Page 18 of Hooked on Lane (Hooked #1)

Chapter Eighteen

Jennifer

A mesbury was nestled in the rolling hills of Montana.

The Sterling Lodge was an aged Alpine-style building blanketed in a fresh layer of snow.

Colorful icicle lights twinkled around the porch, and a welcome wreath hung from the door as Labe opened the door.

The lobby was large with high ceilings, and a fireplace.

At the front desk, a woman with thin gray hair pulled back in a tight bun, with thick glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, her fingers pounding against the keys of the computer until she noticed us.

She then rounded the corner of the desk, her arms opened wide, ready for a hug.

“Jennifer, this is one of my mother's friends, Carina. She owns the place.”

Carina hugged him. “I can't believe you’re back! And for Christmas… how's your mama doing?”

Lane smiled. “It's nice to see you, too. Once I get Jennifer here settled, I'll be heading to get her.”

“How wonderful.”

She walked back around the counter and after a few seconds handed him two keys. “Room 212 and 213. Let me know if you need anything at all.”

Lane grabbed my bag, taking the stairs two at a time. I followed him up to room 212, where he gently set my belongings on the floor. “This is your room. I’m gonna put my stuff away and then head to Sikita to grab my mom. You have my number if you need anything.”

I nodded my thanks, opened the door, and stepped inside. A king-sized bed and… I went to the window and pulled back the sheer curtains to reveal a stunning view of main street—perfect for watching the sun set.

It was time to explore the town. I fumbled for my phone.

Me: Made it. I’ll send you pics. This place is as cute as you thought.

She would be so jealous. Anyone knew her obsession with Hallmark movies year-round, and this was something she would gaga for in real life. So with a snap of my camera to show the view from my room, three little dots appeared on the screen.

Laura: You have to be kidding me! Maybe I should ditch my parents and join you and Lane. =)

I rolled my eyes and slipped the phone and room key into my back pocket before hefting my backpack onto my shoulders.

I descended the stairs and stepped out. My first destination was a small café bookstore.

It looked like an older building that used to be a small bank and was converted.

I chose a table by the window and looked out at the snow-covered streets.

This place reminded me of Coffee Chaos because of the spaced-out bistro tables.

They were almost the exact same tables. The Christmas tree sat right in the corner by the front door, making it the first thing you noticed when you walked in, giving it just that extra oomph of Christmas vibe.

The shelves overflowed with books from floor to ceiling, and in the back of the shop was a small counter where two men were busy making drinks for customers.

I scanned the bookshelves of the small café, patiently waiting for my turn in line.

I spotted Amy Stephens’ newest novel and my heart raced.

Sparkling pink and teal lettering adorned the cover, declaring a romantic comedy involving a precious pup—it was perfect.

Eagerly, I snatched it off the shelf and held it close to my chest like a priceless treasure as I approached the counter. I’m so in! Take my money.

“Next!” the man shouted from behind the counter.

At the sound of his gruff demand, I looked up. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline that reminded me of one of the hunks in that romantic comedy Laura and I watched last year. He wore a red flannel shirt tucked into dark jeans. His name tag identified him as Cole.

“I’ll take a mocha, hot please,” I managed to squeak out, feeling my face flush.

“That’ll be four dollars.”His large calloused hand extended to collect the five-dollar bill. His eyes flicked over my outfit. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before.”

“Nope, brand new. Just checked into the lodge up the road.” I glanced around his store, taking in all of its charming details. “Can’t wait to see what all you have here.”

“Do you intend on paying for that?” he asked, pointing to the book clutched in my hand.

My palm hit my forehead. “Oh my God, of course. Here.” I handed him another twenty-dollar bill and motioned for him to keep the change. His face softened as he took it from me and immediately bellowed out, “Next!”

Okay, that was my cue to get the heck out of his way so he could tend to more customers. Message received. He must be the broody type.

As I waited for my drink to be ready, I opened my book and nestled back into the armchair. The pages depicted a romantic scene in a park, where two characters were slowly falling in love as they watched their dogs play together in the sunshine.

“Mocha!” the man yelled, and I made my way up to the counter to grab it and his eyes peered at me. Maybe they didn't like outsiders. Hmm…

The first sip of coffee was always the best, and it didn't disappoint. Once again, another small store beat Starbucks by a long shot.