Fairy Tales and Cappuccinos (Everyday Love #1) - Taylor Rylan Page 0,24

sometimes five hours every twenty-four.”

I winced. That was harsh. I’d had days like that, and they were painful. But to have it always be like that? No, thanks.

We changed the subject after that and went back to discussing the upcoming plans for Fairy Tales. I was excited about the prospect of bringing more foot traffic into the store. And in the week since Sawyer had been working for me, online sales had increased dramatically. Although really, they had nowhere to go but up since they were at nothing before.

“So how do they have a fall festival if there’s snow on the ground? It’s super cold out,” Sawyer asked as we left the restaurant. He pushed into my side, and I instantly wrapped my arm around his shoulders. It just felt natural.

“Did you not do anything in Breckenridge? There’s snow on the ground there already, right?”

“Yeah, but we have ski slopes, and they’re more of the attraction. We did decorate the lodge in fall colors and had dozens of pumpkins and gourds and such. But I’m interested in how they do a festival with so much snow. When you’re on a slope, you wear ski pants and a coat. It’s expected. How do you bob for apples while bundled up?”

“Easy. Snowblowers. And the festival is over by the hot springs. It’s a bit warmer there than it is out here in the open. And they have an array of tents set up for certain activities,” I told him. We’d arrived at my truck, and with a click I had it unlocked. I opened the door for him, Sawyer smiling at me as he climbed in. When we were out of the cold, I quickly started the truck, hoping the heat would warm up quick.

“Oh. Now I really want to go. Hot springs? And you can get in them?”

“Yeah. You haven’t been in the hot springs in Pleasant Grove yet?” I asked in shock. “It’s probably just my opinion, but they’re nicer over there.”

“Chris might have mentioned it, but I don’t remember.”

“Huh. I’ll get you some info, and you can check it out if you want. They’re a nice way to relax. They have entire spas built around them. That’s our attraction.” I said. I pulled out of the parking lot and drove the two blocks to the entrance to the home improvement store.

“I know I read something about it briefly when I was doing research on trends in your area, but I didn’t look too deeply into the offerings. That wasn’t what I was looking for. I just didn’t realize River Forge had them as well. Of course, I didn’t even know this town was here until an hour ago,” Sawyer said as we got out of the truck.

“Well then, while we shop and then unload at Fairy Tales, I’ll tell you all about Pleasant Grove and River Forge and how they became known for their hot springs.”

If It kept Sawyer with me longer, I’d yammer on and talk. And if he knew a little more about the town’s history, that was all the better. Perhaps it would entice him into living here permanently.

7

Sawyer

I was still being a terrible friend. I’d been working late and spending less time with Chris than planned. My friend whom I came to Pleasant Grove to see and spend time with. But in all fairness, he was working, and so was I. Something that was completely unplanned when I decided to up and visit Chris.

The fact that I happened to be incredibly attracted to my boss was beside the point. And when he pleaded with me to pretend to be his boyfriend while we were getting something to eat, I couldn’t help but agree.

Sadly, after we left the restaurant, Hudson pulled away, and I reminded myself that it hadn’t been real. It was all for show. He didn’t really think I was cute. Which was probably a good thing since puppies were cute. Not grown men.

“Are you sure you’re okay with staying late tonight? We could finish the bar tomorrow morning if you want,” Hudson said, drawing me out of my thoughts. Thoughts of him. Of his body. A body I’d fantasized about more in the last three days than I could remember ever fantasizing about anyone.

“I have nothing going on tonight. Trust me.” And I didn’t. Which was something that irritated me. I could be spending time with Chris except since I’d been here, we’d done nothing but hang out at his house and play