126 Secret Ln: A Cherry Falls Romance Read online

  “Colossal? Why does that sound familiar?”

  “They’re one of the biggest medical supply companies. Plus, they invented some robots that can perform surgery on babies’ tiny little hearts.” The breakthrough had changed medicine forever.

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah, the man is somewhat of a unicorn. He donates more money in a year than I can wrap my mind around. And he’s single.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her.

  I’ve been hanging out with my mom too much. Still I flip my iPad around to show her a picture of the billionaire. He’s easy on the eyes. He doesn’t do it for me, but I can see the appeal. My thoughts momentarily drift to Corby. Now, that man does things to me that I can’t explain.

  “He’s handsome.” Willow breaks me from my thoughts. I watch as she swipes left to scroll through a few more pictures. I can tell by the look on her face that they’ve piqued her interest.

  “Yep, and he’s putting on an event to raise awareness and money. I’m getting the word out.”

  “Are you going?”

  “Probably. Not much else to do around here. You want to come with me?”

  “Maybe,” she says at first as she bites her bottom lip, thinking over it more. I can tell by the look on her face that she wants to go. “Wait. I mean yes! I want to come. In fact, is it okay if I make something? Are they taking donations? I’m sure Lily would let me use the Sweet Shop to make some stuff.”

  “I’m sure Lennon would be good with that. He wants to get everyone involved.”

  There are four small towns that sit outside of Syn City. It’s the closest big city to all of us. We often all work together on projects or events. Sometimes I have to hop over to one of the other towns—Kissme Bay, Wild Ridge Mountains, or Rosewood Ranch—to get a story.

  Even with four towns, it’s still slim pickings when it comes to hot stories. Willow too had escaped Syn City like Amethyst. They both ended up in Kissme Bay. It really does attract the sweetest girls. And somehow I’ve been lucky enough that they’ve ended up my best friends.

  “I thought you were working on some hot mysterious writer guy.” She slips my notebook back toward me as Caroline walks up to our table to get Willow’s order.

  “Just a Coke for me.” Caroline writes it down. “Oh, with cherries. Can you add cherries?”

  “Sure can, sweetheart.”

  “She’s not done,” I let Caroline know. There is no way she is only ordering a drink.

  “You got any good desserts today?” she asks next. Caroline starts to answer her, but she cuts her off—not trying to be rude but in her excitement. “Wait don’t tell me. How many do you have?”

  “Seven.” Willow gets that smile on her face that tells me she’s up to something.

  “We’ll have one of each!” she blurts out before she looks over at me. “Doesn't that sound fun? We can try them all and judge which one we like the best.” I swear her face lights up as though this is her greatest idea to date.

  “I’m down,” I agree. I don’t know what I’d do without her. Being around her always makes me feel better.

  “I’ll be back with some more water for you, Glory.” Caroline closes her pad.

  “Nah. Hit me with a cherry Coke too.” Willow is always about trying new things. I guess almost dying will do that to you. It’s why she left Syn City. Her parents want to keep her in a bubble. Almost losing her scared the shit out of them.

  I get it. I didn't know Willow when she was sick, but it’s hard for me to picture her that way. She’s always filled with a happiness that is contagious. She came here to spread her wings and live her life the way she wants to.

  “So let's talk about the uber famous hot guy that is hiding out.” Willow swings it right back to me. Why does everyone keep bringing him up to me? The disappointed look on my mom’s face the other night when I got back so fast is now etched into my brain.

  “I don’t know.” I toy with the edge of my paper. “I think he was only looking to get lucky.” It didn't stop me from digging around about him. The man really is a mystery to the rest of the world. If I could score an interview with him, it would no doubt get my name out there. More so if I could get him to tell me about his next release.

  “You know when I left Syn City I was sure I was going to find me a sweet country boy.”

  “Let me guess. With a side of alpha? How's that working out for you?” I laugh, knowing from personal experience how that is going. Everyone has the same idea when they move to a small town.

  “It’s the worst. I was thinking about getting on one of those dating apps. I want to fall in love.” She lets out a dreamy sigh. Yes, Willow wants to try and experience as many things as possible. She has a second chance at life, and she wants to experience it all.

  “You should do it. I’m gonna write about your experience.” This actually might be fun.

  “Only if you get on the app with me.” I cringe. Willow doesn't back down, and I know if I want the story I’m going to have to do it with her.

  “Fine.” I’ll do about anything at this point for a good story. Also I’ll do anything right now if it gets my mind off Corby. It seems that I’m the one who is turning into a stalker. Luckily I get to hide my stalker ways behind my reporter badge.

  Chapter Eleven

  Corby

  In my books, the characters that do the least get killed off the earliest, which is why I’m on my way into town to kidnap Glory. It’s been three days since she came to my house. I waited patiently for her to return, but since she hasn’t found her way back, I’m going to help her out. Since Cherry Falls is not a large town, it doesn’t take me long to track her down sitting in a booth at the Virgin Street Diner with another woman. Willow somebody, if I recall correctly. She, like me, is new around here. I can’t remember where she came from or what she does, but she seems harmless. My boots stomp over the black and white checked floor, but Glory and her friend are too absorbed with something on their phones to notice me.

  I slide into the booth next to Glory and tap the back of the device with my finger. “I thought this was broken?”

  Glory’s head jerks up so fast that she might have clipped my jaw with her skull if I hadn’t moved fast enough.

  “Corby?” She squeaks and fumbles with the phone, turning it face down.

  My eyebrows come together in suspicion. Why is she hiding her screen from me? I reach for it, but she slides it to her other side.

  “Um, who is this?” Willow asks curiously.

  I abandon the phone momentarily to introduce myself. “Corby O’Neal.”

  “Corby O’Neal? Like the author?”

  I nod and don’t bother to clarify that I am the author. “What are you two up to?” I have more important information to unearth.

  “Nothing,” says Glory.

  “We’re signing up for a dating app,” Willow reveals at the exact same moment. She yelps and scowls at Glory. “What’d you kick me for?”

  Glory wrinkles her nose and tries to send a silent message. I’m not liking this turn of events. I gave her three days of grace, and she’s already looking for a new man? She hasn’t even kicked my tires yet.

  “I think she doesn’t want me to know you two are signing up for a dating service, but I’m sure it’s just research for an article, right?”

  “No, we’re tired of being single,” Glory informs me.

  “But you said—“ Willow starts to protest before Glory cuts her off with a glare.

  “Glory’s not single,” I add.

  Willow looks surprised. Glory’s expression is more confused. Had the kiss at my house not set out my intentions plainly enough?

  “I thought you said—“

  I stretch out an arm across the back of the booth and let my hand drop to the base of Glory’s neck. “She’s mine.”

  Glory freezes. Willow’s eyes look like they may pop out of their sockets.

  “Glory?” Willow wants an explanation.

  “I...we...I’m...” Glory stamm
ers.

  She has a lovely neck. Long and delicate but strong like a winter flower. I can’t wait to taste it. I slowly stroke my thumb up the column of skin. The first time we kissed, I tasted her mouth. The next time I have my lips on her, I plan on exploring more territory. I want to know the flavor of every part of her. Does her neck taste sweet or salty? Is the valley between her tits honeyed or tart? When my mouth is between her legs, will her lower lips have the same pillowy softness as the set above?

  “I think I hear my mom calling,” Willow says from across the table. She scoots toward the end of the bench.

  “No. We haven’t finished the application yet,” Glory says, but even to me the protest sounds weak.

  Willow shakes her head. “Call me if you need anything.” She stares at me for a second, wanting to say something else but opting not to.

  When we’re alone, I give Glory’s neck a squeeze. “So your phone isn’t broken.”

  “No. Why would you say that it was?” She picks up her fork and stabs at the pasta on her plate. Next she goes for a bite of cheesecake.

  “Because you haven’t called.” I drag Willow’s abandoned food over to my side of the table and beckon the waitress over. “You got an extra fork?”

  “Sure do,” the waitress says, giving me a broad smile and producing a napkin wrapped fork from the pocket of her apron. “And who might you be?”

  “Corby O’Neal. I bought the place on Secret Lane Williams sold about six months ago.”

  “Six months?” The waitress blows out a whistle as she sets down a new cup and pours me some coffee. “And this is the first time you’ve been into the Virgin?”

  It’s a good thing I’m not drinking, or I would’ve spewed all over the table. “First time,” I manage to cough out.

  The waitress’s eye twinkles. She knows exactly what she was saying. “You okay, Glory? You need anything?”

  Somehow I feel the question is more about me than the food, but Glory just nods feebly. “I’m okay, Caroline. Thanks, though.”

  When the waitress leaves, I pick up the coffee with my free hand. “After dinner, what are our plans?”

  Glory scrapes her fork against her plate and then sets it down before turning to me. There’s a serious set to her beautiful mouth. “I’m like this cafe.”

  At first I don’t understand. “Black and white tiles at home?” I joke, but when she doesn’t laugh, the meaning unfurls in my head. First time you’ve been into the virgin? My jeans tighten, and my tongue grows thick with lust. This gorgeous, precious beauty is untouched. It makes sense why she’s skittish and why she hasn’t sought me out. It could be that she’s not sure of her own feelings or she’s unsure of mine, or maybe it’s both. The thing for me to do is not scare her off. I loosen my grip around her neck and let my hand fall to the back of the bench seat.

  “This dessert looks damned good. Let’s see how it tastes.” I pick up my fork and dig in. After a few bites, I notice Glory’s still looking at me as if she’s not sure I’m a snake about to bite or a big old dog trying to move into her territory. “Not hungry?”

  “What’s your game?”

  “Thought you were doing a story on me. I’m giving you an exclusive but not until after dessert.” I say, deciding to go the nonthreatening route for now. Once I have her in my house, though, this time I am not letting her go.

  Chapter Twelve

  Glory

  Why am I back in his house? Furthermore, why do my eyes keep drifting over to the sofa where we made out, wanting a repeat show? It’s been a few days since he kissed me, and my body is buzzing for him. I think he ruined me. I tried to take the situation into my own hands and failed. My body seems to want his touch only.

  “You okay with onions?” he asks me. He’s chopping vegetables as I sit at the counter watching him. I wouldn’t have believed you a few days ago if you would have told me I’d be sitting in Corby O’Neal’s kitchen waiting for him to cook for me. And that I’d be insanely attracted to him.

  “Yeah, there isn't much food I don’t like.”

  “You cook?” He glances over at me. Why would I want to cook if I could do this? I’m enjoying sitting here drinking the wine he poured me while I watch him. Who knew cooking could be sexy?

  “I know how. I’m just not the best at it. My mom is a crazy good cook, so I let her do her thing, and I sit back and enjoy the finished product.”

  “You still live with your parents?” I take another drink of my wine to stall. “There is nothing wrong with that. Unless you hate it there. You should stay here. I have lots of room as you can see.” My wine goes down the wrong pipe, causing me to cough at his suggestion.

  “Did you just ask me to move in?” He shrugs. “My mom would just show up here with food for both of us.” I laugh because it’s the truth. “Then she’d start planning our wedding. Probably best we don’t cohabitate.”

  “I don’t see the problem.” He stares at me, and for the life of me I can’t read his expression to know if he’s joking.

  “To be honest, I might have some issues. I’ve stayed in Cherry Falls because I like being in a small town and being close to my family. I know it’s strange. Most people can’t wait to get out of their parents’ house, but I never felt that way. I’m an adult, and I’m sure a therapist could dig into that, but I’m happy, so does it really matter?”

  “If it doesn't matter, why are you so defensive about it? You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. Except your parents. If you're happy then that’s all that matters.”

  Him saying that only makes me feel more attracted to him.

  “I did explain it to them, so they built an apartment over the garage for me,” I mutter. “They could definitely be considered enablers.”

  He laughs. “Do I live far from them?”

  “No.” I think I might have said too much. This guy is going to end up running from me, and I am going to need that dating app if I keep it up. I fight a smile thinking about how jealous he was over the idea of me being on one. I’m not the one with millions of fans, half I’m sure are female and would love to spend a night in his bed.

  That said, I think his bed has been pretty empty since he’s gotten to Cherry Falls. No one knows he’s here. I’ve been keeping up online, and everyone is still wondering where he is. I’m not sure I want to blow his cover. I think that’s why I haven't pushed for the story he’s offering to me on a silver platter. One he wants to give me along with a side of orgasms.

  “Then maybe it would be good for you to stay here for a little while. Spread your wings a little without having to worry about anything.”

  “Why would I move in with you when I don’t live far? I’ve never said you’re getting into my pants.” I put that out there just to make sure we’re clear. Even though I can’t stop thinking about kisses the other day. He doesn’t need to know that, though.

  “I didn't say you had to let me in order for you to stay here.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Corby flicks off the stove, coming over toward me. “When you’re around I get this buzz inside of me. I think it might help me write again.”

  “Oh. So, I’m like a muse,” I tease, smiling at him. He doesn't smile. He’s serious.

  “You could get your story. A real one. You could spend time with me and get to know Corby O’Neal. The one everyone wants to know about.” He shakes his head, clearly not getting it.

  He’s got a brilliant mind, and yet he doesn't understand the fascination people might have with that. It’s the same crap with people who are obsessed with killers. People want to understand how other people think because they themselves lack the ability to think in the same way. Humans are curious creatures. I myself am one.

  “This isn’t about sex.” I drop my head back. I kind of want it to be about sex. Here in front of me is a hot man that hasn't slept with everyone in and around Cherry Falls. Why not have some fun with him? What’s the worst that could happen? Besides me getting my heart b
roken and him going on to nail all the women around here. That would burn.

  “Don’t get me wrong, I'm still going to try to sleep with you.”

  I snort a laugh. At least he’s honest. “Can I make up my mind after I eat your food?”

  “Is that going to weigh in on your decision?”

  “Maybe.” No. I kind of like his idea. If I do decide to stay here, I could get to know him better and write a great piece on him. One that could land me in a magazine and get me national attention. Not to mention the experience I’ll get exploring things with him sexually. I’m way too old to be a virgin, but my choices have been slim pickings around here.

  “I thought your mom would be cooking for us.” I laugh harder. Then he kisses me. This one is as good as the first one we had. Actually it might be better, which I didn't know was possible. I try and pull him more into me, but he backs away, leaving me breathless.

  “I wasn't done.” I lick my lips.

  “Neither am I, but I have dinner to make. Important things are on the line here.” If Corby is only trying to get into my pants, he’s putting a lot of effort into it.

  “Show me what you got then.” I pick up my wine, taking another sip. He lifts his brows at the double meaning of my chosen words.

  He doesn't have to show me. I’ve already made up my mind. It looks like I’m moving in with Corby O’Neal.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Corby

  ‘“I thought you said you weren’t going to try to get into my pants,” Glory says as she stares at the one bed I have in this house.

  “I said that you didn’t have to sleep with me if you didn’t want to but that I wouldn’t stop trying to get you to see the light.” I walk over to the closet and pull out another pillow, tossing it onto the mattress. “The bed’s a king, so there’s plenty of room for both of us.”