Chapter 1
HARPER
The tears fell as I turned onto the last road leading to the lake. I could barely see by the time I turned into the driveway as I sobbed. I’ve visited the lake estate over the past 10 years or so, but not too often and never for long. Admitting that makes me sad. I spent summers and weekends at the lake growing up. The summer I turned 16, the lake lost the magic it always held. After that summer, I spent less time at the lake, knowing it disappointed my Aunt Susanna. We both loved the estate in Lake View. It was always our special place. After that summer, I started using excuses to avoid coming to the lake. High school life, hanging out with friends, the golf team, the dance team, college, a boyfriend and then fiancée, and anything else I could come up with.
The lake home is all Susanna. That’s the main reason I love being here. A rush of emotions hit me when I entered the house. Memories surrounded me instantly and they only increased as I moved from room to room. Being here without Susanna seems wrong. At the same time, I feel the closest I’ve felt to Susanna in months. I miss her desperately. Susanna was my rock. She was the one family member who understood and supported me. I still need her and in these past months, more than ever.
Realizing I’m alone, the tears fall again. Noticing a throw placed over the couch, I touch it. I know Susanna placed it there and it is soft and homey, fitting in with the feel of the place. I think about the list of things I need to do now that I’m here at the lake to make it my new home. Instead of keeping busy, I wrap myself in the throw and curl up on the couch deciding to feel sorry for myself instead.
When I woke up, I had no idea what time it was or how long I slept. Picking up my phone, I realized I slept for 3 hours. I decided to grab my bag packed with the essentials and some clothes I need for tonight and tomorrow. I started out for the master suite, which will be my room. Prior to my arrival at the house, I had furniture moved from my old room into the master along with some things I packed up from the penthouse for the movers to bring.
My stomach growled while I was getting things together. Before I arrived, I gave Katie, the housekeeper, a grocery list. The idea of preparing something wasn’t appealing. I decided to look for food options in Lake View wanting to try a place that is geared toward locals and not tourists. It’s mid-May and summer won’t start at the lake for another couple of weeks. Lake View will soon be descended upon by the city’s rich weekenders and those that summer here at the estates they own on the lake. The tourist season will begin soon, too. I need to get reacquainted with Lake View. New estates were being built around the lake as families looked for nice areas away from the city and populated the smaller town. Lake View evolved into a place like Brighton, where I grew up. There were a lot of changes, including new places to eat, drink, and shop.
As I researched, I found more going on in Lake View than I expected. Being Friday night, I decided I should change clothes. The temperature is warm, so I decided on a fitted red sundress with thin straps ending mid-thigh and some low-heeled sandals. I went light on the makeup and pulled my long blonde hair in a high ponytail. Before leaving, I grabbed a light sweater and clutch to head into town.
I decided on a bar and grill called “Lake View Bar and Grill.” The name’s not the most original, but whatever.It looks like a cozy log cabin. It’s early evening when I arrive. Walking inside I notice there are quite a few people eating and drinking. It seems like a meeting place for locals after work on a Friday night. I decided on an empty seat at the bar. I feel like it’s less weird to sit alone at the bar as opposed to a table.
The bartender bounced over to me. She looks like she’s around my age and friendly. A cute girl with a big smile.
“Hi, there! I’m Chloe! What can I get you to drink? Do you need a menu? Wait, you’re Harper Stone?”
“Hi, Chloe! Yes, I’m Harper Stone. How did you know?”
“I’m so sorry, to bring it up. I went to Susanna and Jason’s services, but so did a lot of people. Susanna was your aunt.”
“Yes, Susanna was my aunt.” I hated addressing Susanna and Jason’s deaths. The response of sympathy exhausted me. Chloe’s response was surprising.
“We loved Susanna and Jason around here and we miss them. I’m sorry for your loss. She and Jason came in for a burger almost every week once they started spending most of their time in Lake View. I didn’t put two and two together when you said your name is Harper. Susanna talked about you all the time. She really loved you and was so proud of you. I always saw the resemblance. She showed your pictures to me a few times and I saw you at the services. You’re even more beautiful up close and in person. Forget I said that! It sounded creepy!”
“Well, Chloe, it is very nice to meet you! I’m moving into the lake house full-time. I spent a lot of time here when I was younger but haven’t been here much since then. This is my first night on the town.”
“Well, welcome home! Glad to have you. Let me grab you a menu.”
She grabbed me a menu and then came back a couple of minutes later.
“So, Harper, did your fiancé move here with you?”
“He’s not my fiancée anymore, so no. I’m single and on my own.” Choe’s face drops as I answer.
“Oh, shit, I am so sorry.”
“Don’t be. He was a lying cheater and I’m glad to be rid of him! Being single and on my own is a good thing!”
“Asshole! Susanna never liked him much, you know?”
“I know, but she respected my decision. My parents were the ones who really pushed for it, and I guess I was mostly trying to make my dad happy looking back. But he is history and I’m ready to start a new chapter! I’m going to need to make some friends. Maybe you can help me,” I laugh.
“Tell you what, Harper, I have an hour or so of work left. If you want to stick around, we can start our friendship when I’m done.”
“Sounds perfect! I would really appreciate the company. I appear to be the only loner here right now.”
Yep, Chloe is spunky, and her personality matches her smile. I immediately like her. After ordering a beer, I decided on a burger and fries recommended by Chloe. I looked around taking in the bar and the groups of people confirming I’m the only person without a group.
The bar’s atmosphere seemed fun. While I enjoyed my burger, the music got louder, drinks flowed faster, and rounds of shots were ordered more frequently. Chloe appeared to know everyone, which could prove to be beneficial.
Once Chloe was relieved of her duties, she got both of us a beer. We moved to an open table to have a better view of the bar. She promised to provide me with a full report on people in the bar tonight. We didn’t get too far into our discussion before Chloe’s smile left her face. It was like she fell into a trance, her mouth hanging open. Whatever she was fixed on, was behind me.
“Um, Chloe, are you okay? What’s happening? What’s wrong with your face? Can I turn around and look?”
“Oh, sorry! Lake View’s most eligible bachelor just walked in. He may very well be one the hottest men alive. Like top 10 at least. I’ve seen him plenty of times, but I still stutter for a second when I see him. He’s from the city. Wait, you probably know who he is. Most people do. His face is usually all over entertainment news, gossip sites, and social media, along with whichever girl he’s screwing or whoever he’s fighting in a club. He’s been coming in a lot. Totally hot but totally unapproachable. He keeps to himself most of the time. I’m sure he gets sick of women throwing themselves at him and he has a stalker. He blows them off. I’ve never seen him come in or leave with a woman. He’s alone when I see him around town. I think the only reason he talks to me is because I’m a bartender and I haven’t drooled in his beer!”
“Okay, I’m dying here! Is it safe for me to turnaround and look or would it be too obvious?”
“You can look. I doubt women staring even phases him! He probably won’t even notice, no offense, Harper. You’re gorgeous but he seems like he’s sworn off women or something.”
I turn to see what the fuss is about. Holy hell! Looking like him should be illegal! Damn did he look good. Women were melting and staring at him. What does it feel like to enter a room and take all the power with just your very presence? Chloe’s probably right about his immunity to the reaction he elicits from women. He probably gets off on it. I bet he’s the type. He looked kind of familiar, but I struggled to place him right away.
“Shit, Chloe, who is he?” I took one look at him and immediately became just like every other female in the bar drooling and craving just one look from him.
“Harper, are you being fucking serious right now?”
“Um, what do you mean am I being fucking serious? Of course I am being fucking serious.”
“That is Grayson Lawson. As in the rich and famous Lawsons of New York City. Harper, you must know the guy, right?”
“That’s it! I was trying to place him. I know of the Lawson family, but I don’t think I officially met him. I’m sure I’ve seen him around an event or a gala maybe, but I’ve never been a regular at those things. I attended more often once I was with my ex, but I don’t recall meeting him. I’m sure I’d remember if I had. I think he’s closer to my sister’s age. What’s the big deal? I mean, holy fuck he’s hot, but other than that…”
Chloe interrupts, “Do you live under a rock or in a bubble or something? Everyone knows who he is. He’s been laying low, but most of the time it’s impossible to get on social media and not see something about his latest conquest or a club he was seen partying in. He gets in trouble a lot. How is it possible you don’t recognize him?”
“I don’t really do social media. Mostly just keeping up with friends. I don’t really go to clubs or parties too much. Even when I do, I doubt it’s where he would be. I bet my best friend, Em, knows him. What’s the big deal about a filthy rich fuck boy who sleeps with a different woman every night while drinking himself into oblivion? Maybe drugs? Lives with no consequences? Family wants to disown him on a regular basis?” That probably summed up his existence. I’d by lying to myself if I denied my intrigue.
“Um, I will have to answer that later cause he is…” Chloe’s voice dropped off suddenly as she put on an overly happy looking smile.
“Hello, Chloe, you look lovely this evening. Who’s your breath-takingly beautiful friend?” asks a voice smooth as silk with heat and command all simultaneously.I didn’t know that was possible.
Shit, did he hear me refer to him as a fuck boy or any of the other shit I said? I mean, it’s probably all true but I would never say it to his face! Fuck, fuck, fuck! Close up, he’s even hotter and he smells divine. Oh shit. He’s literally more intoxicating than all the booze in this place. I cross my legs tighter.
“Hey, Grayson, good to see you! This is Harper and tonight is her first night out on the town!” Chloe sounds a little too eager. It’s cute. At least she could form words in his presence.
Grayson and Chloe looked at me. Shit, I’m supposed to say something. “Hi, Grayson, nice to meet you. I’m Harper!” He knows that. Chloe told him my name. Anxiety forces me to extend my hand. Is a handshake appropriate? Yep, I am officially one of the women that melted into a puddle in front of him tonight. It took like 2.2 seconds.
At least he doesn’t leave me hanging. What the fuck? As he takes my hand heat ignites with his touch.
“Nice to meet you, Harper. Do you mind if I have a seat?”
Have I been blinking or breathing? My arm pits are suddenly sweating. Did I put more deodorant on before I left the house? What’s even happening? Harper, use your words. Chloe told him to take a seat. She apparently noticed my inability to speak.
“Harper, may I have my hand back?” Grayson grins. His mouth is perfect….
“Shit, yes, sorry! I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I must have lost my manners.” I can feel my face burning red. God, this is so embarrassing.
Chloe for the win. “I just thought of something! You are neighbors! Did you know, Grayson?”
“Um, I had no idea,” I say. Wait, she asked Grayson if he knew, not me. Of course, I didn’t know since I didn’t realize who Grayson was until a few minutes ago.
“Well, that is something,” Grayson says. Something good or something bad? His face and voice reveal nothing other than a smirk and perfect teeth. God, that smirk is hot as hell.
“Who wants a shot? Chloe, we should do a shot!” I am clearly hitting panic-mode right now and shots won’t make this situation better! Maybe I should just pack it in and go home to hide from my hot neighbor.
“Chloe, you should go order some shots for you and Harper and if you both need another beer, grab those, too. Have them put it on my tab,” Grayson suggests.
“Do you want a shot, too? Come on, I am going to whip up one of my favorites. You will love it. Come on, please! I’ve never seen you do a shot!” Chloe pleads.
“Sure, why not,” Grayson says showing off his perfect smile. Everything about him is perfect. Well, everything except fuck boy status and probably a horrible personality.
Chloe took off to the bar, and I found myself drinking with Lake View’s most eligible bachelor. I started praying the ground would swallow me up or for Chloe to hurry the hell up! Those are the only two things that can save me right now.
