Page 1 of Riding Home

Chapter 1

I stepped into the hotel bar in Asheville, North Carolina, after a delayed flight from Nashville.All I wanted was a quiet drink before collapsing into bed.I slid onto a barstool at the far end, away from the sparse crowd.

“Red wine, please,” I told the bartender, offering a tired smile.

He poured a generous glass.“Long day?”

“You have no idea,” I sighed, taking a grateful sip.

As I stared into my drink, thoughts of tomorrow’s drive to Brevard filled my mind.Thanksgiving with family meant navigating my mother’s not-so-subtle attempts to meddle in my nonexistent love life.

“Can you believe how hot it is for Thanksgiving?”a deep voice drawled beside me.

I glanced sideways to see a man settling onto the stool next to mine.Seriously?Out of all the empty seats.I rolled my eyes subtly and took another sip, hoping he’d take the hint.

“One more beer, Clark?”the bartender asked, placing a fresh bottle in front of him.

I couldn’t help a small laugh escaping.Clark.Like Superman.The irony was amusing.

He turned to me, a smirk appearing on his lips.“Something funny?”

“Just your name,” I admitted, meeting his gaze.His hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity.A well-groomed beard framed his strong jawline, and tattoos peeked from under the sleeves of his fitted t-shirt.He was annoyingly handsome.

“What’s amusing about Clark?”he challenged, a sexy eyebrow arching.

“Oh, nothing.It’s a strong name,” I replied, fighting a smile.

He chuckled.“And you are?”

“Aurora.”

“Like the Roman goddess of dawn.Fitting.”

“Well, aren’t you a charmer,” I quipped.

He raised his beer in a mock toast.“Heading home for the holidays?”

“Yep.Driving to Brevard in the morning,” I said, then mentally kicked myself for sharing.

“Family time.Always...eventful,” he mused.

“That’s one way to put it.”I let out a sigh.“My mom insists on inviting my ex to Thanksgiving dinner every year, even though I’ve told her I have a boyfriend.”

“You do?”he asked, almost pouting.

I nibbled on my lip before confessing, “No.It’s a lie to get her off my back.”

He laughed softly.“Smart.I might have to steal that tactic.My mom keeps inviting some poor girl from her church, hoping I’ll take her back to Nashville with me.”

I looked at him in surprise.“You live in Nashville?”

“Yeah, been there a few years now.”

“Small world,” I murmured, realizing I’d revealed more than intended.Traveling alone, I usually kept details vague.

He took a swig of his beer.“Maybe this year will be different.Mom just moved to a new neighborhood.Nicer place.”

“That’s great,” I said cautiously, sensing there was more to the story.

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