by Stark, Cindy
The little town was cute, though. Baskets of pink and purple petunias swung from streetlamps, and all of the buildings were in good repair. It was like going back in time fifty years.
"Sorry to postpone our arrival. Mom asked if I could pick up a couple of things before we head out to their place." Hannah nodded toward a building with Andersen's Grocery painted on the side. "Do you mind if we stop?"
"Not at all." Lily cruised into the small parking lot, grateful to have arrived. "I'd like to look around the place I'm going to be calling home anyway."
Hannah snorted. "Don't get too excited."
Her friend seemed really down on her hometown, but Lily hoped it wouldn't be that bad. More than that, she hoped they'd both have new jobs before long and be headed back to civilized Salt Lake. Lily shouldered her purse and headed down the short street as Hannah went inside the store. The air was fresh, if a bit cooler than it had been in the city. She inhaled again. Like really fresh. Like it almost had a sweet taste to it. That was certainly a nice change her lungs would appreciate during her morning runs.
In the same parking lot as the grocery store, stood a small strip mall with a pizza parlor, a beauty salon, and Betty Johnson Real Estate. A small "help wanted" sign tucked into the corner of a window near the door of the real estate office snagged her attention. She'd be headed there first thing after they got settled in.
A gas station took up space on the other side of the strip mall, and a bit farther down was a bigger building with the words Swallow's Bar and Grill. The other side of the street housed a cute little bakery and coffee shop. The town's version of Starbucks, perhaps? She'd definitely check it out later. Ahead of her was Randall's Western Outfitters that apparently carried clothing, tools and more. Everything a girl could want, all in a few short steps. It would certainly provide a different shopping experience than Rodeo Drive.
The door to the western outfitters store swung open in front of her, and she had to stop short to avoid running into it.
"So sorry, Miss," said the older guy in a worn cowboy hat when he realized he'd almost plowed the door into her face. He totally looked the rancher part with short, gristled whiskers, accompanying denim jacket, and carrying a large bag of something over his shoulder.
Lily shook her head. "It's fine. You couldn't have known I was here."
The wrinkles around his grass green eyes creased when he smiled. "Still, I apologize."
She was about to respond when another man came out right behind him, carrying two identical bags.
"Dad—"
The younger guy stopped short when he saw Lily. "Well, hello."
He was a taller version of his father, with the same beautiful green eyes. His biceps bulged beneath his dark blue T-shirt from holding the weight of the two bags, and an interesting tattoo peeked out from beneath one of his sleeves. A hint of short brown hair hung below a khaki-colored ballcap, and she was surprised to find he wore small, thick silver hoops in his ears. Apparently, the small towns of the world were finally catching up with everyone else.
"Um…hi." She felt silly now, impeding him and his dad.
"Did you want something, Luke?" his father asked.
He hesitated. "I'll tell you in the truck." He nodded toward a big black pickup, and Lily couldn't help but feel he'd just dismissed his dad.
The older man seemed to pick up his cue as well. He winked at Lily, nodded and headed toward the vehicle.
"You're new in town." The younger guy smiled, making Lily feel slightly giddy inside. She wasn't quite sure what to make of him. Hannah had been dead wrong in her assessment of the men in this town if this guy was any indication of who she'd find here.
"I just arrived. I'm going to be staying with my friend's family for a while." A soft breeze blew several blond curls into her face, making them stick to her lip gloss. She tried several times to remove them, but kept missing some. He reached out, holding the weight of his load with one hand, and pulled the last hairs away from her lips.
"Thanks." She tugged her long tresses to one side, away from the breeze, to keep them under control. The attraction she felt for this guy was awkward, surprising, and a little exhilarating.
"What's your name?" He continued to stand there as though the heavy weight he carried meant nothing to him.
"Lily. Lily Chandler."
"I'm Luke Winchester. It's nice to meet you." His lips tilted into a grin, and she couldn't stop herself from mirroring the gesture. "Who are the friends you're staying with?"
"The Morgan family. Do you know them?"
"Of course."
At her puzzled expression, he continued. "You're obviously not from a small town, 'cause here everybody knows everybody."
"Lily?" Hannah yelled from down the street. "Let's go."
Luke turned his gaze to her friend, his demeanor cooling. "Hey, Hannah. Welcome back," he called out.
Hannah sent him a heated look and then got in the car, slamming her door.
Lily raised her brows. "Ouch. You and Hannah have some sort of history?"
He shook his head, a disappointed look hovering in his eyes. "A slight misunderstanding. She'll get over it one of these days. In the meantime, promise me you won't believe everything she tells you."
Interesting. She couldn't wait to hear Hannah's side of the story. "Okay." She would give Luke the benefit of the doubt. For now.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lily Chandler. I'm sure I'll run into you again."
He held out a hand, and she took it. His fingers were strong and warm, and they sent a fascinating spike of energy coursing through her. "Nice to meet you, too."
She let go of his hand and turned, walking toward her Honda. She desperately wanted to look back at him, but she was certain he still watched her. She could feel the almost physical touch of his gaze. When she reached down to open the car door, she dared a glance in his direction. A swift current whipped through her when their gazes connected. He nodded as though affirming they'd meet again and turned.
Lily blew out a slow breath and slipped into her car, trying to pretend Luke Winchester hadn't shoved her pulse into overdrive.
Click here to purchase Relentless (Book One in the Aspen Series)
About the Author
Cindy Stark lives with her family and a sweet Border Collie named Boo in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She currently writes romantic suspense and contemporary romances.
To find other books by Cindy, visit her website at www.cindystark.com
