Page 22 of Falling For You

The coffee shop and the rest of the town were only about fifteen minutes away. I turned on my stereo and glanced at my little cabin in the woods before backing out of my drive.

I’d have to remember to send Liam a sarcastic thank you for leading the mystery man to my house this morning.

Happily driving down the windy road to town, glimpses of the sparkling lake grabbed my attention. Before I knew it, the water would be frozen solid. The sidewalks bustled with tourists and locals as I pulled into town.

This little town used to be nothing but a laundromat and a grocery store-gas station combo.

My, how things had changed.

Between the hotel on the lake expanding and our little lodge being fully booked most nights, Buttercup Lake had become the place to visit.

Spotting a vacancy just a few slots down from the coffee shop, I parallel-parked and pushed away the nervousness that came out of nowhere. It wasn’t like I had anything to be nervous about.

Owen obviously didn’t have enough work to do, so he figured I’d be his guide for the next few weeks. But I wasn’t about to drop everything in my life to babysit him.

Nope. Not on my watch.

Thisfarm girljust wanted answers.

I smiled and slid out of my vehicle, stretching toward the brilliant blue sky, before going to the sidewalk.

I hadn’t been to Buttercup Java for several weeks, and Fifi had told me that Abby, the owner, hadfinished a remodel, which I was looking forward to seeing.

“Violet,” the gruff and familiar voice came from behind.

I spun around to see Owen walking toward me. He wore a jacket and smiled at me when I stopped to wait.

Maybe he thought I’d keep going. “A little chilly for you?”

“Hey, I’m used to cold weather. I live in Connecticut and grew up in Wyoming. You gotta believe me that a little autumn air isn’t going to make me shiver.”

I ignored his comment about cold-weather living and started walking toward Buttercup Java. “They just did a remodel on this place.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“I’m excited to see what all Abby did.”

“Who’s Abby?”

My brows pinched together. “The owner and my friend.”

A concerned look flittered across his features, but he shook it off quickly as he reached for the door. I was short enough that I walked right under his arm.

The aromas of cinnamon and fresh-brewed coffee washed over me immediately. I loved what Abby had done with the place.

“Morning, Vi,” Abby called from the counter. She glanced at Owen behind me and waggled her brows. “And good morning to whoever you are.”

I laughed and shook my head. “I’m still trying to figure that out myself.” I pointed behind me. “His name is Owen, and he’s here on business, not pleasure.”

She cocked her head slightly. “Business in Buttercup Lake? There’s not much of that going on here.”

“Exactly what I thought.” I nodded, glancing briefly at Owen, who looked extremely uncomfortable. “So, why don’t you just tell us what you’re doing here?”

He shook his head and let out a sigh. “How about that coffee?”

For a brief moment, I wondered if I would finally get some answers.

Chapter Six

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