Page 1 of Dirty Secret Love

Sutton’s Prologue

Heartwood Lake isn’t only a town filled with secrets, but also a place that hums with a warmth that feels like sinking into a plush blanket on a bone-chilling evening. Wandering its cobbled paths, under the watchful gaze of its tall pines, every breeze seems to murmur, “You belong.”

Here, love isn’t a mere emotion nor a fleeting feeling—it’s a promise, a commitment that remains unwavering.

I was born in this small, beautiful town and lived there until my parents invented what they called ‘the ultimate shoe.’ In reality, it was just fucking ugly, but very practical. No one expected it to become a worldwide phenomenon or for some wealthy investors to reach out to my parents, so they could buy their small company, making my family millionaires.

Once it happened, my parents bought a mansion in Evergreen, Colorado, moving away from the small town our family had belonged to for generations.

Things were never the same after that, but it was then I realized I had two families—the one I was born into and my three best friends, Jez, Wren, and Regina. Even though we didn’t live close, we were always a call, text, or email away.

So, many years later, we’re still close—like sisters. If I ever need to commit a crime, I will call them. We’d be likeOcean’s 8, but more badass. Unlike my family, they love me, warts and all. I don’t have to pretend to be anything I’m not, and most importantly, they don’t judge me because of what I do.

The secret to surviving the Ashers—my family—is avoiding them whenever possible. When I can’t, I nod and force a pleasant smile, and let them talk smack about my terrible choices. I’m not only the youngest, but I am the black sheep of the family. Well, if you can call a small-town librarian that. In my opinion, my decisions aren’t so bad. So, what if I chose to major in English and move back to Heartwood Lake instead of studying something more glamorous and searching for a job in a major city.

Unlike my sister, who’s some corporate something-or-other in marketing at a large Denver firm, I becamejusta town librarian. Oh, the horror.

And worst of all, I’m single—the ultimate shameful status for an Asher.

That wasn’t much of a problem until my older sister got engaged. She always has a way to fuck with my life—even if it’s unintentional. Now my mother is pressuring me, and . . . well, obviously, I had to lie about my current relationship status.

I made up this amazing, hot fiancé. He’s a billionaire recluse who’s chosen to live up in the mountains away from everyone.

It sounded like the ideal lie until my parents had to move back to Heartwood Lake. My friends are ready to help, and we have the perfect cover story. I just hope picking River Kershaw as my fake fiancé is the right move.

If not, well, I’m probably screwed because OFF (Operation Faux Fiancé) is in place, and I can’t stop it. I’ll admit, I’m worried River will blow our cover story to smithereens. Or even worse, that my parental units will see right through the sham and realize I’ve been lying through my teeth for the past … well, I always lie to them. If any of that happens, they’ll never let me live it down.

My stomach’s in knots just thinking about it. I should just carry a bottle of antacid, some lavender for the anxiety, and maybe a rosary to pray that nothing major happens. If I don’t pull this off, the scrutiny will be relentless. I’ll forever be a spinster, the shame of the family.

Ugh, no. I have to sell this, at least long enough to get them off my back. With my besties backing my play, maybe we can actually make it work. I just need to fake it till I make it, right?

I need to bury my doubts and fully commit to the deception. Project an air of lovestruck contentment. Gush about my fictional fiancé as if he’s real—I’m great with fictional characters and plots. This has to work.

I have a game plan: pretend to be a happy fiancée, avoid my parents at all cost—even when we live in a small town—and most of all, don’t fall for the tall, ruggedly handsome stranger with the chiseled jawline, sparkling blue eyes, and muscular physique that looks like it was sculpted from granite.

I made a couple of cue cards, hoping they’ll help me. One is somehow long and wordy.

Just stick to the script you created and lean on your girls when needed. Don’t lose yourself in River’s striking eyes. Focus on the prize of freedom from my family’s pestering. I’ve got this. Fake it till you make it, girl.

The other one is simpler.

If you ruin it, you’re fucking doomed.

River’s Prologue

My family—which I can barely stand, keeps wondering how I ended up engaged to some thirty-year-old virgin?

Fuck, if I could make sense out of this tragedy, I would.

I used to hate dating. Back when I was River Thorndale, living the high life in Washington DC, one-night stands were my favorite thing—no names, no commitments, and no repeats. I helped manage Thorndale Industries, lived in a sleek penthouse, and drove an Aston Martin Valour.

Life was fucking perfect.

Fast forward to today, my name is River Kershaw, I’m a farm hand and a waiter at a bar and grill. I have to pretend to like the family I never cared for, and well, now I’m engaged to Sutton Asher, the town’s librarian. Yeah, she’s cute in that girl-next-door sort of way, with kind eyes that seem to peer into your soul and know all your secrets.

I bet she’s looking for Mr. Forever—someone to bring her flowers and read poetry. I’m definitely not a romantic sap. Yet, for some insane reason, I agreed to her crazy fake engagement plan.

I hate my new reality.

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