Chapter 2 - He's Not Just A Guy He's A Man

• Charleigh took a deep breath before stepping out of the Inn where she’d be staying for a few days. This was her only chance to prove to herself and her brother that she belonged in this industry.
• Tripp might have tricked her to be in this town, knowing that she wouldn’t say no to the promotion and that her job was also at stake here if she screwed this up.
• She thought it would be best for her to learn to stand on her own without her brother by her side or being labeled as Tripp Wrylee’s sister.
• Meeting her ex didn’t even make her feel edgy. Why would it? The only thing that mattered to her right now was how to impress the mayor—not her ex.
• She wished Kayden was just throwing his cosmic punchline joke that day. How could she forget how Dax Easton broke her heart in front of the most romantic landscape he designed? Instead of proposing to her, he did to another woman.
• It was still fresh to her, and she only cried for days until she realized he didn’t deserve her tears.
• The air was not too heavy with the fresh aroma of baked goods and the scent of fall. Charleigh should have taken her yoga mat with her, but she thought familiarizing the place would be a good idea.
• As she marched toward the sidewalk, she noticed a flower shop with a closed sign on the glass door, then a cake shop beside it, named Clarity in a chiffon pink color. That explained the smell that made her crave a good taste of freshly brewed coffee. She could even taste it better than Starbucks.
• She felt something twisted at the pit of her stomach because that old building was going to be torn down, but in her mind, it was nothing personal. She was just doing her job and would get her promotion if the project would go smoothly as planned. She was sure they were going to have new places for the local businesses when the construction started.
• Charleigh found a playground with colorful benches, swings, slides, a tube maze, and monkey bars. She stood there for a while, looking at a few people on the benches while the others were walking their pets.
• She always wanted a simple life, a husband, and a small family, but her world and dreams all crumbled down before her when her ex broke her heart. Since then, she focused her life solely on finishing her degree and finally, landing the job she ever dreamed of.
• She yelped in surprise when a soft and furry thing brushed her legs. Her heart leaped to her throat, and her hands flew to her chest.
• When she looked down, it was the whitest dog she’d ever seen, rubbing against her leg. She knelt down, petting the dog. If she was not mistaken, it was an American Eskimo. She ran her fingers to the soft fur, and the dog wagged its tail, darted its tongue out, and lapped her arm.
• Charleigh laughed. “You’re so adorable, aren’t you?”
• She always wanted a dog, but she thought of might not be able to take care of it when she spent most of her time on her job. “Who are you, huh?” She couldn’t help but giggle because the dog seemed to know her—as if she already gained its trust.
• “Lotus!” A deep male voice called from a distance, which made Charleigh stop petting the sweetest dog she’d ever encountered.
• The strong footsteps approached, and something in the air shifted, making her heartbeat go wild.
• “Behave, boy,” the guy commanded.
• Charleigh was still kneeling, unable to move a muscle, when the guy spoke again. “I’m sorry if he bothers you. He’s like that when he feels safe and comfortable around someone. He can sense if he meets a harmless person. Come here now, boy.”
• Lotus, the dog kept wagging his tail, tongue darted out as if asking Charleigh to take it up.
• “I thought he was so sweet. And he didn’t bother me.” Finally, Charleigh stood up after petting Lotus one more time. When she lifted her gaze to look at the guy in front of him, her eyes widened a little bit.
• Good Lord.
• He wasn’t just a guy—he was a man—a man that rendered her speechless. He had the most mesmerizing sky-blue eyes with at least six-foot and a few inches tall. He had the same height as Tripp, but there was no doubt he was more attractive than her brother. She almost snorted, thinking her brother was attractive—well, there were so many girls batting eyelashes at him, but he was also a jerk.
• The man’s eyes squinted at her as if trying to remember or figure something out.
• She always felt confident with her body, either dressed or naked, but the longer they stared at each other, the more she wanted to squirm as if his stare was stripping her off, so damn slow.
• Charleigh took a deep breath to push the thoughts forming in her head because she definitely had a lot of things to think about this man. She might be a workaholic, but she had a fair share of hook-ups and would definitely put this man on her list. She had zero interest in dating, though. But thinking beneath him, she would never say to fool around a little bit while doing her job in this town.
• “You’re not from around here, are you?” the hot dog walker said, catching back her attention.
• “That obvious, huh? Just visiting Hopes Spring.” She smiled at him.
• “I see.” He nodded, understanding brewing in his eyes. “I would have met you already if you were from around here. Small town, as they say, news travels fast.”
• And I would have known what was underneath that white shirt and sweatpants if I were also from around here. Charleigh held that thought. Instead, she said, “You have a lovely dog.”
• “A proud owner.” His unbelievably red lips spread into a full grin. Was he flirting with her?
• Oh, boy! Charleigh couldn’t help but smile back. “I’m Charleigh, and that must be Lotus.” She looked down at the dog that was now sitting between their feet.
• “How rude of me? I’m Bryce. Welcome to Hopes Spring, Charleigh.” He held his hand out, and Charleigh squeezed it for a handshake. It was strong and large, and there was something in that squeeze that promised her more. Her skin started to tingle, and her body seemed to be on fire in anticipation.
• “Thanks.”
• “Have you checked around?”
• “Not yet. Just arrived last night. And I am actually looking for a restaurant or a coffee shop.”
• “How about you check out Clarity? They have tables and serve coffee. You’d love their amazing variant of cupcakes.”
• “I could use coffee. Thanks.”
• Suddenly, Bryce checked his digital watch. “I’m sorry, Charleigh, but I should really go.” He attached a leash to Lotus. “Hope to see you around. Enjoy your stay.” He started to walk back, and then Charleigh watched him pause. Then Bryce turned around. “There’s a bar a few blocks from Clarity. I’ll be there at eight tonight. I would love to see you there. Drinks are on me.”
• ***
• Charleigh went to check Clarity and bought coffee and a half dozen cupcakes after Bryce left her in the playground this morning.
• Now, she was wearing a dark blue dress, and white sandals and applied light makeup to complement her outfit.
• She didn’t want to overdo everything as she might look outcast from the town. She wanted to blend in and be a part of this community even for a short period of time.
• She asked for the bar’s address from the cashier at Clarity earlier, and now she was in front of Tushy.
• She was welcomed with noises, the smell of alcohol and beer permeated the air. Most of the patrons turned to look at the door. There were pairs of eyes and scrutinizing looks pinned at her, wondering who the hell she was, and everyone seemed in shirts, plaids, and jeans.
• She let out a sigh of relief when she saw women dressed just like hers.
• “You show up. I really thought I was drinking alone tonight.” She almost jumped from the voice behind her.
• Without turning around, she smiled. “Can’t say no to a few drinks.”
• “Good.”
• She stiffened to the hand on her back, ushering her to the table at the right corner.
• “I don’t think it would be hard for you to find someone to join you at the table.”
• “Not as beautiful as you. See that bartender?” Bryce tipped his head to the bartender. Charleigh’s eyes found the man Bryce was telling her about. “He’d be my companion all night.”
• She couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s not so bad.”
• Once they settled, a lanky guy approached, asking for their orders. She ordered a dry martini and a local beer for Bryce.
• Bryce’s long leg brushed against hers which had her crossed her legs on the spot. She couldn’t deny that she wanted it even more, but the night was still young, and she wanted to enjoy a few minutes without thinking of how it would feel to be under the blanket with the hot and sexy man beside him.
• “You look beautiful, Charleigh.” His compliment made her cheeks burn, making Bryce smile at her reaction. She used to receive a lot of compliments, but there was something different when it came from Bryce.
• What’s with this man?
• She swallowed hard after sipping her martini. She had to do it. Otherwise, she would end up telling Bryce how gorgeous he was if the word gorgeous was even enough to describe him. Compared to the people around, Bryce was wearing a white shirt and dark pants while his dark brown hair looked messy, yet he still looked perfect.
• “What brought you here?”
• “Just for a short visit.”
• “Does your short stay include visiting a lot of places?” His voice was low and hoarse. There was something in his voice that made her skin tingle with need.
• “Not entirely a short visit. I’m here for a job.” Charleigh’s throat went dry.
• “Huh. I see.”
• Charleigh watched his throat bob up and down as he swallowed his drink, and she couldn’t help but think it was sexy.
• Mortified, Bryce caught her staring at him, rewarding her with a crooked smile.
• The last time she had a one-night stand—it was a month ago before she worked on this project, and she couldn’t say it was good. She ended up leaving the guy as soon as he fell asleep after a round of sex.
• Now, she thought if he would invite her to a hotel and blow her brains out. She didn’t usually mix work with pleasure, but she would consider fooling a little because. In a few days, she would go back to her regular life because what happened in Hopes Spring stayed in Hopes Spring.
• One thing she was sure of, though, sex with Bryce would stay in her memory forever. That was guaranteed.