“This you?” Bev asked, pointing to the insanely large SUV the rental agency had given me.
“Yep.” I unlocked the doors, and we stepped inside the oversized vehicle.
“They must have taken one look at your Florida license and insisted you take this.”
“That’s pretty much what happened.”
I started the car, and Bev directed me out of the lot, past the building, and down a block. I could see the main street of town in the distance.
“Oh, is that the town? It’s adorable. I can’t wait to explore.”
“I’ll have Giles show you around.”
“Great.” I smiled back at her.
Just what I wanted. To spend time with the town jerk that already hated me. Maybe I could still win him over despite his bitterness at my company being here.
“Pull in here.” Bev pointed to a modest tan house, and I drove up the driveway.
“Just keep the car on the left side of the driveway so I can get in and out of the garage.”
“This is your house?” I looked at her, puzzled. I knew my accommodations were prearranged, but I assumed I would stay either at the lodge or an apartment in town.
“I’ve got a rental above my garage. It’s a small space, but I think you’ll find it—what’s that word you love?Cozy.”
I laughed nervously. “Sorry, I tend to romanticize everything.”
“Don’t apologize. That kind of attitude is exactly what we need around here.”
We walked up the driveway. To the left of the garage was a staircase that led to a small landing with a door. She handed me a key.
“I have a spare, but I promise I won’t be barging in on you. Try not to lose this, alright?”
“Of course.” I took the key from her and jiggled it in the old lock until there was a click.
The door opened up into a small entryway with slate tile. There was a bench and coat hooks on the wall and a rack for my boots—as soon as I bought some. The slate continued into the kitchen, which took up the entire left side of the apartment. The wood cabinets matched the wood floors in the living room and bedroom area. The space had no walls, but that added to its charm. A plush bed was situated in the far right corner of the room, and in front of that was a comfy-looking loveseat that faced a tv.
“You’re right. This place is the definition of cozy.” I took a few steps into the kitchen and looked out the window above the sink.
“I can see the mountains from here!” I exclaimed.
Bev chuckled. “You can see the mountains from almost every angle in this town.”
“Well, this is amazing. I can’t believe I get to stay here.”
“It’s all yours. I’ve left you some clean towels in the bathroom, and there’s also a small washer/dryer combo in there. There are a few snacks in the fridge to tide you over, but you’ll need to hit up a grocery store soon. Anyway, you’ve got my number, and you know where I live. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. Thanks again, Bev. I’m so excited to be here.”
I squealed as soon as she left me alone. This place was everything I had dreamed of and more.
Getting over my old life was going to be easier than I could have ever imagined.
ChapterTen
BEEP BEEP BEEP
My phone continued to go off. I groaned in protest. My eyelids were heavy, and it was difficult to pry them open. When I finally did, I almost forgot that I was in a new room. The bed was heavenly. I had passed out almost as soon as my head hit the pillow.
