“Technically, you still have the toe,” he reminded her. “And I’m fine with locking the doors so no one ever bothers us again.”

“If only it were that easy.” She ran a worried hand over her hair. “If I look half as rough as Bree said I do, they’ll never leave.”

He had no idea what she was talking about. But then again, his face was currently buried more interesting places, trying to remind her how much more fun it was to stay distracted.

“Hey, Easton? Do you know anyone who’s good with makeup?”

“Hmm?”

“Like really good with makeup?”

As a matter of fact, yes, he did.

• • •

“What do you think?” Zoey held up a compact mirror for River to see her reflection. “Good enough?”

“I think you’re a godsend.”

Zoey smiled at her. “My job wasn’t hard. Are you sure you don’t want me to make you look less put together? I mean, you are in the hospital right now. Even I’m having a hard time believing you and Easton went through what you did.”

“Thanks.” Returning her smile, River squeezed Zoey’s hand. “I appreciate that, but I need to look my best. If I’m all messed up, it’ll only make everyone more interested. Trust me, the town does not want them sticking around.”

“How bad was it up there?”

“Most of it was amazing. A few times, when things were going wrong, I was scared. But it’s hard to be too worried with Easton there.”

“He’s a really good guy.” Zoey glanced at her shyly. “Did he tell you he found me when I was lost in the woods? I was on an ATV trip that went sideways, and I ended up getting stuck out in a storm. I was scared to death, then I turned around, and this massive Sasquatch-looking guy was there. He got me back home safe. I’ve had a pretty big soft spot for him ever since.”

Totally understanding, River nodded. “Yeah, Easton’s kind of got that whole sexy mountain man thing going on. I was a sucker from the moment we met.”

“I feel the same way about Graham.” Zoey’s entire face lit up at the mention of the diner owner’s name. “The people here have been really good to me, but Graham and Easton are the best guys I’ve ever met.”

“Are you sure? Because I kind of wanted to punch Graham within thirty seconds of first meeting him. If he’s sucked you into a cultlike situation, please let me know. I’m happy to rescue you.”