Silence filled the other end of the line, and I was pretty sure if I was there in person I’d see Grant’s eye twitching. While I wasimpulsive, he was orderly. He loved routine, and I loved trying new things.
“Juliette,” he said slowly, his voice gentler than I expected. “You can’t keep running away from your problems like this.”
“That’s not… I’m not…” I stammered, reaching for words to defend my recent decisions, but I couldn’t find them. The leather of the steering wheel creaked under the pressure of my hands, my pulse kicking up a notch.
“I’m worried about you, Jules.”
“I’m fine, Grant. Everything is fine. The drive up here has been great. The cabin will be great. I’ll be?—”
Grant cut me off with a dry chuckle. “Let me guess, great?”
I held back an eye roll. I didn’t appreciate being called out, even if he was right. But I needed to believe everything would turn out fine.
“Keep me posted, alright?” Grant continued. “And let me know if you need anything.”
“I will,” I assured him.
With that, Grant hung up, leaving me to my thoughts about his earlier words.
I wasn’t running away. That’snotwhat I was doing. Right?
I stared at the picturesque log-sided cabin with large windows, a wraparound porch, and green shutters. The neighboring lake shimmered in the warm sun. Lush trees surrounded the property and the water. It was private, secluded, and peaceful. Exactly what I needed.
The tension in my shoulders lessened a fraction. Getting out of the car also eased the ache in my legs from the five-hour drive.
I tried not to think too much about if my summer plans were exactly what I needed or if I was making another big mistake. Only time would tell. Yes, coming up here was impulsive, but at least things couldn’t get worse. Or at least I hoped they wouldn’t. I didn’t think I could handle something else going wrong.
The cabin I booked was in Golden Falls, a town about three hours north of Madison, Wisconsin. Multiple small lakes, lots of cedar and maple trees, and hiking trails surrounded the town, which had a historic downtown with various local businesses. From a quick search, I learned people all across the Midwest traveled to Golden Falls, especially during the summer.
Golden Falls was going to be my private getaway—exactly what I needed to clear my head and figure out my next steps. The rental listing called it a “lakeview haven.”
Even though the last few months hadn’t gone my way, I had to believe I could turn things around. People would forget about me and the show soon enough. While Tony was getting the brunt of the backlash, I was getting all the pity, and honestly, I wasn’t sure which was worse. I didn’t need people flooding my social media comments feeling sorry for me or telling me how naive I was to think things were going to turn out differently. I just needed time.
I shook my head to get out of my thoughts, instead focusing on the view in front of me. My temporary fresh start.
First order of business was bringing my belongings from the car into the cabin and unpacking.
“What in the hell do you think you’re doing? This is private property.” The low, booming voice startled me. I’d been so distracted that I didn’t hear the crunch of gravel behind me.
A scoff of disbelief escaped me as I turned toward the voice. A man trying to lecture me. Just what I needed.
I wish my body hadn’t reacted when I turned, but my gaze was immediately drawn to him. He stood tall—well over six feet—and muscular, his presence striking. His dark-brown hair was hidden under a forward-facing baseball cap that saidLake Ridge. His facial hair was neatly trimmed.
And those dark-brown eyes bore into me.
Somehow, he looked rugged and put together at the same time. An addicting combination—one I had no interest in.
I wet my lips. “I’m staying here for the summer. I’m renting the cabin from Lily Richards.” I peeked behind his broad frame and noticed there was no car, so I assumed he must’ve walked over from one of the other properties down the road. Since this was my fresh start, I didn’t want my mood to taint our first impression. I opted to be friendly to the stranger. “I’m Juliette Campbell, but everyone calls me Jules. Do you live nearby?”
“Like hell you’re staying here,” he grumbled, completely ignoring my question and introduction.Okay, then.“This place hasn’t been rented for years.” Had I blinked in that moment, I would’ve missed the slight crease in his forehead and the way his jaw tensed.
His arms were now crossed, the simple black tee pulled taut against his chest and straining against his biceps. His dark-wash jeans hung perfectly on his hips.
The flicker of emotion was gone, and the irritation was evident. And any motivation I had to be polite was gone, too. This man radiated selfish, and that was exactly the type I’d vowed to stay away from. See, I could recognize red flags.
“Iamstaying here,” I clarified. “And I have no problem calling Lily to confirm my stay. I’m only here for the summer.”
“Of course, it’s just for the summer. That’s how it always is with you city girls,” he scoffed, and the look on his face said it all. Whatever the reason, he didn’t want me here.