ELI

Drama and I don’t mix. Never have.

But Fiona Cafferty? She’s a walking whirlwind in tight jeans—and unfortunately, my new trail guide partner.

Perfect.

We’ve been oil and water since high school. She’s all sass, sunshine, and trouble in denim. I’m the quiet one—hands calloused, jaw set, no patience for nonsense. I’m here in Poplar Springs to work hard and build a steady life for my son.

But she’s in my space, in my head, and damn if I don’t catch myself watching her when I shouldn’t.

Then she drops a lie that spreads like wildfire—tells folks we’re dating.

Says it’s just to help me save face after my two-timing ex tried to make a fool of me.

Now we’re faking it.

Smiles, hand-holding, playing couple for the town.

It was supposed to be temporary. Just a story to shut people up.

But she fits into my life—and my son’s—too easily. And every day, it feels less like a lie… and more like the one thing I didn’t know we were missing.

FIONA

It was just one tiny lie.

Okay—one giant, town-shaking, gossip-fuelling lie. But it was to protect Eli Carter.

He didn’t deserve to be cut down by his ex—not in front of half of Poplar Springs. So, I said we were dating. Figured we’d fake it for a week, maybe two, then go our separate ways.

Now? We’re playing house on the trails, sharing long rides, longer glances, and things that feel a little too real.

Eli’s not just the strong, silent type—he’s a wall of grit and quiet heat. A protective father with a soft spot he keeps buried deep. The kind of man who doesn’t say much, but when he does, you feel it in your bones.

I used to think he barely tolerated me. Now he’s looking at me like I might be the only reason he’d ever stick around.

This was never supposed to be serious.

But I think I just crossed the line between pretend and something that could break me wide open.