Page 15 of My Surly Valentine

Nobody, not even Dad, knows that I’ve saved every birthday gift from both sets of grandparents, which were often fairly substantial checks. As a result, my savings account has been quietly growing: I had always planned to use it for a down payment on a home someday.

“Hey.” I look up to see Axton’s dark eyes fixed on me with concern. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” My fingers run through my hair. “Just zoned out for a bit.”

“You need fresh air.” He jumps to his feet. “We’ve been cooped up here for days. The snow has stopped and the main roads will be plowed. How about I take you into town for dinner?”

My mouth falls open, then shuts again. “Yessss,” he says ridiculously slowly. “Like a daaaate.”

“That would be great, but I don’t have anything fancy to wear.”

“Goldilocks, this isnota high heels kind of town. The fanciest restaurant that has food I actually like is at Snowy Summit Retreat – the ski resort. How’s that?”

“Sounds great. Just give me a few minutes.”

I grab my bag and rush into the bathroom. I’ve never been one to take hours to get ready, but I do want to take a few extra minutes to make sure I look…well, as cute as possible.

Some brown and gray eyeshadow makes my eyes pop, and I twist the side of my hair up in a clip. My dark blue dress, the only one I brought, isn’t very fancy, but with the silver necklace and earrings I just happened to pack, I look relatively date-ready.

A date. Right before Valentine’s Day. With a gorgeous man. It’s hard to believe this is happening.

Axton lets out a low wolf whistle when he sees me. The way he stares, checking me out from head to toe, makes me feel tingly all over.

I blink, then clutch at my heart, feigning shock as I take in his black dress pants and shirt. His thick dark hair is even combed a bit flatter.

“You are breathtaking, baby,” he murmurs, gravitating toward me. His hand skims down my back, then grabs my assfirmly. “I’m not sure if I actually want to take you into town now. What if other men look at you?”

My chin lifts and I flutter my eyelashes. “I’m pretty sure they’ll take one look at you and find somewhere else to be.”

“Good point.”

On the drive into Hope Peak, there’s still a fair bit of snow on the ground. The drive would be treacherous in my car, but Axton’s truck with its proper winter tires handles it easily. When we get into town, the roads and sidewalks are all completely cleared.

“Have you been through town at all?” he asks.

“Not really. Just the grocery store.”

He helps me down from the truck, then kisses my cheek. “I have to run an errand. Why don’t you have a look around?” He points in the direction we came from. “There’s a bookstore back there, and Perfect Brews Coffee.” Then he points the other way. “We’ll be driving up there to Snowy Summit Retreat. I’ll find you in about twenty minutes, okay?”

“Sure.”

I head straight for Book Peak, which has all the charm and variety I could wish for. The notebooks on display are quite nice. I consider buying a new one to start tracking all the podcast possibilities and future story topics to focus on.

The saleslady comes over with a twinkle in her eye. “Did I see you with Axton Turner?”

“Yes.”

“He was smiling?”

“I think so. Why?”

She holds up her hands. “Lord almighty, there’s a first for everything. Last time I saw that man, he was growling at a tourist who nearly backed into Mrs. Mailer. Honestly, I thought he was going to tear the poor boy’s head off.”

I laugh. “Well, he was definitely a little grumpy when we first met.”

The older lady nods, stepping closer to lower her voice, even though we’re the only people in the shop. “I’m not surprised. He’s been in a bad mood since his brother…” Her head shakes and she trails off.

“Oh.” My fingers tighten as I fiddle with the edge of my coat. “Did something bad happen around here?”

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