Page 2 of The Enemy Face Off

Sometimes I hike up to Cuddle Cove Cliff to watch the sun come up, but most days, I like to wander around town and watch as it slowly comes to life.

I wave to Doyle as he unlocks the door to his grocery store and begins arranging the display, quickly scurrying away when he brings up the Festival of Living Pictures taking place later in the summer. Yeah. I won't be doing that. My community spirit vaporizes the second I step through my front door and kick off my sneakers.

I wander past the bakery and stop for a second, inhaling the inviting smell of freshly baked bread and pastries wafting through the air. I tap on the glass, and Amiel smiles. She finishes sliding a tray of colorful cupcakes, beautifully decorated withicing and sprinkles, into the cabinet then lifts a gloved hand and waves.

"Save you one?" she mouths.

I shake my head. "No thanks."

With a wave, I take off again.

I wish I could sample Amiel's exceptional creations more often—she is one seriously talented baker—but throughout my entire childhood, I was the obese girl with thick glasses who wore a Hello Kitty T-shirt and would get teased at every new school I started for being the obese girl with thick glasses who wore a Hello Kitty T-shirt.

My weight is now in a healthy range. I eat well. I walk every day. And I do allow myself the occasional treat. But the fear of returning to the girl I used to be is never too far from the back of my mind. I'm not consumed by it, but I am careful with what I eat.

I crouch down and get treated to an affectionate flurry of affection, by which I mean a furious licking by Bella, the cutest, most excitable golden retriever I've ever met. Her owner, Felix Logan, is a nice guy. We exchange a few words before he pulls Bella off me, explaining, "I should get going. I'm heading down to LA for an audition."

"Ooh, for anything exciting?"

"Nah. It's a laundry commercial."

"I love doing laundry." I lie with a smile. "Break a leg."

"Thanks, Beth."

I set off again.

Felix and his girlfriend make an adorable couple. So do Evie and Fraser, and so will Hannah and Culver when they finally get their act together and see what's right in front of them.

I let out a sigh that comes out a little more wistful than I intended.

Me?

I'm fine without love in my life.

No, really.I am.

I get all the romance I need from the books I devour. Which, admittedly, sounds a little sad.

But when it comes to men, there's a reason why I have my expectation bar set to just an inch above the ground. I've been treated like dirt in the past, so believe me, it's better to be alone than with someone who disrespects you and doesn't value you. Been there, bought the T-shirt, have no intention of ever repeating that again.

Besides, reading as much romance as I have has taught me one thing loud and clear—total package men only exist in the pages of books, not in real life.

Well, except for Fraser.

And Culver's pretty great, too.

And so is Bear for Summer whenshefinally realizes he's head over heels in love with her.

Okay. Let me backtrack here.

Total package men do exist, they just never pop up in my life.

And that's…fine.

The day is beginning to get brighter, and the streets are coming alive with activity. Bear's diner is busy, kids are hanging out in the gazebo waiting for the school bus, and the early morning calm is giving way to the hustle and bustle of the new day.

That's my cue to retreat and go home.

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