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She shook her head slowly. "No."

"Want to get some dessert to-go? I can show you around."

Another wide-eyed, tentative look. I waited while she studied me, hoping I gave off nothing but good vibes. Generally, people liked me, even if I didn't enjoy spending a lot of time in groups. They trusted me with their lives on the trails and confided in me in the quiet moments. It was something I was proud of.

I'd never wanted someone to trust me more than I did now.

Marley slowly finished chewing her bite and swallowed. Then she plucked a menu from the napkin holder. "Well, Jackson Huk Finn, you better pick something good, because I'm going to need the full story on how they ended up naming you after a fictional troublemaker trying to break free of expectations."

And just like that, I fell a little harder for a woman I didn't even know.

Nine

Marley

You're murderous, meddling little book nerds

Lunch was delicious,if not surprising. Not just running into Jackson again, but meeting so many new people at once. Even Willow ended up wandering in from next door to get to know the woman who had lunch with Huk.

Their curiosity was wholesome. Not anything like the intense stares or angry questions I was used to. And even better, while their curiosity involved me, it was clearly more pointed at Jackson. So while we waited for our dessert, we stood in a cluster around Liam and Harrison's table talking with one foot out the door.

"He spells it H-U-K because he wanted to be different," Sharon explained. She was an older woman with a fabulous gray bob. I also learned she was Mack's aunt, ran the murder book club, and loved cheese. "If we were going to give him a nickname, he would at least choose how it's spelled."

Jackson shrugged. "It also looks cooler." He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "At least I thought so at eleven."

Her friend Maeve had curly hair and red glasses that stood out against her dark skin. "So, you're in town for the whole summer?"

I felt Jackson's eyes move over me as I rocked on my heels. "Yep. Until the end of October." I'd never had someone so intent on getting to know me. I had Jackson's full, undivided attention the entire meal. He asked insightful questions and gave information freely. And most importantly, he gave off zero creep vibes. He was just openly, genuinely unafraid to show how interested he was in me.

It was both refreshing and terrifying.

"You're going to love summer here. Much cooler than you're used to," Maeve prattled on.

Liam jumped in. "The hiking is exceptional, and the rapids are fun, but I prefer spending some quiet time at the lake."

Sammy went to Lost Lake in the fifth book in the series. She tracked a thief after he left footprints in the mud. "What is there to do there?"

Liam shrugged. "You can rent a boat, fish, stare at the water, eat at the restaurant. Things like that."

"You can fish and stare at the water right here." Harrison waved to the river.

"You should come to book club," Sharon said. "You're going to be here all summer, you should participate."

Willow shot me an I-told-you-so look. "Perhaps your other book club might be a better fit."

"Hogwash! TBCIMA is the better one."

"Mack wouldn't agree," Harrison mumbled under his breath. "But you should absolutely join us for one or both. Whatever you're comfortable with. We'd love to have you."

"There's lunch at murder book club." Maeve pointed out.

Willow rolled her eyes. "And I let you have snacks in my shop, don't I?"

Annie came up behind us. "I'm starting to feel insulted, Sharon. You prefer Scottie's food to mine?" It was clear from her tone that she was teasing.

It was fun watching this real-life version of Lost Creek play out before my eyes. I could see now why Sherry McKenna Strong wanted to write about her hometown. These people were kind and genuine, and every one of them adored Jackson.

"You know Huk's the best guide in town?" Maeve's eyes twinkled as she spoke. "Don't tell Travis, but he is. If you're wanting to explore everything Lost Creek has to offer, he's your best option."