Picked and Playing Along

Romance and I broke up.
Forever.
Irreconcilable differences.
Yet somehow, I’m fake-dating a hermit like an iPhone upgrade I didn’t ask for.

The Sweetpines’ matchmaking festival is legendary.
I didn’t sign up.

Instead, my traitorous besties entered me.
Then Beau Callahan, my BFF’s brother, gets picked as my match.

He’s a broody handyman, allergic to conversation and hiding a guitar pick necklace like a state secret.
I’m an overzealous florist with a big personality.
Admittedly, a bit out there.

We’re opposites with a capital O, but even the town dog approves.
So we agree to fake-date just for the festival—
with everyone watching.

Then “Sayonara.”
Zero complications.
Zero feelings.

Except teamwork feels natural, and he defends me publicly.
A cozy one-bed cabin sparks blushes.
One moonlit kiss, and I’m done pretending.

So much for “no romance.”
I’m in love.

But his mysterious past is impossible to ignore. And so is his ex.

If Beau doesn’t fight for us, we’ll crash and burn.
And I’ll be left with nothing but ashes.