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Chapter One
Blair
Growing up in a small town has both perks and pitfalls. It’s great to know everyone and have the support of a close-knit community but it also sucks. Everyone is always in your business and making their opinions known.
“When are you going to find a nice man to settle down with?” Mrs. Ellis asks as she adds the latest Danielle Steel novel to her cart. “You can’t be alone forever.”
Rolling my eyes, I stack the rest of the books that came in with this morning’s shipment. Little Letters, my bookstore, is the only one in White Bridge and I pride myself on always having something to read no matter your tastes.
“I’m not alone,” I say for the millionth time, “and I don’t need a man to complete my life.”
I smile a stiff smile at Mrs. Ellis before taking the empty box to the back. It’s easier to nip these conversations in the bud before the old ladies can get on a roll. Once I had to spend an hour listening to her lecture me on the joys of marriage and family. She means well, as do most of the others, but I can’t stand to go through that again.
My life is great. When I find love, it will be because it’s meant to be. I tried dating in high school and a little after that, but most men my age are still looking for a good time. I prefer to wait until the person I am with is ready to commit to me before putting my heart or my body on the line.
The bell above the store door tinkling in the near silence draws my attention. I watch as Dax Harris stalks into my bookstore without a care in the world. I heard that he was back in town, along with his friends Ford and Holden but I haven’t seen them yet.
My heart beats a mile a minute in my chest as my gaze remains glued to him. Even in high school, it was impossible for me not to stare at him. He is my perfect male fantasy – or one of three at least. Dark hair that’s a little too long, dark eyes that can see right into your soul if you ever gave him a chance, strong jaw, muscled shoulders, and thick thighs. The way he carries himself with confidence is just the perfect mixture of manly control and cockiness that I can’t seem to get enough of.
His gaze collides with mine as he lifts his head before he smiles that perfect smile of his.
“Well, if it isn’t Blair Nelson,” his deep voice reverberates through me as he leans his hip against the counter.
Clearing my throat, I paste my best smile on before replying. “Hello, Dax.”
I’m trying to remain composed and not give away the massive crush I have always had on him. My gaze drifts over his shoulder as I wonder if he is alone before returning my full attention to him.
“I heard you were back in White Bridge,” I say in a conversational tone.
“Yes,” he hums. “It was time to head home. You know, find a good woman and settle down.” He stares at me intently while speaking.
Laughter burst out of me without permission. “Sorry,” I hold up my hand trying to get my laughter under control. “You do remember that White Bridge is a small town? Not much has changed in the seven years you’ve been gone.”
“Yeah,” Dax muses. “Somethings never change. But some things have.”
The bell tinkles again and Ford pops his head into the store. “You coming?” he asks Dax.
Ford’s gaze sweeps over me dismissively, the same it always has. I feel the same way inside, too. It hurts that he can just overlook me so easily. It hurt when I was sixteen and it still hurts today. Instead of giving in to that feeling, I divert my attention back to Dax.
His attention is still fixed on me. “You should come over tonight.”
“What?” I blurt way too loud.
“We’re having a barbeque. Reconnecting with everyone,” he smirks. “You should join us.”
Dumbfounded, I stare at him as I try to comprehend the words coming out of his mouth. I was never part of the popular crowd growing up, never invited to anything.
Instead of waiting for me to answer him, Dax grabs my cell phone off the counter and starts typing. His cell rings in his back pocket before he hands mine back to me.
“There. Now you have my number and I have yours,” he smiles again. “I’ll text you the address.”
He leans over the counter and places a kiss on my cheek before sauntering out. My mind goes on the fritz, and it takes a moment for me to be able to understand what the heck just happened. But when I do I can’t help the massive smile from spreading across my face.
* * *
Dax
“Damn,” I huff out as I walk out of Little Letters and run my hand through my hair.
