she'd be staying for a few days. This was her only chance to pro

ng that she wouldn't say no to the promotion and that

to stand on her own without her brother by her

y would it? The only thing that mattered to her r

ould she forget how Dax Easton broke her heart in front of the most romantic

only cried for days until she rea

the scent of fall. Charleigh should have taken her yoga mat with h

then a cake shop beside it, named Clarity in a chiffon pink color. That explained the smell that m

mind, it was nothing personal. She was just doing her job and would get her promotion if the project would go smoothl

tube maze, and monkey bars. She stood there for a while, looking at

s all crumbled down before her when her ex broke her heart. Since then, she focused her

thing brushed her legs. Her heart leaped to

elt down, petting the dog. If she was not mistaken, it was an American Eskimo. She ran her fi

. "You're so ador

when she spent most of her time on her job. "Who are you, huh?" She couldn't help

istance, which made Charleigh stop petting

and something in the air shifte

y," the guy

"I'm sorry if he bothers you. He's like that when he feels safe and comfortable

tail, tongue darted out as if

igh stood up after petting Lotus one more time. When she lifted her g

d L

foot and a few inches tall. He had the same height as Tripp, but there was no doubt he was more attractive than her brother. She a

her as if trying to remembe

d, but the longer they stared at each other, the more she wante

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 in

re you?" the hot dog walker sai

st visiting Hopes Spri

. "I would have met you already if you were from arou

and sweatpants if I were also from around here. Charleigh he

ly red lips spread into a full

m Charleigh, and that must be Lotus." She looked dow

h squeezed it for a handshake. It was strong and large, and there was something in that squeeze tha

ank

u checke

t. And I am actually looking for

have tables and serve coffee. You'd l

use coffe

e to see you around. Enjoy your stay." He started to walk back, and then Charleigh watched him pause. Then Bryce turned aroun

*

coffee and a half dozen cupcakes after Bryc

ss, and white sandals and applied li

outcast from the town. She wanted to blend in and be a

om the cashier at Clarity earlier,

patrons turned to look at the door. There were pairs of eyes and scrutinizing looks pinne

elief when she saw wome

s drinking alone tonight." She almo

, she smiled. "Can't s

oo

her back, ushering her to t

hard for you to find someon

his head to the bartender. Charleigh's eyes found the man Br

lp but laugh. "

d, asking for their orders. She ordered

that she wanted it even more, but the night was still young, and she wanted to enjoy a few minutes

making Bryce smile at her reaction. She used to receive a lot of com

with th

w gorgeous he was if the word gorgeous was even enough to describe him. Compared to the people around, Bryce

ought yo

r a shor

es?" His voice was low and hoarse. There was somethi

t. I'm here for a job." Ch

. I

down as he swallowed his drink, and sh

r staring at him, rewardin

e worked on this project, and she couldn't say it was good. She ende

mix work with pleasure, but she would consider fooling a little because. In a few days, she w

sex with Bryce would stay in her