The Hometown Hoax (The Hoax Series)

by Heather Thurmeier

  Tessa flipped to the last page of the book and gasped as fresh tears blurred her vision so badly she had to take a moment to wipe them away. There they were, embracing, in what had to be a stick version of Central Park with a message in his handwriting scrawled across the grass— You followed your dreams and stole my heart along the way. I was wrong. I don’t need the small town life. I only need the small town girl in my life.

  He’d put himself and his heart out there for her to see with this book. He’d offered to give up everything he was building in her hometown. But she couldn’t let him do that, not after everything he’d already done for her. She needed to go back to be with him. No, she wanted to go back. The difference between obligation and desire suddenly made her future crystal clear.

  Now she needed a plan to make her future a reality.

  “Pembroke Gallery,” the voice on the other end of the line said in a cheery tone. Tessa hoped the first stage of her plan would be accepted. If it wasn’t, then she’d have to go to plan B, except that she didn’t have one.

  “Can I speak with Mr. Pembroke, please? It’s Tessa Cutter.”

  “One moment.”

  She twirled a strand of her hair as she waited. If he said no, what would she do? Give up her dream if it meant getting Logan back? Yes. She was prepared to do that. But damn, she didn’t want it to come to that.

  “Miss. Cutter. Have you made your decision? I hope you’ve decided to work with us. I already have customers in mind for some of your pieces.”

  He did? Fantastic!

  “I have.” She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. “I’d love to work with your gallery.”

  “Excellent news. I’ll get you on the schedule for that opening we discussed at our meeting. I assume with the speed you mentioned you’ll have enough pieces done by then?”

  “Well, I hope with the right inspiration, I will.”

  “Great!”

  “But that’s something else I wanted to speak with you about. I’d like to work where my inspiration is, which would mean leaving New York. It would also mean that I wouldn’t be available all the time to meet with customers. Or you. But,” she added quickly before he thought she was brushing him off entirely. “I’d be happy to come back for gallery nights.”

  “Every couple of months we host a night where customers are able to chat with the artists. I would also need you to be present at those. No exceptions.”

  She smiled and fist-pumped the air, thankful that this was a phone conversation and not in person so he couldn’t see her. “I can do that.”

  “Have twenty-five pieces to me in three weeks so I can have them framed.”

  She took down the details of how and where to ship her pieces to the gallery, as well as the date and time of her gallery opening and her first Meet the Artists night. By the time she got off the phone call, her brain was swimming in the “I can’t believe this is actually happening” pond, which was vastly different than the last pond she went swimming in. With Logan. Naked.

  Logan…

  Time to start stage two of her plan for getting him back. First things first, she had to swallow her pride and make a call to the one person who could help her orchestrate everything. She dialed and tapped her fingers on her knee while waiting for the voice she’d been missing more than she wanted to admit. The moment she heard the familiar “hello” a wave of relief and comfort washed over her, erasing the mistakes she’d made lately.

  “Mom, I’m moving home and I need your help.”

  Logan checked his cell phone again for the hundredth time. Tessa still hadn’t called or texted. Nothing since the day she’d left him standing in the parking lot of Randy’s Diner. The day his fresh start had turned sour. The woman he loved was gone. If only he could get her to listen to him long enough to tell her how he felt.

  The tracking on his package said it had been delivered a week and a half ago, so she must’ve opened it and looked inside by now, so why hadn’t she reached out to him? Forgiven him? Or hell, talked to him long enough to tell him to take a leap off a bridge.

  He couldn’t take the silent treatment anymore. It was slowly killing him. Every day felt like torture. If he wasn’t a teacher, with kids depending on him to be there each day, he’d have already driven back to New York to find her. But he couldn’t run off like that. He had responsibilities to the kids here, and he wasn’t about to let his personal life affect his work.

  He would’ve gone back to New York for her. His offer on the last page of the sketchbook he’d created had been true. She had to know that, didn’t she? So that only left one option—she didn’t want him there.

  He had no choice but to move on, as sad as his future looked right now.

  The gym space he’d looked at a few weeks ago had been sold to one of the locals. Some guy who decided he needed an actual storefront for his architecture business. Apparently some of the tourists who usually came and went with the seasons had decided to stay and his home design business had suddenly grown.

  The other place he hoped would come on the market had for a day, or so he was told. He’d never actually gotten to see the listing. Last week someone made the owner an offer they couldn’t refuse. He assumed someone from town had decided to rent the space since the owner hadn’t liked the thought of an “outsider” taking over. He’d already seen construction going on but everyone he’d asked didn’t seem to know any of the details. How they knew what he’d eaten for lunch that day but didn’t know what was going into that space was beyond him.

  But he wasn’t getting discouraged. When his teaching gig was over, if he still didn’t have a space to call his own, then he was starting an outdoor gym. Sure, it wouldn’t have any fancy equipment or facilities but he would still offer people a great workout. As an added benefit to not having rent, he’d be able to charge people only a small fee per class. He’d already found a nice park by the lake for a yoga class and another park in the middle of town that had a track where he could run a boot camp style class.

  It wasn’t what he originally envisioned, or his dream gym, but it was a start. Maybe the more people who started training with him, the more he’d be accepted in town. At some point maybe someone would even rent him a space.

  Logan flopped down on the couch with a pile of mail in his hands. A vanilla colored envelope caught his eye. The writing across the front was informal and cheery, making him think of birthday parties or barbeques.

  Sliding out the postcard, it took a minute to realize what he was looking at. It was an invitation all right, to a grand opening of a new business—the business with all the construction last week that no one seemed to know anything about.

  Join us for the grand opening of Body & Mind Studio for an evening guaranteed to make you hot and dirty. Casual attire recommended.

  Well, that was about the weirdest invitation he’d ever received. The party was today, in an hour. The last thing he was in the mood for was a party, but he couldn’t resist the temptation of finding out what business had gotten the property he’d been eyeing. Decision made—he’d go.

  Tessa bit her fingernails while she paced in front of the closed doors. A curtain had been draped across the windows and door in an effort to keep people from seeing what was going on inside before the big reveal. Of course, it also meant she couldn’t see if he was out there.

  He’d come, wouldn’t he?

  Why wouldn’t he? What else was there to do in town tonight? Nothing. She’d made sure of that.

  “Stop biting your nails, Tessa-bear,” her mother said, coming to her side. She’d been Tessa’s right hand for the last week, coordinating and scheduling the onsite work as well as the deliveries of needed supplies and equipment.

  After a long, long week of working overtime on both this project and her pieces for Pembroke, she was exhausted, nervous, and excited. Mostly, she was anxious to see Logan again. She purposefully hadn’t responded to him after making her decision, but now she feared she’d broken contact with
him for too long. What if he’d thought she was over him so he’d gotten over her? What if he hated that she went behind his back and created this place? If the tables were turned, she’d probably be pissed.

  “I can’t help it,” she said, nibbling on another nail. “I’m so nervous.”

  “Don’t be, sis,” James said, coming to her other side. “The place turned out great. I think the town will like it.”

  She didn’t care what the town thought. Only one opinion mattered—Logan’s.

  “It’s time,” her father said, walking to the front door. James and Travis each gripped one of the curtains, ready to pull them down on her signal.

  She took a deep breath, hoped this had been the right way to show Logan how she felt, and gave the signal. All at once, the curtains fell allowing the evening sun to stream in through the windows, lighting the space behind her. Her father opened the door and Tessa walked out to the cheers of her friends and neighbors, people who had always been there to support her, even when she didn’t appreciate it or deserve it. This was why people lived in small towns. She’d been too stupid to realize it earlier.

  “Thank you all for coming tonight and to everyone who helped me get this place together in such a short amount of time. I couldn’t have done it without you.” She paused while everyone clapped.

  Her eyes scanned the crowd. Near the back and off to one side Logan stood staring at her as if she were a mirage in the desert sun. Tears stung her eyes but she blinked them away. Seeing him again was so much harder than she’d expected. Fear that he’d reject her threatened to overwhelm her.

  “Invite them in, dear,” her mother whispered behind her. “Don’t leave them standing around out there all evening.”

  Tessa cleared her throat and tried to remember what she wanted to say next. “I invited you here for the grand opening of a new, and hopefully successful business in town. Of course, every business needs an owner so I need to do something. Logan, would you join me up here?”

  An expression of complete shock washed over his face as he slowly made his way through the crowd. When he got to where she stood, he looked as if he might hug her, but didn’t. The gesture, if she’d read it right, was encouraging. Maybe he hadn’t changed his mind about her yet.

  “Tessa,” he said, reaching out to stroke his fingers along her jaw as if he didn’t believe she was there.

  Tessa took his hand in hers. “I’m back.”

  “For good?” His voice sounded hopeful.

  “I think so, depending on how this goes, of course.” She motioned to the opened doors.

  “What is this exactly?” he asked.

  “I hate having everyone in town knowing my business, but this time I want them to hear what I have to say. No more trying to shut people out. Including you. Because… I love you, Logan.” A collective gasp came from the gathered crowd and she felt her cheeks burn hot. Public displays of affection weren’t her thing, but neither was this small town she’d decided to finally call home again. “I’ve loved you since practically the first moment I met you.”

  “You mean when I almost killed you by driving you off the side of a mountain?” he asked, grinning.

  “Yes, since then.” She nudged him in the shoulder. “And I’m sorry I ran back to New York instead of staying here and dealing with everything.”

  “I’m sorry I showed Zack your sketchbook. I thought I was being helpful, but you’re right, I was actually trying to find a way to keep you here. I already loved you, Tessa, and I didn’t want to see you leave.” He kissed her and the crowd watching them melted away. The only thing she noticed was how good his lips felt pressed to hers. “I can be a trainer anywhere, and as long as I’m with you, I’ll be happy no matter where we are.”

  “We don’t have to go anywhere. This is our new business, if you want to share the space with me. It’s half gym and half art studio.”

  “Are you serious?” He peered inside the doors, his eyes wide.

  She put a key in his palm. “Your name is on the lease with mine for a year. However, if you hate this idea, I can pull a few strings with the owner and get you out of it. Or if you love it, we can put in an offer to buy.”

  “Being a Cutter in this town comes with a few perks, doesn’t it?” he asked.

  “It doesn’t hurt.” She shrugged. “We can work out all the details later, but first maybe we should let everyone go in and see it. They look like they’re getting restless.”

  “Good idea.” He nodded. “I want to talk to you without an audience anyway.”

  She addressed the gathered crowd again. “Everyone, welcome to Body & Mind Studio where you can come to workout on your own or get personal training from the owner himself, Logan. Upstairs, you’ll find my new art studio where I’ll be holding classes for kids and adults throughout the month. Today, feel free to go upstairs and get a little dirty working with my supplies, or try out some exercises and get a little sweaty.”

  Everyone cheered and said congratulations on their way inside, until it was only Logan and Tessa left on the sidewalk.

  “Don’t you want to go in and see it too?” she asked.

  “In a minute. I’m more concerned with what’s going on out here.” He cupped her jaw in his hands. “Are you actually staying?”

  “I am.” For the first time ever she felt confident in her decision, one she’d made by herself, without anyone else’s influence.

  “What happened with New York? Didn’t you find a gallery to work with?” Concern furrowed his brow.

  She smiled. “I did. I signed with Pembroke.”

  “That’s great. So what are you doing here then?”

  “I got your book. I love it. I decided living in the city wasn’t important anymore. I’d rather be here with you. I’m hoping your message still applies to being here instead of in New York. Still need the small town girl even if she’s in the small town?”

  “I can adjust.” He pulled her close. “Are you really okay moving back? I was serious when I said I’d move to the city to be with you.”

  “I’m sure. Coming home for the camping trip made me realize Cutter’s Creek was better than I remembered and going back to the city was way worse. I thought I liked the hustle and bustle of New York, but once I was in it again, I didn’t. In fact, I hated it. I finally understood what you meant about being able to take a deep breath and appreciate the open spaces.”

  “Well, whatever your reasons, I’m glad you’re here and that you’re staying.” He scrunched up his forehead. “Speaking of staying, where have you been staying? You didn’t get here and manage all this today, right?”

  “I’ve been here a week or so,” she said.

  “And the town kept your secret the whole time?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Apparently they do know how to do that.”

  He laughed. “Did you get an apartment or move back in with your parents?”

  “I’ve been staying in my old room.”

  “How’s that going?”

  “I need to find an apartment, like yesterday.”

  “Move in with me.” It wasn’t a question so much as a request.

  “Really? Doesn’t it feel a little too soon in our relationship to be living together already?” she asked, wanting to say yes, but not wanting to rush into anything either.

  He laughed. “Well, if we can be business partners, I’m pretty sure we can cohabitate.”

  The enormity of what she’d signed on for this past week suddenly hit her, but instead of feeling trapped, she was filled with calm anticipation of what would come next.

  “I love you, Logan, and I’d love to move in with you, but first let’s go see if you like your new gym. It could be a deal breaker if you hate it.”

  He took her hand and together they walked into their new business. Halfway through the room, he stopped and touched a piece of exercise equipment. “It’s everything I hoped for. Better. How did you know what I wanted?”

  “That night out on the dock you
told me all about your plans for the gym and you seemed to love the drawing I did, so I based the real thing off that and hoped for the best.”

  “This place is perfect. You’re perfect. But how did you ever get the money to do all of this?”

  She shrugged and smirked. “Mr. Leeson from the bank never gave me a graduation gift so he decided to cut me some slack on a loan. The payments are very reasonable…for the next fifty years, or so.”

  He swept her into his arms and kissed her like they weren’t standing in a room full of her family, friends, and neighbors.

  In that moment, everything was right in her world. She finally had her art career started, her family was finally content with her life choice, and she’d fallen madly in love with a man who loved her just as much.

  She’d finally found her happiness—right in Cutter’s Creek.

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  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to my agent Jill Marsal and my editor at Entangled Alethea Spiridon Hopson. Your continued belief in my stories keeps me doing what I love! I couldn’t ask to work with a better team of people. You’re both awesome!

  Thank you to my husband Mike. Without you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Your support and encouragement keeps me going even when things get tough. And your continued enthusiasm for crock-pot meals is deeply appreciated, especially when I’m on deadline. XOXO

  About the Author

  Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders, and a reality TV junkie. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York with her husband and kids where she’s become some kind of odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. When she’s not busy taking care of the kids and pets, Heather’s writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes who will make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments, and always a happily ever after. She loves to hear from readers on social media and her website!