Since Frank and I traded messages when I arrived, I haven’t heard a word from anyone in Oregon. Not from him, my mom, or any of my sisters.

It’s like I’m on some kind of pre-booked vacation and they’ll see me when I’m back. No big deal.

But the caller isn’t a number I recognize, so I answer.

“Rosey, it’s Sally. It was so good to meet you this afternoon. I’m excited to say we want to offer you a job.”

I hold my breath, worried that if I let it out, I might squeal with excitement.

When I arrived at the Colorado Club, I wasn’t sure what job I’d be applying for. Without a résumé or a personal recommendation, I didn’t have much going for me. But I explained that I was traveling through town and hadn’t thought about staying until I heard about the Club. Sally was more than understanding and said I could be considered for a waitressing position. The pay is a little more than I earned at Frank’s garage, and I can live onsite in staff housing at half the price of the rent Mom charged me. It feels like the perfect opportunity just landed in my lap.

Why wouldn’t I say yes?

A car pulls up behind me. I spin on the porch and see Byron in his truck. He’s been so kind—letting me stay in the cabin, lending me his clothes. I don’t know if it’s his kindness or something about the evening light, but he’s even more attractive than he was when I first laid eyes on him. Which is saying something, because last night I was pretty sure he was the best-looking man in America. With his face framed by the car window, he looks like a movie star or a tortured poet. He pushes his hands through his hair, giving emphasis to his natural pout. I let out a small sigh.

“Rosey? Is everything okay?”

Sally’s voice on the line brings me back to myself. “Oh, yes, thanks so much. When do I start?”

I can’t help staring as Byron emerges from his car. He’s tall and broad and perfectly proportioned. Whenever I looked at Frank, his shoulders seemed too narrow for the rest of his body, but there’s nothing about Byron that doesn’t fit. His legs are covered in dark denim, and his long fingers close around the keys to his truck in a tight grip I can almost feel around my wrists. My nipples tighten against the fabric of my bra.

Our eyes lock and my stomach tumbles like his gaze has caused some kind of internal earthquake. All of a sudden, any doubts I had about saying yes to the job I just got offered melt away. I want to stay in Star Falls awhile.