Peaks of Color: A Small Town Forced Proximity Romance by Victoria Wilder

Author:Victoria Wilder [Wilder, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-07-13T16:00:00+00:00

28

Jack

“I’m not one to gossip, but it’s my responsibility to look out for the folks in this town. Men like you waltz in here, fluff a lot of feathers, and then prance on out with a fuller dance card, leaving heartbreak in your wake. I won’t even get started on how you’re taking local business away as well. That’s a whole other conversation we’ll have.” Lenny McKenna holds on to my forearm, waiting for me to respond to her dutiful accusations.

As soon as I stepped into the gondola, I knew I was in for a brutal assault by the sixty-something self-appointed town squire. There were a few snowboarders who jumped off a few stops earlier, and it didn’t stop her from loudly declaring me “the big city manwhore” as soon as I sat down. I was almost positive, after being here for a few weeks now, that Strutt’s Peak may have been without the nosy know-it-all who typically comes with a small town like this. As it turns out, I just haven’t been approached by any of the vultures yet. They’ve just been watching, circling, and waiting to spar when I was alone.

I just smile at her. I’m usually pretty good with charming older women, but I can tell this one is going to give me a run for my money. “I came here to do some work for the Riggs family. My sister and nephew just moved into town as well.”

“Oh, I know your sister. She’s a tough nut to crack, that one.” She rolls her eyes. “Your nephew, however, is just a doll. He helps me find some of the best books in that store. Real talent, that one. I hear he likes to climb. Makin’ a name for himself on the mountains with the help of Michael Riggs. Good boy, that one too. A little awkward, but those Riggs kids have been through a lot, and they all turned out alright, if you ask me.” I didn't, but she keeps going anyway.

“Except for Lawrence. He’s a pain in my ass.” She tuts and then nudges my shoulder. “I hear you’re getting cozy with Everly, though. We all thought she might have been asexual, not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’m not one to judge, but she’s so damn gorgeous I was hoping she’d bat for the girls-only team, if you know what I mean.” She nudges me again and then looks ahead as the gondola dings for its next stop. It makes me laugh. I know exactly what she means. My girl is damn gorgeous. Hm, my girl. I haven’t thought about a woman in that way before. As mine. Without being able to overthink it, Lennie knocks me out of my head as she gossips on. “I figured out I was a lesbian after twenty-seven years of marriage to my darling Paul. We stayed married after I came out, and made it work for both of our needs. Saint of a man. He’s been gone now for damn near a decade.

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