After Leann, I never thought I’d want a relationship again. But there was something about Violet that was bringing me back to life.
But did she feel the same way about me? We’d hardly talked before. Despite that, I felt a connection between us. The only question was, did she feel it too, or was this a one-sided love affair?
I knew what my grandpa would have said if he’d still been here. He’d tell me to go get that woman. My grandpa had been full of life. He’d wined and dined my grandma until shecouldn’tsay no to his marriage proposal. He’d believed in going in strong, shaking your tail feathers, and taking what was yours.
Somehow, it wasn’t as easy for me.
I inhaled deeply as I walked by, filling my lungs with the scent of her.
Lenore looked up and spun around in her chair as I passed behind their desks. “Hey Easton. I don’t know if you saw this, but someone ran into the handicap sign out front. It’s bent over and needs to be replaced.”
Nodding at her, I rumbled, “I’m already on it. I’ve got a new pole, and I plan on installing it later on today after I get done at the lodge.”
Violet didn’t look up during the conversation. She was still tap-tap-tapping at her keyboard.
Sometimes I just wanted the woman tolookat me. That would be astart.
Chapter 5
Violet
“Are you sure you’ll be all right?” Nicole asked.
We were the last two at the office today.
“Yeah. I’ve just got to figure out a little hitch in one of my accounts. The math isn’tmathing.” I pulled up the Bear Creek Lodge account again.
“I could stay if you want me to.”
“That’s so sweet. But really, Red Oak Mountain is the safest place I’ve ever lived. And I don’t think I’ll be herethatmuch longer. You should go home and see your boyfriend.”
Nicole laughed. “No boyfriend for me. I haven’t dated much since Ryder.”
I glanced up at Nicole. “Who’s Ryder?”
Nicole almost looked embarrassed. “He’s the one everyone thinks ‘got away’. But we weren’t really the right match. And he’s settled down now with Charlotte, and they make a cute couple.”
She didn’t seem heartbroken by that, and she rambled on, “I mean, he’ssucha sweetheart. And we had a nice time together, but… that fire you’re supposed to get was missing. Do you thinkall the romance books are lying when they talk about the fire between two people? Because I’ve never felt it before.”
If she only knew. I’d never even been with a man before. I’d kissed a few boys in high school, and that was about it. Everything I knew about relationships came from the Hallmark Channel and watching my parents.
“I’ve never felt that fire either,” I told her, then instantly furrowed my brow. “I mean… maybe I’ve felt alittlecrush,” I added, thinking about Easton. If anyone started a fire in me, it wasthatman. But he was so far out of my league, I knew nothing would ever happen between us.
Nicole’s eyes lit up. “A crush? On who?”
Instantly I got tongue-tied, as though saying his name would put it out into the world. I knew Nicole wouldn’t tell anyone, but… what if it somehow got back to him, anyway? I would die of embarrassment.
So I told her, “I’m not ready to say yet.”
Nicole nodded. “I understand. Some things are private.” Then her eyes shadowed over. “I just don’t know that everyone gets to have true love. Maybe some of us are destined to just find a pleasant companion. That can be enough, right? Sometimes I think I should have stayed with Ryder, just because we did have a nice time together. But it’s too late now, and he seems like he’s deeply in love with Charlotte. I’m happy for them.”
My heart went out to her. It seemed like Nicole had given up on finding love. “Yeah. I think it’s enough. Right now, the only man who loves me is my cat, Snowball. I’d do anything to kick-start my love life.”
She grinned as she headed for the door. “That’s whatI’mtalking about. You know what I’m going to do?”
I looked up at her, curious. “What?”
“I’m going to sell myself off at a marriage auction. I’m ready to have someone in my life, even if I won’t get anyflames ofpassion. Right now, I’ll be happy to settle for someone who’s willing to wake up by my side every morning. Love is overrated.”
