Irresistible Love at Silver Falls (Island County Series Book 7)

by Karice Bolton

  Aunt Hildie should have been a psychiatrist.

  “Fine. I’ll go. Since you’re pushing me into it.”

  Aunt Hildie laughed. “Whatever you say. Just know I’ve got Friday covered.”

  I stared at my phone for a few seconds before texting to Kyle.

  Okay. So apparently Friday is covered. I’d love to go on a hike at Silver Falls. I’ve heard a lot about the area. What time?

  I saw that he was writing back and my heart squeezed slightly at the thought of him hanging onto his phone waiting for me to text back.

  I’ll bring lunch since you fed me most of the weekend. Let’s plan on meeting at ten?

  My heart fluttered with unexpected anticipation as I texted back one simple word. Deal.

  “So is everything all taken care of?” Aunt Hildie asked, standing up.

  “Ten o’clock on Friday at the falls… so if I don’t come back, you can send in the cousins.” I grinned and shook my head. “I can’t believe Jake and Chance did that back in college.”

  She giggled. “I can. I actually heard all about it from your parents. Jake was so proud of himself that he had to tell your father. We never let on to my boys that we knew.”

  “My dad knew too?” I shook my head. “It seems there’s this whole secret society that exists around me.”

  “Quite possibly.” Her expression fell. “And remember that I abhor secret any things. It only leads to trouble and heartache…unless of course it has to do with birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and engagements.”

  “I’ll remember that.” I winked.

  I looked at the clock on the wall. It was a few minutes before eleven, and we had a couple coming to tour the grounds for a wedding.

  “Duty calls. I’ve got a venue tour coming up.”

  “Have fun and let me know if I can be of any assistance.”

  “You got it.”

  I passed by several of the workers, who were coming in from the lavender fields, and I pointed at the table of food.

  “You guys better eat all that food up. I don’t want to see it ever again.”

  Making my way down the path toward the small shop by the parking lot, I felt lighter and brighter. Part of that might be because the sky was no longer filled with clouds, and the sun was peeking out, promising another wave of springtime bliss, but still, it was a welcome feeling.

  Since the girls’ weekend from hell ended, I’d felt heavy with uncertainty and I despised the feeling.

  By the time I reached the small shop, our cashier Jenni was offering the couple tea and cookies, and I couldn’t wait to meet the happy humans in front of me. They looked completely in love and genuinely excited to tour the grounds.

  “Oh, here she is,” Jenni said, waving her hands. “What a perfect break in the weather to tour the gardens.”

  “Sure is.” I smiled and stuck my hand out to the guy. He had dark hair, hazel eyes, and a wiry build. The complete opposite of Kyle. I shoved the intrusive thought aside.

  “I’m Brooke Sahler. So wonderful to meet you.”

  “Wonderful to meet you.” The man nodded, shaking my hand. It wasn’t exactly a firm grip, but at least my hand didn’t fall out of his. “I’m Jack and this is my fiancée, Beth.”

  “This place is absolutely magical,” she gushed. “And you have August 12th available?”

  I nodded. “We do.”

  I didn’t want to mention the reason the date became suddenly available. It was best not to offer the possibility that engagements could be broken.

  “I’d like to go ahead and put a deposit on the date, so I don’t have to worry about someone snatching it up.” Beth glanced at her fiancé and he nodded in agreement.

  “Absolutely. I completely understand.” I walked over to the computer behind the sales counter and clicked on the scheduling software. I quickly began filling out the information as Beth wandered along the shop, collecting soaps, tea, and cookies along the way.

  “I’d love to have something for the wedding favors for the guests that reminds them of the farm.” She looked over at me and I nodded.

  “That’s always a fun treat for the guests,” I agreed. “We have all kinds of options like lavender sachets, lavender mints, tea…” I clicked on save and Jack slid a debit card toward me.

  “I need to print off some contracts for your signatures, and then we can move through the gardens.”

  “Perfect.” Jack nodded.

  “So where are you from? Seattle or?”

  “Minnesota,” Beth said from across the room as Jenni helped put her items in a basket.

  “Wow. What made you decide on our little farm?” I asked, genuinely curious.

  “Originally, we’re both from Washington.” Jack laughed. “We went to junior high together and then my parents moved to Minnesota that summer before high school.”

  “We reconnected on Facebook.” Beth’s cheeks flushed. “My family moved to Wisconsin in my junior year and then I went to college in Minnesota.”

  “Same college as I attended, but we never crossed paths,” Jack added. “Until a photo of a beautiful woman popped up under “people you may know” on the top of my newsfeed a little over a year ago.”

  “Really?” My brows shot up. “And you guys still had things in common?”

  “And even more.” Beth walked over with her basket of items.

  “We stayed on Fireweed Island last summer and took a ferry over to Hound Island so we could tour the gardens here,” Beth started.

  “And I proposed to her at Cliff Gardens.”

  I smiled seeing the pride running through his gaze.

  “A lot of people think it was a happy coincidence Beth and I found one another after all those years.” Jack grinned as he wrapped his arm around her waist. “But I don’t believe in coincidences.”

  “Meant to be?” I asked.

  “Absolutely,” Beth answered. “I think the universe wanted us together, and regardless of outside influences pulling us apart, we still wound up together.”

  Jack’s gaze fell to the contract they each needed to sign, and it looked as if he’d just won the lottery as he picked up the pen and began scribbling his name on all the pages.

  As I watched the happy couple in front of me, I wondered if it was fate that really stepped in. Considering the weekend’s events I wasn’t sure how much could really be left up to fate. I was pretty certain I had some people pushing Kyle and I together.

  Maybe Jack was looking Beth up and that’s how her name magically appeared in his “people he may know” section or maybe she’d been looking him up and the social media algorithms caught it.

  I suppose it really didn’t matter considering they were madly in love.

  He handed her the pen and kissed her cheek.

  Jenni caught my gaze and smiled. Neither of us had much luck in the love department. Partially, because we didn’t believe that department existed.

  I watched Beth sign each line with a loopy grin plastered on her face, and I couldn’t help but feel a little euphoric for them or possibly even myself.

  Maybe… just maybe, I would let life’s happy coincidences unfold and see where they might lead.

  Chapter Seven

  I stared at the clock radio in my car and tapped my finger on my knee. Who in the world did Kyle North think he was? It was a quarter to eleven and the man was a no-show.

  So much for a happy coincidence.

  I grumbled my frustration and pounded my head against the neck rest as I turned on the ignition to get some more heat inside. I’d even switched volunteer shifts with someone at the wildlife refuge today, and spring was when all of the cute babies tended to arrive.

  I knew I should have stuck to my one-strike and you’re out policy. I stared at several happy couples strolling into the dense woods and wondered how they made it look so easy, like finding someone to hang out with was an easy feat.

  It wasn’t.

  My phone buzzed, and I quickly pulled it out of my backp
ack.

  The message was from Billy, and my heart spiraled to the floor mat. Kyle didn’t even have the courage to text me, and it wasn’t like this was a quick trip down the road. I left the house at five this morning to make the trek down to Oregon.

  Heard you were in Oregon. Are you headed back to the island tonight? I’m at the Food Truck Festival sharing my talents with the world. You should stop by on your way through Portland. Lots of delicious grub.

  I pulled my face out of a pucker of disappointment and let out an equally disgruntled groan. I wasn’t entirely sure my ego could handle the confession I was about to make, but I needed to tell someone.

  I got stood up. I’m still at Silver Falls, but I think I’m about to head out.

  If I left now, I’d probably get to Portland early afternoon, and I could binge my way to happiness before heading back up to the ferries.

  What do you mean you got stood up? Who in their right mind would not show up for a date with you? I can kick his ass if you’d like.

  I chuckled. I definitely needed to quit putting myself in situations where the men in my life thought they needed to beat everyone up.

  Although, a selfish part of me kind of liked that I had a posse.

  No need, but I’ll see you this afternoon. I think I need a corndog to get me back home.

  Billy wrote back.

  Line is starting to form. I’ll see ya in a bit. Look for me on Southwest Alder and Washington Street. Did the guy at least have a good reason?

  A laugh erupted so loudly that a couple passing by turned to look at me, and I just waved before texting back.

  No reason at all. He just didn’t show up.

  Billy was letting the line grow, apparently.

  And you didn’t text to find out why?

  I let out a huff. Whose side was he on?

  Why bother? It’s how this guy works.

  Billy texted right back.

  He could be in a ditch somewhere.

  Maybe I didn’t need a corndog after all.

  I’ll keep my eyes peeled on the way back to Washington.

  Billy sent one final text.

  Ouch!

  I buckled up and tried to push away the guilt. Maybe something did happen to Kyle. Although, it wouldn’t be the first time he just vanished into thin air.

  My face fell into a scowl, and against my better judgment, I texted Kyle a quick, “are you okay” message. I stared at my phone for a solid minute before deciding to work my way back to the highway.

  I cranked up the radio and began singing my heart out as I drove up to Portland. I wasn’t going to get angry about this, since today’s next adventure sounded marvelous. Not to mention, Silver Falls had overnight camping, and in the future that seemed like the perfect getaway instead of tarnishing the falls with someone who couldn’t figure out what he wanted from one day to the next. I never would have known that about an overnight area had I not come all this way.

  Perfect! I’d come back in better spirits with my friends and on my own terms.

  My hopes of an early afternoon arrival somehow turned into a late afternoon arrival after a series of accidents on Interstate 5. When I’d finally found a parking spot and slogged my way toward the smells of herbs and spices, I was relieved to see Billy poking his head out the window, handing out a deluxe hotdog to a customer.

  I recognized the delicacy right away. It was a signature hotdog wrapped in a Hawaiian bun, smothered in coconut relish and bacon bits. It might sound odd to some, but to me, it was pure heaven.

  “Hey, Brooke,” Billy said as the customer wandered off. “How you holding up?”

  “You mean after I had almost three hours to sit and stew in my car?” I chuckled. “Just great.”

  “I heard I-5 was a mess.” He grimaced.

  Billy had dark hair, shaved short, a fluffy beard, which currently had a net around it, and absolutely piercing green eyes. His arms were covered in tattoos, and while he looked edgy and sounded gruff, he had a heart of gold.

  “And rush hour is right around the corner,” I added.

  “You could always stay in Portland overnight. I’m bunking at my brother’s and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

  The idea didn’t sound completely horrible.

  Certainly would be better than last weekend.

  Billy handed me a mini corndog. “How about it?”

  I took a bite of the corndog and let out a happy moan. “This hits the spot and I think I’ll take you up on the offer. It sounds much better than my girls’ weekend fiasco.”

  “Good. Now just wander up that way, and make sure to grab the fish and chips.” I glanced behind me and saw why Billy was so excited for me to go up the street.

  Billy had a routine. He spotted his target, flirted, teased them with delectable entrees, which they never had to pay for, and then he collected numbers.

  The rest was history.

  Truth be told, I wasn’t sure if his method actually worked.

  As I waited in the fish and chips line, I looked toward Billy’s food truck and saw a woman giggling with a hot dog in her hand.

  Maybe it did.

  I ordered a small basket of halibut and chips, tossed my corndog stick in the trash, and wandered back toward Billy once he’d sealed the deal and a trade of napkins commenced.

  Fish and chips in hand, I strolled up to a beaming Billy.

  “Another lucky day on the Avenue?” I teased.

  He held up a napkin and waved it in the air.

  “Her number?” My brow arched as I dipped a fry in tartar sauce.

  “Only time will tell.”

  Puzzled by the statement, my brows knitted together as I ate a piece of halibut and Billy locked up his food truck.

  “You ready to head to Stone’s?” he asked, opening the door and hopping down the steps.

  “Yup. I’ll follow you.” I said, polishing off my last bite of fish.

  “Oh, I don’t have a car down here. I just drive this beast.” He pointed behind him. “You’re my ride.”

  I flashed him a dirty look. “You just want me for my car.”

  “What can I say? I’m not a fan of public transportation. I’m too pretty.” He grinned and I felt immensely better. Silver Falls was nothing more than a distant memory. “So, did you hear back from lover boy?” He slammed his fist into his palm.

  “I haven’t checked since I got here. I’ve been too busy eating my sorrows.” I tossed the empty basket in the trashcan and pulled my keys and phone out of my purse.

  I dropped the keys in his hands. “You drive. The roads around here drive me nuts.”

  “Sure thing.”

  I glanced down at my phone to see a baffling text.

  I didn’t have any service at the falls. Your message just came through. I’m okay. A little confused as to why you didn’t show, but I’m okay. You?

  “What?” Billy asked. “You got a message?”

  “Sure did.” My heart was hammering in my chest.

  “And what did it say?” Billy asked, glimpsing at my phone.

  “He says he was at the falls and was confused why I didn’t show up.”

  “You did show up.” Billy said and I nodded.

  “I absolutely did.”

  “Could there be a different parking lot?”

  “I met him where he told me to go.” I was sure of it.

  “Then why didn’t he respond when you texted?”

  “He said he didn’t get cell service.”

  “But you did.” Billy’s brows lifted.

  “Yeah.” I scratched my head and stared at the phone right when it rang.

  “It’s him.” My eyes widened.

  “Then answer it.” Billy laughed and shook his head.

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Hello?” I tried not to sound disappointed, agitated, or confused. So instead, I sounded flat.

  “Hey, I thought I’d just call because the text thing obviously isn’t working.” He didn’t sound like a guy
who meant to stand me up, which only confused the situation.

  A horn honked behind us and Billy scooted me down the sidewalk as a police car went by with a siren blaring.

  “Thanks, Billy.”

  “Billy?” Kyle asked.

  “Yeah. I’m in Portland. It turned out Billy had his food truck parked at a festival this weekend and I figured since I was in the state—”

  “In the state?” Kyle interrupted. “What do you mean in the state?”

  “Well, I had to drive through Portland on the way home. I guess I could have gone a different way, but it was more roundabout, and after being stood up this morning, a street full of food trucks sounded like the perfect trick.”

  “I didn’t stand you up, Brooke. I’ve been at Silver Falls for three hours with a picnic basket for two, but I was never in Oregon.”

  “What do you mean you were never in Oregon?” I asked, and Billy’s brows shot up.

  “I was talking about Silver Falls just outside of Silver Ridge. I wouldn’t make you drive to Oregon to see me, or at the very least, I would have driven us.”

  It felt like the bustling city around me came to a screeching halt. Everything else he said slid away, and I repeated the one important thing.

  “You didn’t stand me up?” I whispered.

  “He didn’t stand you up?” Billy asked, a smile spreading across his expression.

  “He didn’t stand me up,” I muttered, feeling suddenly euphoric, and that in itself was a bad sign about my dating life.

  Euphoria hit when the man showed up.

  “Yes. Please assure Billy I didn’t stand you up.” Kyle let out a deep sigh. “But I can’t believe you’d drive to Oregon for a date with me.”

  A flutter of annoyance rose up, but I couldn’t help but smile as Billy nodded in agreement.

  “Don’t get too excited. I drive all over the country for the pure pleasure of it.”