Broken Beginnings: A High Heat Small Town Romance Suspense (Citrus Cove Book 1)

“SO, ARE YOU REALLY STAYING, HAL?”

“Yes,” I sighed, grimacing as I talked with Emma. We’d been talking so long that my phone was hot against my ear. “For now, at least.”

A week had passed since I’d landed back in  Citrus Cove. Since then, I’d done nothing but eat my grandma’s apple pie, talk to Emma, post on social media to keep up appearances, and do some minimal research on places I could write about in this area. I was getting restless, Sarah had ignored all my attempts at reaching out, and part of me was resistant to going into town.

Somehow, I’d built it up in my mind over the last twelve years that Citrus Cove was evil, and working through my mental blocks was taking longer than I’d planned. It wasn’t like the little shops on Main Street had freezers full of bodies.

“Damn,” Emma sighed. “I’m going to have to move out there, aren’t I? I can’t live in Baltimore if my best friend is in bumfuck nowhere Texas. That’s cruel.”

I laughed, leaning against the kitchen counter and peering out the window above the sink. There were small clay angels on top of the ledge that Honey collected. I reached up, tracing one of their wings as I spoke. “You don’t have to, of course. And it’s not that bad. We’re close to Austin, at least. And not that far from San Antonio.”

“Austin sounds okay, I guess,” Emma mumbled. “I’m going to have to get sunscreen for Donnie.”

I barked out a laugh. “Oh my god. Can you imagine?”

“I’m going to have to. I really miss you. I get that you travel for a living, but this feels different. Hell, we’ve lived in the same city for a decade, Hal. And especially with everything that happened, I don’t like being far apart.”

I sobered up quickly, pressing my lips together. Emma had been with me through thick and thin. The absence of Sarah had been filled by her. In fact, there had been countless times that Emma had played the role of family. “I just need some time,” I whispered. “I can’t stop seeing her in my head, Em. I dream about her. I dream about him. About him finding me. They haven’t made any progress on the case.”

“Stop. He won’t find you. It was just the wrong place, wrong time. I’m thankful everyday that it wasn’t you. I don’t care if that makes me a selfish bitch.”

I bit back tears, not willing to go back to that place in my mind. Not willing to replay what the killer said to me. What I’d told no one.

“Right,” I said hoarsely. “Brain doesn’t always compute logic, as you know.”

“I know,” she said. “I do. Do you want me to send you anything from your apartment? You took nothing with you.”

“Actually, maybe,” I hummed. I’d gone through my suitcase once now and was already getting sick of the same thing. And my closet from when I was a teen? I wanted to burn everything in it. “Maybe some clothes. I can always buy more, but I hate doing that. And maybe some things like… I don’t know. My passport.”

“I got you. I’ll run over there today or tomorrow. But really, get out of the house. And since you’re taking some time off, do something fun. Be spontaneous. Be like your grandma, out there getting nekid.”

I cackled again, fighting back tears. I’d told Emma about Honey and Mr. Johnson, and she’d yet to let it go. Honey was, according to her, goals.

“I love you. Keep me posted.”

“I love you too.”

We ended the call, and I stood there silently, embracing the peace.

The first night, I slept like the dead. The second night, I took in the song of cicadas and whip-poor-wills through the night, much different from the hum of cars below my apartment. Since then, I’d gotten used to the quiet buzz that was living in a small town.

I missed my apartment in the city. Popping down to the cafe across the street, grabbing an overpriced latte, and going back up to my desk to write an article or make a post. That had been my life for so long. And if I wasn’t at home, I was on a plane headed to a beautiful city. I’d taken a whole three months to explore Australia a few years ago. My list of countries I hadn’t visited was growing smaller and smaller.

I’d be a liar, though, if I didn’t admit being here was a breath of fresh air.

A knock at the front door jarred me from my daydreaming. My heart leapt to my throat as I turned, staring toward the foyer for a few moments.

It wasn’t like a murderer would knock on the front door in broad daylight.

Right?

Stop being paranoid.

I crossed the kitchen to the foyer and arched up on the balls of my feet, peeking out the glass slivers of the door window.

“Fuck,” I mumbled.

Whoever he was, he was tall and hot. I hesitated and then opened the door.

I was met with a grin that could have blinded me. “Haley Bently. Your grandma told me you’d rolled into town, but I haven’t seen you around.”

I stared at him wordlessly, trying to remember who he was. His eyes lit up with more amusement as he realized I didn’t recognize him.

“It’s Colt. Colton Hayes. We went to school together. You look amazing.”

“Colton,” I said, thoroughly shocked.

High school Colton and Adult Colton were not the same. High school Colton had been too tall and lean, with big feet and glasses. Adult Colton looked like Adonis had a baby with a model and added dimples just for good measure.

Jesus Christ.

He nodded with an earnest grin, holding up his arm and flexing his muscle. He was wearing a gray T-shirt, his abs exposed right above his jeans. “I’ve been working out. Can grow a beard now too.”

“Congrats,” I said, snorting. I leaned against the doorframe, raising a brow. “It’s a surprise to see you.”

“I can say the same,” he said as he relaxed. “I gotta ask. Is that car yours?”

I looked at my prized Corvette and nodded. “My pride and joy.”

“Don’t suppose you’d let me take it for a spin?”

“Not a chance in hell,” I laughed.

He snapped his fingers, giving me a boyish smile. “Worth asking, anyway. I wanted to invite you to the winery. It’s a little outside of town, but it’s where everyone hangs out. The old Harlow barn. We turned it into an awesome venue. There will be some familiar faces, I’m sure.”

“Oh.” I frowned. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that. The idea of seeing people I knew so long ago made me itchy.

“No pressure,” he added quickly. “Although… your grandma said you might be looking for a place to work temporarily. And I know they’re hiring for the bar.”

Goddamn it, Honey. One offhand comment and she was convinced I was looking. I was still a travel writer; I was just taking a break until I pulled myself back together. Tina knew about everything that happened and had practically kicked me out to take some time. Plus, she’d worked with me for years. She knew I’d be back in it as soon as I could be.

I snorted and shook my head. “I don’t need a place to work. I still have my job. I’m just taking some time off. Although…” I trailed off. It wasn’t like I was going to divulge all my secrets to Colton, of all people, but if I didn’t find something to do in this small town, I’d go crazy. “I have been restless, so maybe…”

“Could be a nice temporary fix,” he offered. “Easy peasy. No pressure.”

I studied him warily. “And you work there?”

“I’m the co-owner,” he said. “But the big boss will be there. I’ll introduce ya.”

“Kind of you,” I said. I let out a low hum, thinking it over.

I didn’t need to work. But if I was planning on staying long term, sitting in my grandma’s house would make me go insane. The idea of working at a bar again sounded nice enough. Different, busy, and would keep me from going stir-crazy. I couldn’t stay in the house and write articles all day anyways, especially if I couldn’t travel.

Maybe it would help me forget about the murder. I swallowed hard.

“What’s the place called?”

He looked proud, like he’d just reeled in a big fish. “Citrus Cove Wine & Ciders. Come on over at 6:00 p.m. Taco truck on Fridays. Live music. Remember Sammy Harlow? He sings and plays guitar and is actually good. I promise it’ll be fun.”

“I’ll think about it.” I certainly wasn’t making any promises.

He nodded and then stepped back off the porch. “It’s good to see you, Haley. I hope you’re here for good reasons.”

I said nothing as he left. He got in his pickup truck and disappeared down the quiet street.

He was still Colton. Friendly, easygoing, and more observant than should have been allowed. I’d never hated him, just his best friend.

I sighed and rolled my shoulders.

6:00 p.m.

That gave me a couple of hours to find something good to wear.

If I was going to make a grand entrance, it was going to be the kind no one would forget.

* * *

Citrus Cove Wine & Ciders sat on the edge of Harlow Farms. There was a massive wooden sign with fresh paint on it and a dirt road that led to a full parking lot.

I pulled into an empty spot at the very back and listened to the radio for a few more seconds, finishing out the chorus of one of my favorite songs. I turned it down and got out, glancing up at the peach-colored clouds. The sun was starting to set, the throbbing hum of cicadas rising up in an anthem.

It was hard to beat a Texas sunset. I might not have been the happiest to be here, but I couldn’t help but smile as I took it in.

My stomach did the little flip it always did before a party or social event.

I grabbed my purse and slung it across my body as I slammed the car door. I was wearing a sleeveless cherry-red dress with sandals that gave me a little extra height. My flaxen hair fell in long curls, framing my heart-shaped face. The curls used to be unruly and the source of so much stress, but I’d learned how to tame and embrace them over the last ten years. Coconut oil was a godsend; flat irons were from hell.

I looked hot. I knew it, felt it, and let the confidence slide over me like chainmail.

My stomach fluttered with nerves as I crossed the parking lot, heading toward the front doors. I could still see the bones of the old Harlow barn, but it was remodeled beautifully. The scent of wood hit me as I stepped inside. Tall ceilings, a massive bar that was bustling, and long rows of seats that led toward open glass doors. I could see the deck out back, the old barn filled with the sound of music over the chatter.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

It was nice. If it weren’t in the middle of hell, I might have even recommended it as a place to visit in the Hill Country.

A soft whistle drew my attention. I looked to my right, spotting Colton at a table. He waved at me, gesturing for me to come over. I darted toward him, immediately greeted by those sitting around him.

A couple of the faces I recognized, a couple I didn’t.

“Haley Bently in the flesh, everyone,” Colton announced, patting me on the upper back.

Two women were cozied up together. Seated next to them was another couple.

“Jesus Christ, you are stunning. I don’t know if you remember me, I’m Katie,” said the platinum blonde to my right.

“Of course I do.” I returned her smile. Katie Mays. She was a year older than me, sweet, smart, a good girl through and through, even if I’d seen her throw up at least three times in my life. “It’s good to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you too, hon. Oh, look!” She grinned at me, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she held up her hand, flashing a big shiny rock.

“Oh, come on, Katie,” Colton groaned. “Already with that damn diamond?”

The woman who sat next to Katie wiggled her brows. “I like it when she shows me off, Colt. My name is Anna,” she added, smiling at me.

“Y’all haven’t even finished your first drinks yet, and you’re already being inappropriate,” the other woman at the table teased. “I’m Tabby. This is Marco.” Tabby held out her hand, which I shook as Marco nodded in greeting.

“I’m not sure I remember you,” I said.

“Oh, Marco lived here for a couple years and then moved to Austin, which is where we live now.”

“Nice,” I said. “Austin is lovely.”

“It’d be even nicer if the house prices weren’t so damn much,” Marco grumbled.

Tabby patted his chest and winked at me. “We just bought a home. We’re feeling it.”

“Rent’s never cheap,” I agreed. “And neither is a mortgage.”

I fell into the ease of conversation. Everyone was so easy going, and the atmosphere was pleasant. I found myself glancing around every now and then, still taking in the building. It was hard not to think about all the parties that were secretly (not so secretly) thrown here years ago.

It was weird being back. But it didn’t feel as terrible as I expected it to.

“Austin beats many other places though,” Anna said. “You’re from…?”

“I’ve been living in Baltimore for a while,” I explained. “I travel a lot though.”

“Yes,” Katie said, beaming. “I follow your articles online. And your Instagram.”

“Oh!” I was surprised.

“She’s trying to play it cool, but we actually planned our honeymoon based on your recommendations,” Anna said with a knowing smirk. “Went on a trip through Europe and even stopped at that cafe in Greece.”

“Oh, I love that,” I said. And I did. Warmth bloomed through me, and I felt myself relaxing even more. It was rare that I ran into someone who knew anything about my articles, so I felt giddy hearing that they’d followed my recommendations.

This isn’t so bad.

I made small talk with them for a few minutes until Colton interrupted us. “I see the boss man. Let me go get him so you can get that temporary job.”

Katie snorted. “Colt, surely you don’t mean⁠—”

“Doubt we can steal you away from the glamor of traveling. Tonight, he could really use the help,” Colt interrupted her.

Katie scoffed at him, giving me a wince. I didn’t know what to make of that, and didn’t have time to ask. Colton steered me away from the table, leading me through the folks waiting in line at the bar.

“Haley!”

I turned around at the familiar voice, looking over the heads of strangers to try to seek out who I knew. I turned abruptly and yelped as I ran straight into a wall—a wall holding an entire flight of ciders.

I gasped as they flew forward, spilling all over my dress. The glass crashed to the floor, shattering over the wood and nicking my ankles. A series of curses lit up around me.

Big, firm hands grabbed my arms. “Are you okay?”

I looked up.

And straight into the eyes of my old high school bully.