“Ask around?” I scan the bar. Who would I ask? Letting the world know I’m totally lost and alone doesn’t seem like the wisest plan. Not to mention, the last thing I want is for someone to ask why I’m dressed like this.

By the time I got through security at the airport, the plane was already boarding. I didn’t have time to look for a change of clothes. When I landed, I had a little more luck. After buying a bus ticket, I prioritized footwear. I picked up a pair of sneakers on sale, but then I had to run for my bus. By the time I reached Star Falls, all the stores were closed.

The bartender is barely twenty-one, but he looks at me like he’s seen plenty of brides on the hunt for a bed while on the run. His eyes are full of pity and knowing. “I know Beth and Mike have a couple of cabins just outside of town.”

My heart lifts in my chest at the real possibility of a bed to sleep in tonight.

“But I think they’re rented at the moment.” He looks at the guy sitting next to me. Is this Mike, of Beth and Mike? I turn to look at him. If it is, Beth is a very lucky woman. Mike is hot. I know I was engaged to be married up until ten thirty this morning, but I’m not dead. The guy next to me is tall and dark and swarthy. I don’t know exactly what swarthy means, but I know this guy is it. His hair isn’t long, but it’s not short either. It’s definitely long enough to get a fistful of when he’s buried between my thighs.

Holy crap! I snap my head back to focus on my glass of tap water. I’m staring. More than that, I’m fantasizing. It’s not something I’ve done in a while. My life has felt all too real recently. I make a silent apology to Beth and then turn my attention back to the bartender. “If Beth and Mike are lucky enough to have their cabins rented, is there anyone else in town who has a place? Or rents out a room?”

The bartender shoots another speaking glance at Mike before saying, “You could try Colbert’s Farm, but I think it’s booked.”

Mike interrupts. “I’m renting Beth and Mike’s cabins. I’m in one. You could take the other if you needed it for a couple of nights.” He’s wearing a blue plaid shirt that looks as soft as spun clouds.

So not only is the hot stranger not one half of “Beth and Mike,” he also might have the solution to my accommodation problem.

“It’s available?” I ask.