Page 9 of Tragic (Lark Cove 3)

The moment I parked under the tall canopy of trees, my gut began screaming, “This one! This one!” When I’d driven past the two homes in town, the only reaction I’d had was one burp.

I got out and surveyed the area again. This house might be hideous, but the location was serenity incarnate. I would have peace here. I would have quiet. I would—

A pained roar from across the trees startled me, and I looked toward the neighboring property. The moment my eyes landed on the log cabin nestled between tree trunks, a loud shout filled the air. “Fuck!”

I flinched again, then froze, listening for another sound. It didn’t come. Was someone hurt? Should I go check?

There was a path between this house and theirs, so I took it, hurrying in case someone’s life was at stake. I rushed right past ferns and forest bushes to the steps leading to the cabin’s front door. Without delay, I pounded on the wooden face since there wasn’t a doorbell. “Hello?”

Angry footsteps thudded on the floor. The entire porch shook and I backed up a step. My fist was still lifted when the door whipped open and none other than the man from the ridge appeared in its frame.

“What?” he snapped, planting his hands on his hips.

“I, uh . . .” Any other words I’d planned to speak fell away.

This man was even more handsome than I’d expected. He was tall, standing at least six inches above my five seven. His nose was maybe the most perfect nose I’d ever seen, straight with a strong bridge set perfectly in the center of his high cheekbones. But it was his eyes that swayed me sideways.

They weren’t green or brown or gold, but this incredible swirl of all three. The ring around the edge was like melted chocolate.

I hadn’t been with anyone since my ex-husband and I had separated over two years ago. A rush of desire, one I hadn’t felt in a long time, rolled down my body. It pooled between my legs, curling in my belly as I raked my eyes over this man’s thick chest and flat stomach.

The man’s eyes flared as he looked me up and down. He tried to cover it up with annoyance, but there was lust in his darkening eyes.

“What?” he barked, louder this time.

I came unstuck, breathing again as I forced my eyes away from his soft lips. He had an old rag wrapped around one of his hands and blood was soaking through.

“I heard a crash so I thought I’d come over to see if everything was okay. Are you hurt?” I reached for him, but he jerked back.

“Fine,” he grumbled. And with that, he spun around on his brown boots, stomped inside and shut the door.

“Seriously?” I whispered.

I gave him a moment to come back and be neighborly. I got nothing in return.

“Nice to meet you!” I waved at the closed door. “My name is Piper Campbell, in case you were wondering.”

Nothing.

“I’m thinking about buying the place next door.”

Still nothing.

“Great talk, uh . . .” I searched the porch, landing on a red and white cooler by the railing. KAINE was written on the handle in block letters. “See you around, Kaine.”

My crazy was starting to show, so I turned around and walked back to the Suburban. The minute I hopped up into the driver’s seat, I pulled out my phone from my handbag and dialed my realtor.

“Hi, it’s Piper. I’ve given it some thought and made my decision.” My eyes stayed glued to the cabin across the way. “I want the mountain house. It’s just what I need.”

Some peace. The quiet forest. A project to throw myself into headfirst.

And maybe a hot, sweaty fling with my grouchy, soon-to-be-next-door neighbor.

He had no-strings-attached sex written all over his handsome face.

“Goddamn, son of a bitch, motherfucker!”

The hammer I’d just smashed into my knuckle fell out of my grip, dropping right onto my toe.