Page 1 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
CHAPTER ONE
MELODY
There are few things more intimidating than being the only stranger in a small town. At this moment, that unwelcome honor belongs exclusively to me.
Crimson Hollow is beautiful with crimson maples lining Main Street, their leaves blazing orange and red against the mountain backdrop. The charming shops nestled between these autumn sentinels would be picturesque if everyone wasn't watching me as I walk by, making my skin prickle. I adjust my oversized sweater, pulling it lower over my curves as I continue my determined march toward Bean & Bloom Café.
"You got this, Melody Washington," I mutter to myself, forcing my chin up. "New town, new job, new life."
The café bell jingles as I push through the door, immediately enveloped by the scent of coffee and something sweetly spiced. The space buzzes with morning conversation, every table filled with locals starting their day. And just like outside, everyone turns to stare.
Great. So much for blending in.
"Melody!" A familiar frame with gorgeous natural hair and flour-dusted hands hurries from behind the counter, her smile wide and genuine. "You made it!"
"Sage!" Relief washes over me as we embrace. My best friend from college, the one person I know in this mountain town, looks exactly the same despite the years since graduation. "God, it's good to see you."
"Let me look at you." She holds me at arm's length, assessing. "Still gorgeous, but you look exhausted. Rough drive?"
"Long," I admit. "Beautiful once I hit the mountains, though."
I don't mention the three panic attacks I had along the way, or how many times I almost turned back. Sage already knows too much about why I'm really here – one of the few people who understands I'm not just moving for a teaching job.
"Coffee first, then we'll get you settled." She guides me to the counter. "First one's on the house for my favorite city girl turned small-town teacher."
I order a honey-cinnamon latte from a menu that's clearly gone full autumn mode—pumpkin spice everything, which makes me smile despite my nerves. While Sage works her magic, I scan the café. The locals have mostly returned to their conversations, though I still catch curious glances. A group of older women at the corner table aren't even pretending not to stare.
Small towns. I've never lived in one before. Toronto has always been home, anonymous and sprawling. Here, I might as well be wearing a neon sign sayingOUTSIDER.
"So you start at the high school next week?" Sage asks, sliding a ceramic mug adorned with painted mountain peaks across the counter.
I nod, taking a sip of the latte. It's delicious, rich with honey and spice. "Taking over Mrs. Holloway's English lit classes.Jordyn Kane McCrae helped arrange it all through the school board when I mentioned needing a change."
"Mrs. Holloway had twins last month," Sage explains, leaning against the counter. "And Jordyn's amazing. Her family basically runs half this town since her father passed. The Kane brothers own Club Crimson, and Iron Vine Estate supplies all our local restaurants with wine."
"Speaking of living arrangements," I lower my voice slightly, "you're sure your dad's okay with me staying in his cabin until I find my own place? I don't want to impose."
"He's hardly ever there," Sage assures me. "He spends most nights at his main place deeper in the mountains. The guest cabin is just where he crashes when he's working late at Club Crimson. Trust me, he was happy to offer it when I explained the situation."
The situation. Such a bland euphemism for fleeing an abusive ex-boyfriend whose family connections make restraining orders nothing but paper shields.
"I appreciate it," I say, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. "I didn't know where else to go."
Sage's expression softens. "That's what best friends are for. And don't worry, we haven't told anyone about... you know." She glances around before lowering her voice. "As far as Crimson Hollow is concerned, you're just here for the teaching job."
Relief floods through me. The last thing I need is for my humiliation to follow me here. "Thank you."
"Dad said he'll make sure the cabin's security system is updated before you move in." Sage's mouth quirks into a half-smile. "He's a bit intense about protection, but after what happened with Jason, that's probably not a bad thing."
The mention of Jason's name sends a familiar cold spike through my chest. I force a deep breath. "I didn't come here for protection, Sage. I came here for a fresh start."
"I know." She reaches across the counter to squeeze my hand. "And you'll get one. But just between us, if that bastard ever shows his face around here, my dad would happily show him the nearest cliff."
"Sage!"
"I'm just saying." She shrugs, unrepentant. "Dad's got a protective streak a mile wide, especially when it comes to people I care about. And you, Melody Washington, have been family since sophomore year when you held my hair back after too many tequila shots."
Before I can respond, the bell above the door jingles. Sage glances up, her expression shifting subtly. "Speaking of Dad..."
