The Yellow Rose reminds me of home. It’s an odd sensation, to be in the same state but feel like I’m in a whole new world. Everything here is different, not just the town but the landscape, the people, and the food. But this greasy spoon is exactly what I needed.
I can feel some eyes on me as I take my card out to pay for my breakfast. And before I can set it down on the little plastic tray, a shadow is standing in front of me. Slowly, I lift my head, my eyes dragging up the entire length of the man standing in front of me.
He’s gorgeous.
Wearing jeans, a pearl snap button shirt, and a straw cowboy hat. He’s clean-shaven with a sharp jawline that almost looks as if it were carved from stone and piercing blue eyes. He looks like a cowboy from a movie.
His lips pull up at the corners into a small smile, then he winks, and I think my panties melt a little. He’s too beautiful, though. My eyes almost hurt.
“Beckett Cooper,” he announces.
I blink, then watch as he sinks down in front of me. I’m frozen with my card in my hand, unsure of what to say. Then I watch as he lifts his hand and motions for someone to come over. Before my brain registers what’s happening, I watch as he puts his own card down.
“You don’t have to do that,” I blurt out.
He chuckles. “I know I don’t. I just wanted to welcome you to Granite Falls.”
“You did?” I ask.
He hums. “I own Cooper Ranch,” he murmurs. “Know Harlan, grew up with him. We’re a tight-knit community, so I wanted to be hospitable.”
Wow.
His words are innocent enough, but I can see there is something else lingering just beneath his smile, something predatory. I can’t help but wonder if there is something else at play here.
“I’m Lola-Mae,” I murmur.
I watch as the waitress returns the bill and card, then Beckett signs the slip of paper before sliding his card back into his wallet. His gaze flicks to meet mine again, and again he gives me a small wink. His lips twitch into a smirk as he glides out from the booth and stands beside the table again.
“You ever need anything, just ask. I’ll be seeing you around. Welcome to town, Lola-Mae,” he murmurs before he turns and walks out of the diner.
I stare at his retreating form for long enough that the waitress appears again. “He’s beautiful, but he’s a player, girl.”
Tearing my gaze from the empty doorway, I look up, my eyes meeting hers. She’s pretty. Tall, thin, and blonde, the exact opposite of me in every way, shape, or form. She looks like a little country girl from all the music videos. All she’d need is a pair of Daisy Dukes to complete the look.
“He is?” I ask.
She hums. “I’m Maisie. I couldn’t help but overhear that you’re new in town. Welcome,” she says before placing a piece of paper down. “That’s my number. The nightlife isn’t super exciting here, but a couple of the girls and I go out every now and then. We’re going out tonight, if you’d like to join us.”
Thanking her, I promise to give her a text later. However, I have no intention of going anywhere tonight. I don’t tell her that, though, mainly because I might want to go next time. I’m not someone who goes out a lot, but I don’t know anyone here, and since she’s being so welcoming, I don’t want to shirk that and ruin a chance at finding some friends.
Chapter Five
LOLA-MAE
Pulling up to the cabin,I unfold from the car. I spent the rest of the afternoon driving around my new town. There isn’t much to see when it comes to Granite Falls, but it’s still more than Marro had to offer—a lot more.
I went to Walmart and bought some essentials, along with some groceries for the week. Once I have everything put away, I look around my little home. I really love it. I don’t think I’ve lived anywhere this nice before.
Holding my phone in my hand, I stare at it for a moment, then decide to go ahead and text Maisie.
Hey, it’s Lola-Mae.
Taking a bottle of water out of my fridge, I move toward the back porch. There is a little table and chairs set up, and I let out a sigh as I sink down on one of the chairs. The sun is setting. And I thought a Marro sunset was beautiful.
I was wrong.
A Granite Falls sunset is majestic.
