“A private plane landed a few hours ago out at the Miguire Airport.” The small airport isn’t used for much. Our mail comes in through there and some other deliveries. The airport actually sits between us and Winterville, which is a way bigger town.
“Probably someone headed for Winterville,” I say, and Jen shakes her head. With how excited she is, maybe it’s some reality star.
“Mindy said a fine piece of man meat in a fancy suit stepped off it.”
“Man meat?” I try not to grimace.
I’m starting to feel bad for some of the women around here. I think they were holding out hope Connor or Wilder would be theirs. Since they've gone off the market, some are chomping at the bit for something new around here, but everyone knows that’s not how it really works in this town.
If Wilder or Connor were meant to be with someone from this town, it would have happened long ago. Though some aren’t so sure about the whole “soul mate/true love” thing. Lately I’ve been waffling on it a bit myself.
“She said he had a car rental waiting for him, and when she asked where he was headed, he said Bear Mountain.”
“Okay.” I shrug, taking another swig of my hot chocolate.
Could Betty use a bit of dark chocolate? I don’t much care for dark chocolate normally, but maybe that’s what’s messing with my head. It might only be a little or something. I take another sip, trying to focus in on the taste.
“He asked if she knew a Natalie Thompson.” My drink pauses midair.
Walker comes straight to my mind, but he’s not hot. I mean, in my mind I made him handsome because why not? In reality he's probably some older man who thinks he can push anyone around to get what he wants because he has the money to do so.
“I don’t have anyone coming to town to meet me.”
“Are you sure about that?” Jen levels me with a stare. Oh crap, this is taking a turn.
“I don’t!”
“Are you up to something?” Her eyes narrow on me. “Are you thinking about selling out on us?”
“Jen! What the hell? I thought we were gossiping about hot men and now you’re turning this on me for some juicy story? You don’t even run the paper anymore.”
“I was thinking about turning it into a blog, and what would be hotter than this story? Are the Thompsons selling out the people of Bear Mountain?” She might as well have slapped me.
“I would toss this hot chocolate in your face, but that would be criminal because it’s too delicious.” I chug the rest of it back like a shot. “I would never sell my daddy’s land.” I set my cup down a little harder than necessary. “Thank you, Betty,” I say before I grab Bear’s leash and stand up.”
“Shit, I’m sorry.” Jen jumps up to catch me. “That was bitchy of me. Okay, you’re not selling. Sorry. The reporter thing got to me for a second.” She moves in front of me and then hugs me close.
“I forgive you.” I break, hugging her back. I can get way ahead of myself at times too, and I know she didn’t mean it.
“Both of you sit down,” Betty orders, placing two fresh cups of hot chocolate on the table. “Now tell us what’s up with the suit.” She pulls up a chair, and I snort a laugh before I spill the beans and give it to them. “He’s a persistent one.” I nod. “Wait, are you crushing on him?” Betty eyes me.
“What? No! When did I say that?” I’m quick to defend myself, and then I wonder what gave that away. I hate this man.
“You’re blushing.” Jen blows on her hot chocolate before taking a sip.
“Am not.” I put my hands to my cheeks, and dang it, they’re warm. “You should be careful, Betty. He’s going to show up and steal your hot chocolate recipe and sell it. We’ll be on the side of cocoa cans everywhere.” I turn the focus off me and onto Walker, where it should be. If that’s even who the stranger is.
“That actually sounds cool.” Betty looks to be thinking it over as Jen’s phone chimes.
“I got it!” she squeals.
“Got what?” I ask.
“I asked Mindy for a picture. She did one better and went back and pulled some of the security footage.” She places the phone on the table and hits play. We all lean forward and watch as a very handsome man in a tailored suit walks into the small airport hub.
I swallow when I get a clear shot of his face, already knowing it’s him. I feel it down to my soul. He’s even more handsome than I made up in my mind, and I watch as Mindy tries to flirt with him. Mindy has always been the biggest flirt, and for some reason, seeing her do it irritates me. I grit my teeth and feel heat rise to the top of my head.