“Do not dissTrilogy Alpha Team,” I faux glowered.
He smacked his palm against his forehead. “No. You too?”
“Nope. Not me. I forgot who they were until my secretary reminded me and I realized that the superhero poster in Chase’s room isTrilogy Alpha Team.”
“See what I mean?” Silas blew a raspberry. “When I was drafted fifteen years ago, it was because I was fast, accurate, and an asset to my team. Now…I’m an asset through divorce. A well-paid pawn. The alternative is to hide and ride it out till everyone forgets my name. You’d think it would have happened already, but the press is relentless. Especially in LA.”
“Boston makes sense, then.”
“Hmph. Creepy, huh?”
“I wouldn’t say that.” I scrubbed my hand over my jaw. “But it’s certainly an unusual problem.”
“That’s an understatement. I could use a place to ignore the BS and just…be for a while.”
I gestured toward the lake and the surrounding trees. “Wood Hollow’s a good spot for it.”
Silas’s smile unfurled like a flag on a summer breeze, warming me inside and out. “Looks like it. You have no idea how often I’ve thought of this town. And you.”
I stepped into his space and pressed my lips to his. “I’m glad you’re here.”
That was true.
I wished it were simpler…for both of us. Something told me Silas was someone I’d like having around for more than a week or two.
CHAPTER 11
SILAS
Wood Hollow was freaking beautiful in springtime. The gritty slush and occasional patches of dirty snow were the only imperfections in the picturesque landscape of evergreens, maples, and elm trees lining the winding road into town. Blue skies, chirping birds, and minimal traffic made it even better.
I passed the mill and Log Cabin Diner as I turned left onto Main Street. The sidewalks were clean and the awnings looked fresh—except for the one missing over Dean’s Shoe Repair. I continued farther than I had on my last visit, noting the lines at Rise and Grind and the donut shop, the two old men sitting on a bench playing chess, and a little girl with bouncing ringlets skipping beside her mother.
It was all so fucking wholesome. If anyone told me I’d accidentally driven onto a movie set, I would have believed them. But this was definitely not Hollywood.
A copse of tall trees created a fork in the road ahead, a natural signpost delineating the commerce section from the schools and older residences.Eenie-meenie-miney-mo.I took a left and drove slowly on a narrow road, passing the park, the elementary school, a medical clinic, a police and fire station.Beyond that was forest. The road looped at St. Matthew’s Church, circling back into town.
The high school and the original residential area were on this end. I noted that the buildings were older but in good condition. No peeling paint, no graffiti, no cracked glass or uneven pavement. The trees had recently been pruned, and purple and red flowers had been planted in boxes with spiral topiaries along the sidewalk.
I parked the Jeep at the curb in front of Lulu’s Boutique and scanned the vicinity as I zipped my jacket. It wasn’t exactly bustling, but there was a buzz in the air that made me smile.
Yeah, I was happy to be back.
“Well, look who’s here!” Davey called out as I stepped up to the counter at the coffee shop.
“You have a good memory,” I commented.
“Selectively, yes. You made the cut. Regular ol’ Americano, or can I tempt you with a latte?”
“A latte, please.”
“You got it, sugar!”
My cheeks heated on cue. I wasn’t used to being flirted with in public by a man…with an audience of gigantic loggers, no less.
I nodded at the extra-large dude wearing bright-orange suspenders and a matching hard hat. The army-green rucksack over his shoulder tugged at the seams of his short-sleeved T-shirt. I couldn’t help noticing his arms were covered with tattoos, and his beard was halfway down his chest.
Did Davey flirt with that guy too? Seemed dangerous. I could hold my own, but Davey was short and compact and?—
