Page 1 of Burly Biker of Misty Mountain

Chapter one

Katie

Midsummer sunlight warmed my back in the bustling park. It seemed half the town of Misty Mountain was wandering around, soaking up the fresh air and the idyllic June afternoon—reading, playing frisbee, shopping, or dozing in the shade.

“Who wants more cake?” I asked.

The seven little girls seated around the picnic table gave a cheer of agreement. I smiled to myself and deposited tiny slices of airy rainbow-colored cake on their little plates.

When I was a kid, I’d been obsessed with everything involving tea parties. I spent countless hours pretending I was Alice in Wonderland, dining with the March Hare, the Mad Hatter, and the Dormouse, with their fantastical riddles and their endless towers of tea cups.

I never dreamed I would be able to turn my obsession into a full-time job that paid the bills and put a roof over my head.

As a senior in high school, I started an online shop on a whim, selling a few items for pocket change—tea party kits for beginners, handmade princess dresses for dolls, and cookie samplers.

In the span of just two weeks, it exploded with popularity. And my business was officially born. The Enchanted Teapot was a success.

After graduating college, I was earning enough to pay off my student loans and rent an apartment of my own. My business grew well beyond my humble online shop, and now I host in-person tea parties. I was even entertaining the idea of opening a brick-and-mortar shop with employees on a payroll and everything.

“Katie!”

I whirled at the sound of my best friend’s voice. Bristol Hampton waved from the edge of the parking lot as a taxi drove away. Her long dreads, studded with white and gold beads, were piled into an elegant bun on top of her head. The breezy, cream-colored sundress she wore made her golden brown skin practically glow. Two massive suitcases rested on the pavement at her feet.

We grew up in Misty Mountain together, attached at the hip as soon as we met in kindergarten. She was the outgoing one, gorgeous and charismatic, making friends everywhere she went, while I was the shy puppy who trailed at her heels.

In high school, she moved to New York for ballet school. In her adult life, she was now a professional ballerina, touring the world for performances to sold-out crowds. And I’ve missed her every day since then.

“What are you doing here?” I replied, hurrying across the park to greet Bristol with a hug.

She shrugged.

“I’m headed to California for a show, but my connecting flight through Denver was delayed until later tonight. So, I thought I’d revisit my old hometown. It’s been ages since we saw each other. I’d rather chat with you than be bored in an airport by myself.”

I gestured at the tea party.

“I’m working at the moment, but it’s supposed to be wrapped up in an hour.”

Bristol waved me off.

“Nonsense! If there’s a party, you know I’m there. I’ll give you a hand.”

“Really?”

“Of course!”

She sailed into the middle of the party and greeted the girls with a bright smile. They gazed up at her, eyes wide with awe and wonder.

Bristol always had that effect on people—as if she was an ethereal fairy who had just emerged from an otherworldly realm. I loved her to the moon and back, but I envied her, too. No matter how hard I tried, I could never match her magical, magnetic personality.

While Bristol and I prepared the party for a session of cookie decorating, she nudged me with her elbow.

“Well, go on,” she said. “Spill the beans, Katie.”

I paused as I laid out platters of multi-colored icing and bowls of sprinkles.

“About what?”

“I’m sure you have a special man in your life by now,” Bristol replied.

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