Page 16 of Love You Already

“It would take a lot for me to be able to mimic that particular connection, Bridgett. I don't know what it was about that night or about him. It was all insanely different. But like, good different.” I try to keep the frustration from bleeding through.

It's not my sister's fault I met and basically fell for a guy without getting his last name. I didn't even get a city or occupation out of the guy. And sure, I could have tried to call the hotel for details on his room since that's where we wound up, but I had a feeling they wouldn't tell me.

I've kicked myself for not being more forward since the moment we drove out of Vegas.

“Maybe the universe will intervene and drop Mr. Perfect 2.0 in your lap soon.”

I shake my head at her. “Maybe, but I'm betting it's as likely as pigs flying. Don't hold your breath, Bridge. I like you too much to watch you go out like that.”

We break into a fit of laughter at my words. It's the perfect ending to a stressful conversation with no resolution in sight.

Who the hell can I convince to go along with this sham of a relationship idea my sister had? And how will the fire between us ever compare to the real thing now that I've had it?

CHAPTER 8

I'M NOT INTERESTED IN WHATEVER YOU'RE THINKING. I'M TAKEN.

Lachlan

I'm not the type to believe in fate. It's never suited me to think there's some magical string of interwoven moments tied together, bringing us all where we should be right as we need to arrive. I'm more of a practical guy who believes in hard work and the reward that comes from it.

But there isn't another explanation for the situation I'm in. It has to be fate.

“You're sure about this?” I asked Todd when he called me earlier to say he'd found Rose Wright. And wouldn't luck have it? She was in the tiny town a bit outside of Houston. A town called Firefly Cove. The same town I'd picked because it made me think of her.

What kind of fucking luck did I have? And how long was it good for? Because I needed all the luck I could get to go tell the beautiful spitfire of a woman I'd spent a night with in Vegas that we were legally married.

Firefly Cove is the epitome of a small town. There's not much to it that you can't see from driving down main street. At least, that's what I've observed so far.

“This is your new place for the summer,” says the older woman who met me to give me the keys. Her name is Verle Mae Hardy, and she's the welcome wagon in town. Or so she says. I'm not sure how small town life dictates their hierarchy, but if the size of her hair is anything to go by, she's very powerful.

“Thank you.” My words are short and easy. I'm not trying to extend the conversation any further. Not now that I know I need to find Rose.

Verle doesn't walk away after handing over the keys. “You're a handsome young man. How old did you say you were?”

“I didn't,” I grit out. “Thank you, but I'm not interested in whatever you're thinking. I'm taken.”

For the first time in my life, the statement rings wholly and completely true. Whether or not I'll stay that way is another thing. Rose and I have loads to discuss and since it's already nearing evening, I want to try to find her as soon as possible. How hard can it be to locate a woman at seven on a Thursday night?

My phone rings with Todd's name again. I smile politely at Verle as I point to my phone. “Sorry. I need to take this work call. I appreciate your help again.”

Without saying another word to her, I take off for the front door. I don't want to be an asshole, but Verle isn't catching the signals I'm throwing out. Plus, right now Todd trumps her tenfold. My agent is earning his pay with this particular predicament.

“More news?” I ask as soon as I answer.

He chuckles. “Good news. I found your Rose. She's going to be in one of two places. Either she's on her family's farm, Wright Way Ranch. Or she's at her bar, Sips.”

“Her bar?” I try to remember if she ever mentioned owning a bar. It doesn't ring a bell.

“According to the details we were able to find, your wife owns the bar. She has since returning to Firefly Cove shortly after the date of your marriage. She's been there ever since. You going to find her soon?”

Wife, huh? Not sure why that sounds so good.

“Dropping my bags at the new place, then I'm heading straight to her,” I tell him while unlocking the door.

“Well keep me updated. I've got lawyers on standby for whenever you two need to speak with them. Don't make a move without me or them. Got it, kid?”

I nod mindlessly. “Sure thing, Todd. I need to go now.”

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