Page 16 of Unpacking Secrets

Whatever it was, it was light and buoyant, fizzing up inside me. Instead of being bound to this place by obligation, I was now drawn to it, connected by something deeper than I'd ever anticipated. I rolled down the windows and drove back to the cottage, singing along with the radio at the top of my lungs.

This next year might very well be a beautiful new beginning.

Seven

Juliet

ThefirstthingIdid upon returning to the cottage was lug boxes down from storage and create neat rows on the living room floor.

By the time everything was moved, I was sweaty, aching, and completely covered in dust.

Now that the literal heavy lifting was done, the rest would require more in the way of focus. I surveyed the impressive spread of boxes and bins, then decided my success called for a bath.

The claw-foot tub was massive and the linen closet boasted a wide array of bath products. I chose a particularly fragrant lavender bubble bath, then spent the next hour soaking away my aches and pains.

When the bath water grew cold, I drained the decadent tub and wandered into the kitchen, rifling half-heartedly through the cupboards. Despite my grocery trip, nothing looked appealing enough for dinner. I flipped open the laptop I'd left on the counter, did a quick search for local restaurants, and stumbled upon a place called The Mermaid.

The photos were adorable, the reviews glowing, and the website allowed for online orders, so I perused the menu and made my selections.

Spending a Friday night alone eating takeout while sorting through boxes of dusty artifacts wasn’t a thrilling prospect, but I was used to it after dealing with my mom’s attic back home.

The Mermaid was a cute family-owned place located a bit farther into town than I had previously ventured, its entrance flanked by two golden mermaid statues. This section of Main Street was full of character. I decided then and there that I would come back another day to explore on foot. I spotted a stationary shop, a quaint little bookstore, a yoga studio, and an arched entrance gate to Spruce Hill’s Town Park.

If I was going to make this place my home, I wanted to familiarize myself with everything it had to offer.

After holding the door for an older couple who were leaving with a stack of boxed leftovers, I stopped short just as I entered the restaurant.

Standing in front of me was none other than Henry Walker, looking even more stupidly attractive than he had at the inn. He wore a close-fitting white t-shirt and jeans, and his hazel eyes sparked to life when he spotted me.

“Juliet,” he said, inclining his head with mock civility.

“Henry.” My voice was cool, despite a simmer of annoyance at encountering him again.

I wished I'd done more than throw my wet, tangled curls into a ponytail. My cheeks were still flushed from the heat of the bath and I hadn’t bothered with anything but a swipe of lip gloss before leaving the house. Casual looked amazing on Henry, of course, since I could now see all the lean muscles he’d been hiding under his dress clothes.

It didn’t seem fair that someone so nasty could be so good-looking, especially when I always looked like a slouch in comparison.

“Haven’t seen you around the inn,” he mused, lifting a dark brow. “Bored with playing the boss lady already?”

I forced myself to silently count to ten, but I only made it to four before firing back, “Oh no, I’m here to stay. I just didn’t realize you needed so much supervision to do your job properly.”

The spark in his hazel eyes blossomed into a flame, then the peppy blonde behind the hostess stand called his name and I offered a sweet smile as he turned away. Henry paid for his dinner and stalked out of the restaurant, glowering at me as he passed.

Jackass.

I fought the urge to stick my tongue out at him, applauding myself for my restraint, then smiled at the cashier, paid, and hoped that Henry had left the parking lot by the time I walked out.

No such luck.

There he was, leaning against the hood of the white pickup I’d parked next to, talking to a couple of guys who directed friendly smiles at me as I headed toward my car.

My steps faltered, but there was no way to avoid walking past them. I lifted my chin and went the long way around, behind the cars, setting the bag of takeout on my back seat as the two strangers strolled away from Henry's truck.

Before I could open my door to get in, he strode toward me. I gritted my teeth and braced for a blowout.

“Are you going to fire me?” he demanded, stopping two feet away.

“Because of your little temper tantrum? No,” I shot back, glaring at him. “Are you going to quit because you think I’m some spoiled princess who doesn’t belong here?”