Page 17 of Falling For You

The thought of him on theproperty was a little too close for comfort. We all had a rule. Stay away from the guests.

“It didn’t feel like the right thing to do.”

I cocked my head slightly and shook my head as laughter from a few tables over undercut our conversation.

Swirling my glass in my hand, the ice clinked, and soda bubbled as I brought my eyes back to his. The words he spoke slid under my skin, and I knew there was something more he wasn’t telling me.

I hadn’t planned on any of this tonight. Instead of hanging out at my tiny cabin in the woods, I wound up here for my brother and his date, and the next thing I knew, I was staring at a man with a gruff demeanor and the kind of sharp eyes that could see right through me.

He’d been quiet and reserved at the property, barely smiling.

But now I see something else behind his gaze—a softness, perhaps.

I looked over at my brother and his date and could tell things were going well. A smile touched my lips.

“Do you come here often?” he asked, then laughed, shaking his head. “Listen to me. I sound like a guy trying to pick up a woman.”

I shot him a sideways glance. “Isn’t that what you’re doing?”

He shrugged. “I guess I’m not great at small talk.”

“I can tell.” I leaned in just slightly. His eyes traveled to my mouth before returning to my eyes, and my entire body warmed.

“You don’t hold back, do you?”

I shook my head and let out a silent sigh. “Nope. It’s not my style. I also don’t take no for an answer.”

His brows quirked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I will find out why you’re in town.” I pressed my lips together, trying to ignore the connection I felt to him.

He was the exact type of man I swore off when I left the city.

“You mentioned reviewing some legal documents when you return to the hotel.” I pursed my lips and shook my head. “So, maybe you’re planning Mr. Medowski’s estate.”

“Can’t say one way or another.” Owen nodded slowly, keeping his gaze on mine. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Do you really care if I come here often?”

“Actually, I do.” He steepled his fingers together and glanced around the bar.

“I come here often enough to know that they have the best fish fries in town, and their prime rib is phenomenal.”

“Do you like being back in a small town?” he asked.

His question took me by surprise. A few seconds passed, and I smiled.

“Yeah. I missed it more than I knew. I love being around my family and helping out with the lodge.”

“Is that your plan, then? To stick around and help or…?”

I focused on the attractive man across from me and wondered why he cared.

“For now. Why? Does it matter?”

“Just curious.” He tapped his finger onthe table and caught the server’s attention.

“It sounds like you’re a workaholic,” I said, shaking my head. “Is there anything else you like to do for fun?”

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