My stomach growls, interrupting my thoughts. I check the time on my phone—just past five. Plenty of time to grab dinner and then come back to plan my next steps.
After a quick shower and change of clothes, I head out into the crisp evening air. Crimson Hollow's Main Street is decked out for Christmas, with garlands strung across the lampposts and storefronts glowing with holiday lights. Snow dusts thesidewalks, and the scent of pine and wood smoke fills the air. Despite my circumstances, I can't help smiling at the picturesque scene.
Bean & Bloom Café is easy to find, a cheerful storefront with large windows and a chalkboard sign advertising "Winter Warmers" and "Grandma's Comfort Food." The bell over the door jingles as I enter, and the rich aroma of coffee and baked goods envelops me.
"Welcome to Bean & Bloom!" A dark-skinned woman with gorgeous natural hair and flour-dusted hands greets me from behind the counter. "I don't think I've seen you around before."
"Just got into town today." I approach the counter, eyeing the display case of pastries. "My car broke down, and I'm staying at The Mountain Lodge while it gets fixed."
Her eyes twinkle. "At Grizzle & Grind? With Diesel?"
I nod, wondering if everyone in this town knows everyone else's business. "Word travels fast."
She laughs. "Small town. I'm Sage, by the way. This is my place."
"Sandra Hemmings." I extend my hand, and she wipes hers on her apron before shaking it. "Ellie at the lodge recommended your food."
"Ellie's good people. What can I get you? Kitchen’s still open for another hour."
I order a grilled chicken sandwich and a coffee, then take a seat by the window. The café is about half full, with locals chatting over steaming mugs and plates of food. It's cozy and welcoming, the kind of place where regulars have their own tables and newcomers are noticed but not unwelcome.
My food arrives quickly, delivered by a server with a friendly smile. I'm halfway through my sandwich—which is delicious—when the bell over the door jingles again.
I glance up and nearly choke on my bite when Diesel walks in, his imposing presence filling the small café. Several patrons call out greetings, which he acknowledges with nods or grunts. His eyes scan the room and land on me, widening slightly in surprise.
Our gazes lock, and for a moment, I can't look away. There's something magnetic about him, something that draws me in despite his prickly exterior. Or maybe because of it. I've always been attracted to challenges.
Before I can decide whether to wave him over or pretend I didn't see him, he makes the decision for me, striding to my table with purpose.
"Mind if I sit?" he asks, already pulling out the chair across from me.
"Please, make yourself at home," I say dryly, gesturing to the chair he's already claiming.
He settles his large frame into the seat, and suddenly the table feels much smaller. "Settling in okay?"
"So far, so good. The lodge is nice." I take a sip of my coffee. "Small world, running into you here."
"Small town," he corrects. "Only three decent places to eat. Four if you count the diner on the edge of town, but their coffee tastes like dishwater."
"I'll keep that in mind." I study him across the table. Up close, he's even more handsome than I initially thought. Strong jawline with a day's worth of stubble, straight nose, full lips that look surprisingly soft compared to the hardness of the rest of his face.
"See something you like?" he asks, catching me staring.
Heat floods my cheeks. "Just trying to figure you out."
"Nothing to figure out. What you see is what you get."
"Somehow I doubt that." I lean forward, propping my chin on my hand. "Nobody's that simple."
Sage approaches our table with a coffee pot. "The usual, Diesel?"
He nods, and she fills a mug for him before giving me a look I can't quite interpret.
"So," I say once Sage has moved on to other tables, "have you lived in Crimson Hollow long?"
He takes a sip of his coffee before answering. "Five years. Moved here to start the garage."
"From where?"
