The Hometown Hoax (The Hoax Series) (20 page)
Read The Hometown Hoax (The Hoax Series) Online
Authors: Heather Thurmeier
Tessa took his hand in hers. “I’m back.”
“For good?” His voice sounded hopeful.
“I think so, depending on how this goes, of course.” She motioned to the opened doors.
“What is this exactly?” he asked.
“I hate having everyone in town knowing my business, but this time I want them to hear what I have to say. No more trying to shut people out. Including you. Because… I love you, Logan.” A collective gasp came from the gathered crowd and she felt her cheeks burn hot. Public displays of affection weren’t her thing, but neither was this small town she’d decided to finally call home again. “I’ve loved you since practically the first moment I met you.”
“You mean when I almost killed you by driving you off the side of a mountain?” he asked, grinning.
“Yes, since then.” She nudged him in the shoulder. “And I’m sorry I ran back to New York instead of staying here and dealing with everything.”
“I’m sorry I showed Zack your sketchbook. I thought I was being helpful, but you’re right, I was actually trying to find a way to keep you here. I already loved you, Tessa, and I didn’t want to see you leave.” He kissed her and the crowd watching them melted away. The only thing she noticed was how good his lips felt pressed to hers. “I can be a trainer anywhere, and as long as I’m with you, I’ll be happy no matter where we are.”
“We don’t have to go anywhere. This is our new business, if you want to share the space with me. It’s half gym and half art studio.”
“Are you serious?” He peered inside the doors, his eyes wide.
She put a key in his palm. “Your name is on the lease with mine for a year. However, if you hate this idea, I can pull a few strings with the owner and get you out of it. Or if you love it, we can put in an offer to buy.”
“Being a Cutter in this town comes with a few perks, doesn’t it?” he asked.
“It doesn’t hurt.” She shrugged. “We can work out all the details later, but first maybe we should let everyone go in and see it. They look like they’re getting restless.”
“Good idea.” He nodded. “I want to talk to you without an audience anyway.”
She addressed the gathered crowd again. “Everyone, welcome to
Body & Mind Studio
where you can come to workout on your own or get personal training from the owner himself, Logan. Upstairs, you’ll find my new art studio where I’ll be holding classes for kids and adults throughout the month. Today, feel free to go upstairs and get a little dirty working with my supplies, or try out some exercises and get a little sweaty.”
Everyone cheered and said congratulations on their way inside, until it was only Logan and Tessa left on the sidewalk.
“Don’t you want to go in and see it too?” she asked.
“In a minute. I’m more concerned with what’s going on out here.” He cupped her jaw in his hands. “Are you actually staying?”
“I am.” For the first time ever she felt confident in her decision, one she’d made by herself, without anyone else’s influence.
“What happened with New York? Didn’t you find a gallery to work with?” Concern furrowed his brow.
She smiled. “I did. I signed with Pembroke.”
“That’s great. So what are you doing here then?”
“I got your book. I love it. I decided living in the city wasn’t important anymore. I’d rather be here with you. I’m hoping your message still applies to being here instead of in New York. Still need the small town girl even if she’s in the small town?”
“I can adjust.” He pulled her close. “Are you really okay moving back? I was serious when I said I’d move to the city to be with you.”
“I’m sure. Coming home for the camping trip made me realize Cutter’s Creek was better than I remembered and going back to the city was way worse. I thought I liked the hustle and bustle of New York, but once I was in it again, I didn’t. In fact, I hated it. I finally understood what you meant about being able to take a deep breath and appreciate the open spaces.”
“Well, whatever your reasons, I’m glad you’re here and that you’re staying.” He scrunched up his forehead. “Speaking of staying, where have you been staying? You didn’t get here and manage all this today, right?”
“I’ve been here a week or so,” she said.
“And the town kept your secret the whole time?” he asked.
She nodded. “Apparently they
do
know how to do that.”
He laughed. “Did you get an apartment or move back in with your parents?”
“I’ve been staying in my old room.”
“How’s that going?”
“I need to find an apartment, like yesterday.”
“Move in with me.” It wasn’t a question so much as a request.
“Really? Doesn’t it feel a little too soon in our relationship to be living together already?” she asked, wanting to say yes, but not wanting to rush into anything either.
He laughed. “Well, if we can be business partners, I’m pretty sure we can cohabitate.”
The enormity of what she’d signed on for this past week suddenly hit her, but instead of feeling trapped, she was filled with calm anticipation of what would come next.
“I love you, Logan, and I’d love to move in with you, but first let’s go see if you like your new gym. It could be a deal breaker if you hate it.”
He took her hand and together they walked into their new business. Halfway through the room, he stopped and touched a piece of exercise equipment. “It’s everything I hoped for. Better. How did you know what I wanted?”
“That night out on the dock you told me all about your plans for the gym and you seemed to love the drawing I did, so I based the real thing off that and hoped for the best.”
“This place is perfect. You’re perfect. But how did you ever get the money to do all of this?”
She shrugged and smirked. “Mr. Leeson from the bank never gave me a graduation gift so he decided to cut me some slack on a loan. The payments are very reasonable…for the next fifty years, or so.”
He swept her into his arms and kissed her like they weren’t standing in a room full of her family, friends, and neighbors.
In that moment, everything was right in her world. She finally had her art career started, her family was finally content with her life choice, and she’d fallen madly in love with a man who loved her just as much.
She’d finally found her happiness—right in Cutter’s Creek.
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Acknowledgments
Thank you to my agent Jill Marsal and my editor at Entangled Alethea Spiridon Hopson. Your continued belief in my stories keeps me doing what I love! I couldn’t ask to work with a better team of people. You’re both awesome!
Thank you to my husband Mike. Without you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Your support and encouragement keeps me going even when things get tough. And your continued enthusiasm for crock-pot meals is deeply appreciated, especially when I’m on deadline. XOXO
About the Author
Heather Thurmeier
is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders, and a reality TV junkie. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York with her husband and kids where she’s become some kind of odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. When she’s not busy taking care of the kids and pets, Heather’s writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes who will make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments, and always a happily ever after. She loves to hear from readers on social media and her
website
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