Caught in the Axe (Maine Lumberjacks, #1)

by Daphne Elliot

As I flipped through a stack of papers, they slipped from my hand and scattered to the floor. Cursing my clumsiness, I stood and started gathering them, only then realizing that my new assistant would be here at any minute, so I left the mess and headed downstairs.

Speaking as someone who used to be an executive assistant… Um, rude

She was gorgeous and kind and intelligent, which meant there was no way I’d escape the next couple of weeks without developing a full-blown crush.

I’d learned at a young age that the world always blamed the woman. In the eyes of the citizens of Lovewell, I’d somehow tricked their most beloved hockey star into dating me. Then I’d ruined his life and bled him dry. To them, I was a shameless gold digger.

She was an employee, temporary or not, and my little brother’s ex-girlfriend. Not to mention a decade younger than me. Yet none of those pesky details mattered when she smiled at me. And when she did, it was like standing in the sun. Her attention was warm and comforting, and it created an ache inside me, one I’d never felt before and couldn’t identify.

While snack food might not mean much to the average person, to someone like me, for whom food could be dangerous, it was huge.

Happiness doesn’t happen by chance. A person has to choose it and work toward it.

“I’ve realized that real life is now. The decisions I make today matter. My attitude and effort and the way I show up for others matters. I don’t know what I want long term, and that’s okay. I’m evolving, and this town can’t stop me.”

Damn, I’d never been so attracted to a woman in my life. Lila could completely destroy me. And I would gladly let her.

You are fierce. You are smart. And you deserve to be heard.”

I’d never found that one great love, and I’d never had my heart broken. I’d spent my life devoted to working and doing the things I enjoyed. It was good. It was safe and steady and convenient. No risk of failure and no need to make room in my life for the needs of another person. But sitting here, watching her order strawberry milkshakes for both of us, it hit me. I’d blow it all up for her.

Magnolia’s drink had disappeared, and she was rubbing her hands together, once again looking like a movie villain. “I’m with the good Doc. Jump his bones. First, you’ll get all hot and bothered talking about accounting…” “Yes.” Willa laughed. “Maybe create some pivot tables in Excel. That’s when your panties will incinerate.” “Then he’ll eat you out while you talk about cost analyses.” “Stop,” I said, putting my hands up. “I give up. You two are lunatics.” Willa’s answering smile was big and genuine. “We just want what’s best for you, sweets.” “And what’s best is multiple orgasms,” Magnolia said, her expression nowhere near as innocent as Willa’s.

“You can have whatever you want. I’m all yours. For tonight, this year, or forever. I’m here if you want me.”

I’d spent decades living a careful, controlled life. Being strategic and always planning ahead. But this woman had taken all of my careful constraint, my strategy, and patience, and she’d ripped it all to shreds. With her, I was reduced to nothing but a beating heart. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I could get up, leave this house, and never look back. But growth was uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

whether she liked it or not, I was going to love this woman forever.