Entwined by chance

hia'

ks across the wooden floor of my inn room. Sleep had been restless, my min

re when I asked about his life here-everything about him intrigued me. But it wasn't just him. This town

on staring back at me looked the same, but something in my eyes had changed. Maybe it was exhaustion, o

irs. Lily stood behind the counter, pouring a fresh cup while chatting with an older wo

Lily greeted, sliding a

essing. "You're the girl Mason w

pting the coff

nd. "Evelyn Clarke. I own t

er, sharp-eyed and full of warmth. I shook her

official mayor of this town. Knows everyone, everythin

ep track of new faces." Her gaze lingered on me. "Especiall

spine, though her vo

ook a sip of coffee. "I

owing hum. "We'l

ing to the next customer, leav

ing for, but the town sure had a way of making me feel

ut's

the quiet morning. Running had always been a way to silence the noise

cliffside view of the bay. Water stretched endlessly before me,

e pier. She was curious, too damn observant, and far too

it was

is town, fresh to whatev

eyes because I'd seen i

I braced my hands on my k

e time, they were right. But Cynthia had landed in Clearwater Bay at an odd

ed against the g

ching, his easy smirk in plac

k on Cynt

l on its way. Should be here by tomorrow." He fol

furrowed.

s." His smirk widened. "And L

y had a habit of co

at before shaking his hea

e escaped me

ou're look

houlders. "I'm not look

gging out the word. "And

pushed past him, head

. You've been living like a ghost in this place.

to me, unwelcome

wasn't m

oblem was that I

hia'

s-cozy, lined with towering shelves of well-worn book

ticed ease, stacking novels w

giving me an approving nod. "Fi

r the spines of a ne

d to have the most interes

g gaze. She wasn't just making small talk. A knock on the door broke

witched. "Speak

nstead, his gaze landed on me. "Mason sa

dd mix of relief and d

ed amusement. "You two should take a walk do

estion. Arnaut's jaw tighte

always have things

but after a long pause, he n

d for only a moment b

Wooden planks stretched over the water, boats rocking gentl

eone more reluctant to take a wal

uite a laugh. "Not much f

ot

, the sound of the waves filling

"You ever think about

ned on the wat

ut

Some things kee

way he said it mad

re, he turned to me f

an," I admitted. "Tur

ment, then nodded, as if h

y hair flying around my face. He lifted a hand in

hed between us, q

earing his throat. "You'

me wasn't so sure anymore. Leaving had always been the plan. But for t