Chapter 8
Chapter 8
“Is it dangerous?” I hadn’t planned on going alone anyway-but it was good to know which places in town to avoid. Even small towns had spots the locals stayed away from.
“You’ll die from being overwhelmed by affection,” Linnea Tigg cut in sarcastically. “Most of the locals are related to each other somehow. And there aren’t many outsiders willing to live here. So they’ll fight over being nice to you. It’s intense p>
“I knew it!” I pointed at no one in particular. “Natalia keeps pushing me toward every local guy who walks into the Spruce p>
Lucia gave me a sympathetic look. “I had to be firm with her. She’s a little cold to me now-but at least when I eat breakfast, I don’t feel like livestock being sized up p>
I shrank a little. “I don’t have the guts to be firm with her p>
I thought of my own family-my parents didn’t mistreat me, but they weren’t close either.
They cooked for me, bought me clothes, drove me to volleyball practice, and were willing to pay for cello lessons-but they rarely came to my games or concerts. They couldn’t remember my friends’ names. Never asked if the guys I hung out with were friends or boyfriends. Didn’t push me to get good grades. Didn’t criticize me much when I messed up.
My mom was always busy raising her Norwegian Elkhounds. My dad was either fishing at the lake or fixing his boat in the garage.
But Natalia was completely different. She cared about my life. Cared if I was happy. Helped me think about my future,
And I got the feeling she wasn’t trying to set me up as some kind of “breeding tool”-she was more like a matchmaker who just wanted the people around her to be happy and loved.
Chapter 8
If her kindness made me uncomfortable, that was probably my problem.
Alex had ruined how I felt about men. The thought of dating made me feel trapped-like 1 was locked in a cage, sweating all over. If a guy showed even the slightest interest in me, I wanted to run,
“Will those guys be pushy?” I asked.
“If you’re warm to them, they’ll be more forward-but don’t worry too much,” Tansin explained. “Our community’s tight-knit. Word spreads fast. If a guy acts out of line, the aunties will hear about it. And they won’t let it slide p>
I knew “aunties” here was a term for older women in the community.
I could think of several people who fit that description. And I could imagine they wouldn’t go easy on anyone who stepped out of line.
That made me feel a little better.
“Alright,” I said, forcing some excitement into my voice. “Friday it is p>
This week was like the last-if I didn’t keep myself busy, I’d just spiral into anxiety about going to the bar.
The Blue Moose might be worse than the party at the Spruce. At Natalia’s party, people at least watched what they said and did. A bar was different. Anyone could walk in.
Friday came, I was heading out to meet them when I ran into Harlan. We agreed to walk together.
Harlan was a good-looking, easygoing guy. Before Natalia stopped seating us together, we’d chatted a few times. I found him easy to like,
He smiled at me, teeth flashing. It reminded me of another man whose smile was just as nice-but unlike Harlan, that man seemed to hate me.
Chapter 8
God. Why did Declan suddenly pop into my head? This was becoming an annoying problem.
“May I escort you to the Blue Moose, Ms. Romano?” He offered his bent arm. I took it.
“Of course, sir p>
We walked into the dining room arm-in-arm, stumbling and laughing. Everyone turned to look.
Natalia was talking to Joanne Lance. She looked up and frowned.
“Tessa. Harlan. What are you two doing p>
“We’re going to the Blue Moose, Mrs. Freeman,” Harlan replied, straightening up but still holding my arm.
“Together?” Natalia’s frown deepened.
“A few of us ‘outsiders’ are getting together for drinks,” I quickly explained.
As we left the dining room, Natalia’s gaze lingered on our linked arms.
“Here we are,” Harlan said.
The Blue Moose was sandwiched between the Ankonisdai Guide Service office and a small engine repair shop. The standout feature was a bright blue door.
Harlan pulled it open.
I saw Lucia, Andrew, and Eric sitting around a sawed-off old wooden door, Lucia perked up the second she saw us,
“Hey! We’re over here p>
Eric stood up and offered me his seat. “First round’s on me p>
Caught Naked Rv Mu Alpha Neighbor! Now I’m His-No Escape.
Chapter 8
I couldn’t help but glance at the clock on the wall.
Eric was buying a round. By tradition, the rest of us would have to buy rounds too. At least five rounds. How long was I going to have to stay here?
I had to buy the next round. That way, when I wanted to leave early because of my anxiety, I wouldn’t feel guilty.
“Tessa! Lucia!” Jessica Talzi waved and smiled as she made her way through the crowd. She saw Harlan. Her smile paused. “Oh. Harlan. Hi.” She glanced at the table. “Eric! Andrew p>
Jessica was a local About my height-but while I was thin, she had curves like an old Hollywood starlet. Like the other locals, she had dark hair, big eyes, and golden-brown irises. She was beautiful.
She made me feel at ease. She had a quality like Cynthia’s-warm but steady.
Having a local join us meant I didn’t have to divide the bar into “us” and “them” anymore.
Eric came back, fingers pinched around several beer bottles. “Ah, Jess. Didn’t see you. Want me to grab you something p>
“I’ve got one.” She held up her bottle. “But thanks p>
“Everyone,” Lucia interrupted, getting everyone to quiet down. “Tessa’s the newest outsider among us, so-” She raised her glass. “To Tessa! Welcome to Graytooth p>
Everyone at the table clinked glasses with me. People around us cheered. Someone whistled. My face flushed. “Thanks, everyone p>
Jessica reached over and squeezed my shoulder, “Yeah p>
When everyone was almost done, I stood up. “Next round’s on me.” Then I headed toward
the bar.
Chapter 8
All the stools at the bar were taken by locals. I squeezed between two broad-shouldered
guys and leaned over, looking for the bartender.
The person on my left turned around.
I looked up.
Declan Kovak.
Fuck. Him again.
CE
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.