His scorching-hot kisses. His half-assed grin. His too-hunky-for-words body. His sexy lovemaking.
She hadn’t set out to find love or romance here in Wilder. Just a hot hookup. She’d found all three, though, she realized as she drove past his house. Because, as much as he’d helped to mend her broken heart and had even protected it on occasion, he’d also stolen it.
In five short days.
* * * * *
Liza still had her directions from when she’d driven here from New York and would simply reverse them to get back to the bigger cities in Texas, starting with Austin.
She thought of how she’d ended up in Wilder in the first place.
Such a crazy thing to do. Throw a dart at a map and think it was possible to build a new life in an unfamiliar town where she knew no one. And yet… As she reached the end of Wilder Lake Lane, she stared at the signs ahead, conflicted. There were only two ways to go.
If she turned right, the road would take her out of Wilder.
If she turned left, she’d end up in town.
She gnawed her lower lip a moment, the decision not an easy one to make. She considered the past several hours. The fury she’d felt. The hopelessness over not fitting in. The betrayal over Jack talking about her with Lydia and likely taking Lydia’s side.
But she didn’t know for a fact that he’d taken Lydia’s side. And, sure, maybe she stood out like a sore thumb in this tiny Texas town, but hadn’t she made a few friends while she was here? Jess and George. Ginger and Ruby. Sean. The mayor and his wife. Even Jack. Though the romance might have fizzled because of her prodding, she had a feeling they were close enough to remain friends.
Not that she relished that idea. She’d miss his lasciviousness. His wicked ways. But still. She liked him too much to never speak with him again.
And what about Jess and Gi
nger? She’d promised to help both of them with their new business plans. She didn’t want to let them down. They were good people. Good friends.
Staring straight ahead at the signs, one pointing north, one pointing south, she debated her options again.
Austin. San Antonio. Dallas.
Or Wilder.
She pulled in a deep breath, let it out slowly.
Sure, there might be sexy cowboys in those other cities. But not one who looked like a Devil in Blue Jeans.
Heading south, she drove through town and parked along the main drag, close to Ginger’s shop. She stepped out of the car and locked it behind her. A little perspective was in order and she thought Ginger might be an objective sounding board. If she didn’t resolve her issues today, she could always head out of town tomorrow.
Crossing the street, she walked into the lingerie shop.
“What perfect timing!” her new friend squealed in delight as she clasped her hands together. “I just finished the window display!”
Liza turned back to the window, which was covered by a thick curtain in the front, concealing the scene to the public while Ginger worked on it. Inside the display area was the beautifully crafted scene she’d drawn out on paper. Only live and in-person, it was infinitely sexier.
“I love it!” Liza gasped. The window display was sophisticated, sensual and smart. Paired ensembles and layers of lace and satin. The pièce de résistance came when Ginger lit the aromatherapy candles in holders of varying heights.
“You really like it?” she said as she blew out the match and turned back to Liza.
“Oh yes! It’s gorgeous. Makes me want to strip down and snuggle up with someone!”
A hunky devil.
She pushed that thought from her mind. “Really, Ginger. It’s fantastic.”
“Thank you,” she beamed. “I really liked doing it. And I have you to thank!”
She gave Liza a hug, which made Liza’s stomach roil. And reminded her that she’d achieved something in this town in a very short period of time. To hell with what Lydia Bain thought. She was helping Ginger and Jess to increase their bottom lines. She’d even come up with a great idea for Jack’s business, to bring in revenue on Sunday’s when he couldn’t serve booze.