Page 9 of Axel

She knew it had something to do with his father running out on them and to compound things, that dreadful woman had betrayed him by being with another man.

Caitlin could not understand how a woman could cheat on someone like him. But the Lord knows best, and it was better he found out about her before he tied the knot and made things permanent.

But oh, she wanted to see him married and with a child. She wanted a grandchild so much, someone to spoil. With a sigh, she moved away from the window and went to put away the cream. She had hopes that it would happen soon, and she was not giving up.

*****

“When is she due to arrive?”

“I thought it would have been announced all over town and placed on billboards.”

Cathy laughed at the pained look on his face. “The mayor must have forgotten that tiny detail. I did hear several of the teachers whispering about it. Apparently, this woman, Ellie Logan was a model – a lingerie model…” She rolled her eyes. “Quite beautiful and more than a minor celebrity. Her mom was an actress – is an actress.”

“You seem to be abreast.”

“You are a major celebrity and everything you do makes news. Who knows? It might be fun.”

“I just wanted to be left in peace.”

“Then you should have stopped making money. And I hear she is very good. I have in fact read several of her articles.”

He cast her a glance. “Don’t tell me you are a fan,” he snorted.

“What if I am?” She asked defensively. “Her writing is brilliant, and she has a way of getting to the heart of the matter.” She slid him a thoughtful look. “She might be just what you need in more ways than one.”

He frowned at her. “Stop playing Cupid.”

“You need someone.”

“I had someone.”

“Not that greedy bitch. I never liked her. She would pretend that she was all over you until you left the room. She thought that mom and I were white trash.”

“Did she actually say that?”

“No, but it was there loud and clear. You are well rid of her.”

“I concur.” That was also a topic he did not like to explore. Serena had pretended she was in love with him when the only thing she had been after was his money and what he could give her.

He was still bitter, but it was healing. She had been calling him lately, but he refused to take the calls, hoping she would take the hint. He wanted nothing to do with her. Finishing the wine, he rose. “I think I will walk to the house from here to clear my head.”

Hauling her out of the chair, he brushed his lips against her cheek and took off.

Chapter 3

Ellie admitted to herself that River Glades far exceeded the glossy photos in the magazines and the hype surrounding it since Axel Lakeside had become famous. The airport – if it could be called that, was small, but highly functional and it seemed as if everyone seemed to know who she was and why she was there.

She was greeted with friendly smiles and made to feel welcome. People waved and called out to her, which felt extremely weird to her.

She came from a place where people would more than likely mow you down and forget pleasantries or even a polite greeting. No one looked you in the eye and that was fine with her. But this small-town friendliness felt … nice. She had to smile as she wondered what her friends would say regarding her frame of mind.

A car was waiting for her and as soon as the young man handed her the key fob, she was on her way. The place was easy to navigate, and she had been given instructions to the cottage where she would be staying.

The speed limits posted kept her from driving too fast, something she did not mind one bit. She had arrived in the afternoon, after taking a large commercial flight that had landed in New York and then a smaller plane to continue the rest of the journey.

Darkness had not quite fallen, allowing her to take in the quaintness of the town. There was a water fountain in the middle of the square and signs of renovations going on. Lights twinkled in store front shops, and she even glimpsed a Starbuck as well as a Walmart.

As far as she could tell, there wasn’t a mall, just tidy looking stores, with unique designs. First thing as soon as she had settled and got some of that much-needed sleep, was to explore the place. She was going to need a backdrop for her story anyway and getting to know the place and the people would be of paramount importance.