Page 24 of Falling For You

But getting a bird’s-eye view from a local only helped my cause. We’d been working on this development for over a year, and we were finally in a position to make a move. This was all part of our research.

Only research.

Violet chatted with Abby while I walked to the end of the counter and waited for our drinks to be called. Abby eyed me behind the counter as she handed Violet her drink.

Violet thanked her and found a table while I waited for mine.

I couldn’t believe what I saw when Abby handed me my drink. The cup was twice the size of most large cups, and the outside was printed in buffalo plaid.

“Wow. This is… something.” My eyes widened as Violet snickered behind me.

I turned, holding my monstrous drink, while she shook her head.

“What did you expect with a name like Lumberjack?” Her brows cinched together.

I laughed and slid a chair out from the table. “Fair point.”

“Observations are everything,” she teased.

She wrapped her hands around the steaming latte she’d ordered, lifted it to drink, and looked at me over the rim.

Her eyes twinkled with something mischievous as she set her drink back down. “I hope you don’t think I’ve forgotten.”

“Oh, heavens. I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Something about her persistence was alluring but also worrisome. I didn’t need the town to get into an uproar and stop our plans.

“It’s only a matter of time before I’ll find out what you’re doing here.” She winked at me and slid her feet under her chair.

“I fully believe it.” I nodded. “But until then, why don’t you tell me about coming here to live after city life?”

She thought about her words carefully. “It’s what I needed.” She pointed her long finger at me. “But you, I don’t understand what someone like you is doing in a small town like this.”

“Oh, just enjoying the peace and quiet. Not everyone is cut out for small-town life, but I think it’s starting to suit me.”

Her brows arched. “How long have you been here?”

I leaned into the back of the chair. “Two days.”

She smirked and chuckled. “Two days? Wait until you’ve been here two weeks. I guarantee you’ll want out of here as fast as possible.”

“What are you telling me? I don’t look like a calm guy into peace and tranquility?”

She laughed a little harder and shook her head. “No, not really.”

“Okay. Then what do I look like to you?”

“Like someone who’s trying too hard.”

I clutched my chest. “That stings. It really does.”

“Am I wrong?”

Abby called out the name of a breakfast sandwich, and Violet hopped up. She always seemed to flutter everywhere, even back in her cabin, while looking for something.

She zipped back with her croissant and egg sandwich and sat in her chair. “This will give me the energy I need for the rest of my day.”

“What do you have planned?”

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