Two Harts

It's not every day you see a new face in my small hometown of Two Harts, let alone one belonging to an annoyingly handsome all-star NFL player. But for some reason, Chris Sterns has decided that the library where I work is his go-to spot to hide from his mega-fans, and unfortunately, winding me up is his new favorite sport. Being crowned “world’s sexiest man” has done little to curb his confident charm and when he somehow ropes me into his two-person book club, I can’t help warming to his endless positivity.

I should have known my mom would go totally overboard packing for my brother’s big day. But much like my last break-up, I’d been optimistic (in denial) that it would all work out for me. Now, I can’t fit into the car. “Don’t worry,” my brother says, “I asked Theo to give you a ride.” I flush all over and almost drop my phone. This is a BIG problem. With his neatly trimmed stubble, fierce protectiveness, and an affinity for plaid shirts rivaled only by his love of hiking, I’ve always had a crush on Theo. As a teenager, I’d even declared my feelings in a tragically bad poem.

Today, I inherited one house, one café, and one hot, grumpy stranger. . . After twenty-eight years of dubious life choices, things are finally looking up. The catch to my inheriting a home and a thriving business? Only half belongs to me—the other half goes to the previous owner’s grandson.