Hometown Hope: A Small Town Romance Anthology

by Zoe York

  “Yup.” He nodded. “I’m set to begin work in October, but hoping I can start early.”

  Scarlett soaked up the details.

  Cole had been left, weeks before his wedding, stuck moving to the small town his runaway bride came from with a job already lined up?

  That was cold, even for Allie-Kate.

  “Oh, Cole. I am so sorry,” Scarlett said. And this was only the beginning. How soon until everyone else knew, too? “Well, what are you going to do?”

  “Settle in, I guess.” He shrugged.

  “Really?”

  “I don’t have any other option. I sank a lot of money into this wedding. Allie hasn’t been working steadily, so it fell mostly on me. I can’t afford to break the lease or move somewhere else. I’ve got a good job lined up.” He shrugged. “I’ll make do.”

  Scarlett wanted to hug him. She wanted to squeeze him tight because she knew what it was like to have loved and been left. That was the story of her life, her love was never enough.

  Was there anything she could do?

  She glanced at the clock.

  Garth and Benji wouldn’t be back for another hour. She didn’t want Cole there when she broached the topic of giving him a refund. While she loved what they did, this gig had more or less fallen in their lap and the guys treated it like a business, not a matter of the heart.

  “Do you have a list of vendors booked for the wedding?” she asked.

  “Uh, yeah. I went back through the emails and bank account.” He patted his pockets. “These aren’t my clothes. One second.”

  He cracked another of those bright smiles and the tension in her chest eased. She wanted to help him. This was a shitty spot to land in with no support system or friends.

  Cole ducked into the bathroom and retrieved his phone.

  “Glad I splurged for the hefty duty case, huh?” He wiped off the phone screen and set it on the counter.

  “Have you told your family? Does AK’s family know?” Scarlett leaned in to look at his list.

  “I haven’t spoken to her family, but I’m guessing they do. No one showed up with a welcome home Allie sign or anything.”

  “And your family?”

  “Weren’t coming, anyway.” He turned the phone toward her. “Do you know these people?” he asked.

  Scarlett took the phone and studied the contacts.

  She knew all of them.

  “These are all pretty close.” She glanced out the front windows. “Where’s your car?”

  “I just have a bike right now.”

  “A bike? Where is it?” She hadn’t seen a motorcycle.

  “Oh.” He squinted out front. “It’s lying on its side in the grass. It’s a decent four speed, nothing fancy.”

  “Wait—you have a bicycle? Not a motorcycle?”

  “Yeah.” He shrugged.

  “You moved to Texas, the land of no public transportation, without a car?” She stared at him.

  Cole sighed then glanced away. There was something he hadn’t wanted to tell her.

  “Allie took the car.”

  “She—what?” Scarlett gaped at the man.

  “And my dog.”

  She had no response to that, just shock.

  All of this and he wasn’t angry and raging at the person responsible. He was an angel. A damn fucking angel and she wanted to help him. There wasn’t a world where the way he’d been treated was right, and she wanted to fix this. Help him, and she knew how.

  “It’s the start of a bad country song, isn’t it?”

  “Kind of. Okay, here’s what we’re going to do.” Scarlett tucked a bit of hair up into her bun. “I am going to shower real quick. After that, you and I are going to make the rounds, see what we can do about getting you refunds. If you need a car, I know where we could go, too.”

  “You don’t have to—”

  Scarlett shook her head and his voice trailed off. “AK should have treated you better than this. I don’t know what your story is, but no one deserves to be up and left like that. It’s not right.”

  She’d only begun to make wedding plans when her ex left her. It wasn’t the same thing, but she felt his pain as though it were her own. She’d been broken up with enough that she understood him. She’d had Garth and Benji to help her pick up the broken pieces of her heart, but Cole had no one. She’d felt that pain too many times to let someone go through it alone.

  Chapter 2

  Cole sat shotgun in Scarlett’s Jeep, the cracked window blowing warm air on his face, which was not helping him cool down. He glanced at his chauffer, her hair dancing wildly in the wind.

  Every time he looked at her the world felt as though it fell away and all that mattered was her, this moment. He hadn’t touched her and somehow sharing space with her felt intimate.

  Guilt bit into him.

  A couple of weeks ago he’d been engaged to another woman. A woman who now barely registered in his thoughts.

  Cole had to get a grip on his thoughts.

  Puppies.

  He should focus on that.

  Damn he missed going home to a dog. His old lab had passed away months ago and his new dog had bonded more with Allie seeing as how she was at home all day. Sometimes he wondered if he missed the corgi mix pup more than his fiancé. That was rather telling, but he wasn’t ready to examine those feelings. He’d rather get on with it, settle into his new life and leave Allie behind.

  “Sorry about the AC. It’s getting fixed tomorrow.” Scarlett glanced at him, her sweet smile bringing a bit of light into his day.

  “Thanks for driving me around all afternoon. I don’t think I’d have made it to this many places on a bicycle.” He thumbed over his shoulder at his bike in the back. “I don’t think I was ready for how small this place really was. There’s no Uber or anything.”

  “I don’t think half the residents even know what Uber is. You live in Ransom now.” She laughed, a musical sound that he wanted to remember. “We take care of each other.”

  “I thought small towns were all nosey neighbors and stuff,” he said.

  “Oh, people here are supercurious, but they’re the good ones. Promise.” Scarlett glanced at him, her grin putting him at ease. “Okay, it’s just the bakery, right?”

  “Yeah. That should be it.”

  “It’s the least I could do given everything you’re going through.”

  He almost didn’t want this trip to end, but that was silly. It had to, and they’d go back to their lives. But maybe he’d repay her sometime? As friends, nothing more. If he’d learned anything through this ordeal with Allie, it was that he was better off alone for now. He’d allowed himself to get wrapped up in being needed and having someone there that he’d forgotten to be in love with her. It just hadn’t been there for them.

  “You grow up here?” His life didn’t include Allie anymore. He was going to focus on what came next. He was no stranger to restarting life in a new place with no roots or friends. It was how he’d been raised. He’d manage here until he got his feet back under him and take it from there.

  “Almost my whole life.” Scarlett’s smile was a thing of beauty with the way it transformed her face. “The land the barn sits on has been in Lively hands for generations. My mother and her husband lived just east, other side of the highway.”

  “Where are they now?”

  “They died when I was younger.” Her smile faltered for a moment.

  “I’m sorry,” he said quickly.

  “It was a long time ago. Anyway, my aunt and uncle took me in. Lived here ever since.”

  “You’ve never been tempted to move into the city? Go anywhere else?”

  “There’s no space in cities, even in a place like Fort Worth or Dallas. Besides, everyone I know lives here. I’ve lived outside of Ransom a few times. It never went well for me.” There was a story there she wasn’t sharing and for some reason he didn’t like that barrier. It wasn’t his place to press her though.

  “I lived in
a few small towns.” It had rarely been pleasant. Allie had talked him into it because of the on-coming urban sprawl knocking on Ransom’s door. City amenities weren’t that far away, or so she’d said.

  “Ransom’s different. I promise. Give it a chance. You might like it.”

  “I’m open to new experiences.”

  “Here we are.” Scarlett pulled the Jeep into a parking spot out front of the bakery, Eats and Treats.

  The front window sported a few festive cakes and two tables sat out front. This time of the afternoon the place seemed quiet. Almost empty.

  He got out and made it to the door first, opening it up for Scarlett. She’d changed into jean shorts and a maroon T-shirt with flip-flops after her shower. Her hair was up and out of her face, save for the unruly bits. He’d been fighting the urge all day to tug the elastic out of it and run his fingers through the strands.

  “Thanks.” She placed her hand on his bicep as she passed.

  It was a casual touch, maybe even friendly, but it sent a zing of awareness through him. Almost as powerful as when he’d first stared into her shocked eyes, that bit of mud sliding off her upturned nose.

  “Afternoon,” a woman called out, but he couldn’t see the person.

  “Harper?” Scarlett leaned on the glass display case that was almost empty save for a tray of cookies and wrapped muffins.

  “Scarlett? Is that you?”

  “Plus one.”

  “Come into the back,” Harper yelled.

  Scarlett waved him to follow her past the display case and through a set of double doors into the bakery. A woman stood at one of the three stainless steel tables set up in the middle of the bakery. Her jet black hair was swept up under a hair net and her turquoise T-shirt was covered in white powder. She had an airbrush machine in one hand and her focus was on a cake that seemed to be made of balloons.

  “Wow, this is amazing.” Scarlett got a few feet closer then stopped.

  “If she changes the theme one more time, I’m going to dropkick this cake into her car and tell her she owes me double.”

  “Maybe we should come back later.” Scarlett glanced up at him.

  “Is there someone we need to have a talking to?” Cole braced his hand on the table.

  “You can try to get a word in, but my money’s not on you.” Harper glanced up and cracked a smile. Her gaze traveled up and down Cole’s body not the least bit shy about her evaluation. “And who are you?”

  “I’m Cole Odell.” He offered his hands.

  “Sticky.” Harper wiggled her fingers. “Why do I know that name?”

  “That’s what we’re here to talk about.” Scarlett glanced up at him. “AK called the wedding off.”

  “The Hume wedding.” Harper finished washing her hands and turned toward them. “Shit. It’s off?”

  “Yeah.” Cole nodded. The more he faced up to the fact the easier it got. He was still embarrassed and his ego had taken a hit, but deep down he was relieved. Allie was no longer his burden to watch after or care for.

  “Sorry to hear that, man.” Harper came back to where they stood. “I guess you won’t need the cake then?”

  “That’s what we’re here for; to see if it’s possible to cancel the order, maybe get a refund.” Scarlett leaned against the table, thumbs hooked in her pockets.

  “Probably. I mean, all we had was a deposit. I don’t have any notes on what it was supposed to be or anything. I’ll have to talk to the boss, of course.”

  “Allie paid for it in advance,” Cole said.

  “Shit. Okay. Let me see what I can do. I’ll have to talk to my boss. Really sorry to hear that, man.” Harper’s gaze narrowed. “What are you even doing here? If I’d been walked out on like that, I sure as hell wouldn’t be here.”

  “I have a job here and a house,” he said.

  “Oh, double shit.” Harper’s brown eyes widened and her mouth hung open.

  “And that’s the other reason I wanted to swing by.” Scarlett turned toward Harper. “You’re friends with one of the vet techs sons?”

  “Mrs. Billy’s son. We lift together. I don’t know that I’d call us friends.” Harper wrinkled her nose.

  “Shoot. I was hoping to pick your brain about whether or not Cole could start work early.” Scarlett sighed.

  “Oh hell yes. That much I know.” Harper nodded.

  Outside a horn blared followed by a crash.

  Harper spun and the three of them bolted out the rear door of the bakery into the alley that led to one of the streets that crossed the main drag of the small town.

  An old pickup truck sat across the street, a metal garbage can sitting on its side. A red head stood in the street, cursing a blue streak.

  “Jessica, what happened?” Scarlett stopped at the curb, bouncing on the balls of her feet, poised as if to do something.

  “Are you okay?” Harper bent and scooped up garbage that had rolled out of the overturned receptacle.

  “I’m fine.” Jessica threw her hands up. “A gold Buick just turned in front of me.”

  “A gold Buick?” Scarlett echoed. “Like Sissy’s?”

  “I don’t know.” Jessica sighed.

  Cole grabbed the hefty garbage can and hauled it upright with a clang.

  “I bet it was Sissy.” Scarlett shook her head.

  “I didn’t say that it was,” Jessica said then glanced at him with interest. “Well, hello there, stranger.”

  “Hello.” Cole gave a little wave then hooked his thumbs in the pockets of his borrowed shorts.

  “This is Cole Odell,” Scarlett said.

  “AK’s fiancé.” Jessica snapped her finger and grinned.

  “Ex-fiancé,” he corrected. He was looking forward to the day when people didn’t automatically associate them together.

  “That didn’t last long.” Jessica’s eyes grew wide. “Well, if you want to talk about it over a beer, I manage the only bar in Ransom. And speaking of the bar, I’ve got to get to work. It was nice to meet you, Cole. Come by any time.” Jessica jogged to her ancient truck and climbed in.

  “Well damn.” Scarlett sighed and watched Jessica’s truck whip around the corner.

  “Did I miss something?” Cole asked.

  “It’s a long story. Don’t worry about it.” Scarlett waved her hand. “Let’s get inside before one of the cops show up.”

  She tugged on Cole’s arm, leading him back inside. He instinctively slid his hand into hers, his finger wrapped around her palm. Almost as soon as the feeling of rightness began to settle in he let go of her.

  The heavy door clanged shut behind them and Scarlett pulled her hand from his.

  “What just happened?” he asked, staring down at his fingers, not sure which thing he was asking about—the near-miss wreck or the electrical hum he’d felt when he touched Scarlett.

  “Like I said, town drama.” Scarlett glanced at her phone.

  “Speaking of drama, is it true the Baptist church isn’t doing trunk or treat this year?” Harper asked.

  “Yup. The pastor made an announcement in January about a family trip,” Scarlett said while frowning at her phone. Her shoulders stiffened and her smile dimmed.

  “I wish someone would tell me this stuff. I was making cupcake plans.” Harper groaned.

  “Well, there’s the fall festival. Hey, Cole? I need to get a few things from the store then head home. Was there anything else you needed today?”

  “No. You’ve been more than helpful.” He resisted the urge to press her for more information. They were strangers.

  “Want me to give you a lift home?” She slid her phone in her pocket, a wrinkle between her brows. The easiness they’d enjoyed was gone.

  “I only live a few blocks away. I can pedal home.” They lived in the same small town. He’d see her again. Maybe some space would be what he needed to sort this out.

  “Oh, well, let me get your bike out of the Jeep then.”

  He followed her out front to the Jeep. She u
nlocked it and he hauled the bicycle out. Cole had this crazy desire to stay close to her. This awareness of her was unsettling in its single minded focus.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked when it was just them standing there in the afternoon heat.

  “Nothing’s wrong,” she said too fast.

  He studied her for a moment. It wasn’t his place to keep pushing. And yet, he wanted her to. Which was why he was going home. He had no business getting involved with another woman. Not now, maybe not ever, but especially not now.

  “If you want to talk about it I’m an unbiased third party. I’m going to have to make this up to you anyway,” he said.

  “That’s not necessary.” She shrugged.

  “Let’s call it, being a good neighbor?” He could turn this small town stuff around on her.

  “You really don’t have to—”

  “I want to. I’ll treat you to dinner or something.” It was a selfish request. He’d liked spending time with her and he wanted to do it again.

  She studied him for a few long moments.

  “Okay.” Scarlett glanced down at her phone, her finger sliding along the edge.

  Once more it felt like there was an invisible rope around his waist, pulling him toward her. The closer she got the more at peace he felt. And he wasn’t alone. He knew she felt something. It was there in her eyes, the way she bit her lower lip, when they touched.

  “Give me your phone.” He held out his hand.

  She frowned at him a moment before unlocking the screen and placing it in his hand.

  He plugged his number into her contacts. This way, the ball was in her court, so to speak.

  “There. When you want me, call me.” He handed the phone back to her.

  “Right.” She chuckled and slid the phone into her pocket.

  “Bye, Scarlett.” He backed away when what he wanted to do was lean in and kiss her sultry mouth.

  Though the day had started with a proverbial rain cloud following him around, it wasn’t ending that way. All because of Scarlett. She was something special.

  And he was fucked up for entertaining ideas of anything except gratitude.

  “Go on. Get in the Jeep.” He nodded at the driver’s door.

  She groped for the door handle then yanked it open, jumping in like he might pounce on her.