Page 12 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

As I head to my truck, I hear voices. Familiar voices.

I glance up and immediately spot Mia standing near one of the freshly planted trees, chatting animatedly with an older woman. Dotty. Riley’s aunt. Between the two of them, their energy is enough to power the whole town.

I slow my steps, scanning for an exit, but there’s nowhere to go. They’re blocking the main path back to my truck, and ducking into the bushes isn’t exactly subtle.

Too late.

Mia spots me, her face lighting up with that mischievous smile I know all too well. “Graham! Don’t think you’re sneaking past us!”

I sigh internally, forcing a polite smile as I approach. “Mia. Dotty. How are you two doing?”

Dotty beams at me, her floral sundress swaying slightly in the breeze. “Oh, we’re just fine, dear. Out for a little walk and catching up on all the town gossip.”

“And trust me,” Mia adds, folding her arms and tilting her head, “there’s plenty to catch up on. You’ve been keeping busy, haven’t you?”

“As much as I can,” I say, keeping my tone neutral. “You know how it is—work never ends.”

Mia narrows her eyes playfully. “Work, huh? Is that what you call hiding away in your workshop for hours on end?”

Dotty chuckles, shaking her head. “He’s always been the quiet type, hasn’t he? You’d think he was designing a rocket ship with all the time he spends in his workshop.”

I smile faintly, hoping they’ll move on, but Mia’s grin widens. She’s got something up her sleeve, and I can feel it.

“So, Graham,” she says, her tone turning almost casual. “Have you heard about the wedding?”

There it is.

“I might’ve heard a little,” I reply nonchalantly.

Dotty clasps her hands together, her face lighting up. “Oh, it’s going to be wonderful! Ethan and Riley are just the sweetest pair, aren’t they?”

“They are,” I agree, shifting slightly on my feet.

“And it’s all anyone’s talking about,” Mia adds, her eyes narrowing as if gauging my reaction. “You should come. It’ll be the event of the year.”

I give her a polite nod. “Riley already invited me, so I’ll be there.”

Dotty pats my arm. “That’s wonderful news! I almost thought you wouldn’t want to because you always mind your business. It’s touching you’re doing this for Riley.”

“I couldn’t say no,” I say. Weddings aren’t my thing, and the thought of standing in a crowd, surrounded by familiar faces and probing questions, isn’t exactly appealing. But this is Riley; she’s on the top two list of people who made Bardstown easy for me to blend in. It’s just a few hours, and I’ll be out of there.

“Well, we won’t keep you,” Mia says, her tone light but her gaze sharp like she’s still trying to read me. “But don’t be a stranger, okay? It’s about time Bardstown saw a little more of Graham Cole.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say.

As I walk away, I can feel their eyes on my back, Mia’s especially.

I reach my truck and climb in, letting out a slow breath. Bardstown may be my home now, but moments like these remind me that some people here will always want more than I’m willing to give.

I glance back at the park as I start the engine, the trees swaying gently in the breeze. This place, this life I’ve built—it’s enough for me. At least, that’s what I tell myself as I drive away.

The truck rattles as I drive down the winding country road, the golden light of sunset spilling over the fields. Usually, this drive is my favorite part of the day—just me, the open road, and the promise of home waiting at the end of it. But tonight, my thoughts are louder than the hum of the engine, and I can’t seem to outrun them.

What if someone here found out the truth?

For seven years, I’ve lived as Graham Cole, the quiet landscape architect who moved to Bardstown, built a modest life, and blended into the town’s rhythm. People here know me as a guy who designs outdoor spaces, lends a hand when needed, and minds his own business. And that’s exactly the way I want it.

But lately, I can’t shake the feeling that the walls are starting to close in.

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