Finding Love in Forgotten Cove (Island County Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

fantasy of love died right along with it. Tanner Smoler basically ruined my happily ever after before I even got to have one.
    And the worst part of all was that I had really low expectations to begin with. I knew Tanner was no Prince Charming, and I was okay with that because he made me feel good.
    Most of the time.
    “I was engaged to a man my dad couldn’t stand and he hadn’t even met him.” I tried to smile, but my lips froze in a straight line. “It ended a few months ago. It’s definitely for the better. And I’m almost over the entire fiasco. Today after class, I even noticed someone. A very hot someone. I haven’t paid attention to men since I started dating Tanner so I’ll take it as a sign of progress. Anyway, there was some guy at school today who had a body that should be illegal and the most adorable grin just to cinch the deal. Plus, he came equipped with a completely corny joke that was meant to be a motivational speech… so baby steps, I suppose. Aren’t you happy you asked?”
    Gabby’s gaze held an excitement that worried me as my words settled over her. Nodding, she was unable to hide her mischievous grin. “Corny jokes? Interesting.”
    “What’s interesting?”
    “Do you enjoy hiking?”
    “Yeah. What does that have to do with anything?”
    “Strolls on the beach? Jet skiing, paddle boarding, or canoeing? How about trips to a lake house?” Her eyes glinted with a playfulness that couldn’t be contained. This girl had found herself a mission—a project—and somehow it was me. I wanted to slink deep into the cushions and comfort myself with her scones in private. I had no intention of coming back to the island to get involved with someone I’d leave behind at the end of the summer.
    “What are you up to? It seems like nothing good,” I countered, refusing to take the bait.
    “Oh, it’s good, alright… So you noticed someone at school?” She narrowed her eyes and her grin stayed firmly plastered in place.
    “Well, I mean all the teachers noticed him. Apparently he’s the main attraction at the school or so I’m told.”
    “Who’s the main attraction at school?” A man’s booming voice asked from down the hall.
    I almost jumped out of my skin, and Gabby started laughing as I sprang from the couch. There was no way it could be him.

 
     
     
    “This sounds like quite the topic I fell into.” His voice did nothing but create a war zone of butterflies inside me, which was completely unlike me. In fact, the very thought of a flitter or a flutter had never ever— EVER —entered my mind with anyone I’d dated or almost married.
    Maybe that was the problem.
    “A main attraction at summer school….hmmm. I’m guessing I landed at the right house to find Victoria…Aickens was it? I think that’s the last name Gabby gave me.”
    Gabby looked completely amused, and I realized this must be the infamous Mason: The man on the ladder and the man who Gabby recommended to work on my house. Not that this was awkward or anything.
    I got my bearings and took a deep breath in preparation to keep him far away.
    “There’s no main attraction that’s a who. I was just talking about the—” I stuttered, glancing at Gabby.
    Crap. Double crap.
    “This I’ve got to hear,” he said, rounding the corner. His blue eyes connected with mine and his smile warmed my entire body. My gaze unexpectedly skated along his body at the same time my cheeks went three shades pinker. There was a definite ruggedness about him that drew me in. His broad shoulders and forearms were created because of work, not a gym, and I was enamored with the idea of working on the house with him.
    And I shouldn’t be.
    I turned toward Gabby and scowled as she hopped up from the couch. She looked absolutely delighted.
    “Victoria meet Mason. Mason meet Tori. Although, I have a hunch you two have already met.” Gabby wiggled her brows, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
    Mason’s smile stretched from ear to ear as he