila felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she found herself face-to-face with Roxie Steele herself, a petite woman with a shock of red hair and a mischievous smile. “You must be Lila Bellamy,” she said, extending a hand. “Whit told me all about you.”
Lila tried to hide her surprise as she shook Roxie’s hand. “You know Whit?”
Roxie grinned. “Oh yes, I met him in the Rusty Pine a few nights ago. He’s quite taken with you.”
The woman nodded subtly towards the door. “But it looks like that woman has an agenda.”
With a conspiratorial glint in her eye, Roxie leaned closer and pressed a book into Lila’s hands. “Darlin’, it’s time to fight fire with fire. Read Chapter 23. It’ll tell you everything you need to know.”