Chapter 2

They had decided to drive straight through and grab supper at the local diner when they arrived in Greyson Falls rather than stop halfway. When they pulled into the town, Shay was again mesmerized by its beauty and serenity. Greyson Falls had a population of just over 13,000 which included the outskirts and surrounding areas. Though the population itself was relatively small, the land that made up Greyson Falls was quite expansive. It consisted of over two thousand square miles of beautiful forestry.

They drove by some of the houses on the outskirts of town that were all nestled in between large oak and pine trees. It felt like an enchanted forest when you first arrived. They drove over a small wooden bridge that was flanked by a tributary that was fed from the main river that led down to the heart of the town. Shay leaned her head out of the window and closed her eyes, taking in the fresh spring air.

“It’s so beautiful here. There’s so much more woodland compared to Riverside.” Soon they found themselves heading into town. Shay immediately missed the lush greenery but found herself enthralled by the old buildings that sat in the middle of town.

Dee pulled up to the Greyson Falls diner and put the truck in park. “Yes, it is. Let’s go eat. I am starved!”

Shay’s stomach rumbled in agreement. She hadn’t had anything since breakfast and could use a good hearty meal. Both women exited the truck, Shay walking around to the back of the U-Haul, while Dee made to head in.

“What are you doing?” Dee asked stopping halfway to the diner when she realized Shay wasn’t right behind her.

“I threw my wallet in the last box. Go grab us some seats; I’ll be right in.”

“Okay, I will grab us a booth. See ya inside.”

Dee unlocked the padlock on the door to the U-Haul. When she started to slide the door open, the first box fell out spilling its contents everywhere, some things rolling away from the truck. Shit!

Shay started chasing her items that were rolling away when she bumped into something hard and landed on her ass. Her sunglasses fell off, and she squinted up as the early June sun assaulted her eyes. After blinking a few times, they finally focused on a very large man a few feet away. He was bending down picking up his groceries that were now scattered all over the pavement mixed in with her items.

Feeling embarrassed at her clumsiness, she got to her feet and bent down to pick up his items when he raced over and snatched the items from her hands. His large wide-eyed stare locked with hers, forcing her to look into the intensity of his stormy light emerald green eyes. Most eyes came with a welcomed warmth inviting you in.

Not his.

His were intense and frightening, just like his posture. Cold and angry.

“I’m so sorry. My box fell out of the truck.” She stammered, finally finding her words.

The man growled in a deep voice that almost made her jump. “Why don’t you watch where the fuck you're going next time!”

Shay blinked at the man. “Excuse me!” She said taken aback by his aggressiveness. She watched him as he ignored her and continued to pick up his items. His inky black hair was tousled and hung in an untidy mess around his head and neck, while his dark beard shielded his face, making it hard to see his features. He quickly glanced at her. His emerald green eyes, rimmed with long dark eyelashes locked with hers for just a second. Jesus, most women would kill for those lashes. She couldn’t help but stare; his eyes looked so haunted like they were swirling in misery. Shay had seen that look before, in her own eyes. Wordlessly, she picked up an orange and passed it to him.

The man grabbed the orange from her hand none too gently. “I don’t need your fucking help. I think you have enough shit to pick up yourself.” He growled standing up.

What was wrong with this guy!

Shay stood as well, wanting to say something more to him but was bewildered by his size and posture. He had to have been at least 6’3, maybe taller. He towered over her petite 5’2 frame. He was wearing a snug black t-shirt that hugged his large muscular arms and a pair of brown board shorts that showed off the incredible power of his legs; threaded with muscles. The ‘Rock’ was the first thing that came to her mind. He was that big.

“You’re welcome.” Is all Shay could say. What an asshole is what she should have said.

“I’m welcome?” He grunted, his annoyance coming through. He took a step closer and bent over her, staring her down, like he was ready to attack. She watched him tuck an unruly black strand of hair behind his ear. Her heart leaped to her throat and stayed there, inhibiting her ability to breath. “Are you serious? I’m not the one who knocked my shit all over the parking lot. Open your fucking eyes next time.”

He was so close she could feel his hot breath on her face. “I already…”

“Come on, spit it out!” He said, rudely. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I already apologized!” Shay yelled up at him. She could feel her cheeks turning crimson, but she refused to give him the satisfaction. Spinning around she started to pick up the various teddy bears and dolls that had flown out of her box. She collected the last item, threw it in the box and shoved it back into the U-Haul and quickly grabbed her wallet. She shut the door, locked it, and started walking towards the diner. But, not before looking back one last time. He was walking away, and she watched him turn and take a final glance at her. Shay instinctively flipped him the bird and then watched him turn around and continue to walk down the road.

Shay entered the diner feeling like it was about 100 degrees outside even though she was wearing a pair of jean shorts and a pink tank top. She was flustered and tried to calm herself down as she made her way over to Dee. Still perturbed she plopped down in the worn vinyl seat across from Dee and quickly grabbed the menu.

Dee had known her for years, and could always tell when something wasn’t quite right. “What’s up with you?” Dee said frowning at her.

“Greyson Falls sure does have quite the welcoming committee!” She snapped.

“What happened?” Dee asked. She was clearly puzzled.

“A box fell out of the U-Haul when I was getting my wallet, and I accidently bumped into a huge hairy fucking lumberjack who almost ripped my head off,” Shay said feeling frustrated. She opened the menu and tried to focus on what she should eat, but she was so angry she couldn’t focus.

“Let me guess. Really tall? Bushy beard, black hair? Intense green eyes?” Dee asked raising an eyebrow. “Rock hard body?”

“Yeah. You also forgot asshole and arrogant dick!” She spat and made a face at her friend.

Dee put a hand to her mouth and let out a little laugh. “Well, you had the pleasure of meeting an Avery, my dear. This one is quite antisocial and people typically only see him a few times a month. That would be Jaxson; he’s the oldest. He’s a bit of a recluse, and the townspeople just stay away from him. He doesn’t even interact with his own family, including his brothers. He’s a real ass. Ignore him.”

“Great! Of course, he had to be the first person I run into after arriving.”

At that moment the waitress came to take their order. Dee knew her, and the two women made idle chit chat while Shay pretended to peruse the menu. Both women ordered cheeseburgers and fries, with chocolate shakes for desserts. The diner wasn’t very crowded, and their orders were up in no time.

Shay had managed to regain her appetite after her altercation with Jaxson, the green-eyed monster. Speaking of those green-eyes. Shay munched on a fry and stared out the window that faced part of the river. But she didn't see the flowing water. Instead, she was lost in her thoughts— in his eyes that had looked so angry, so haunted. And she sat there wondering why; what was his story. What could make a man look so desolate and afflicted?

Ten minutes later, while the girls were finishing up their meals and sipping on their thick chocolate shakes, the restaurant's bell chimed indicating new customers. Shay’s eyes immediately fell on the two men entering the diner. They looked like construction workers, both in well-worn jeans and boots caked in dirt. She watched them walk up to the counter, sit down, and give an older woman behind the counter a kiss on the cheek. Probably the owner she thought.

They both had dark black hair; one had a short, neat crew cut while the other wore his hair a little longer, wild and messy. She noticed one of them swivel around on his stool to inspect the diner when his eyes landed on her. His eyes were just like the man’s she had bumped into, Jaxson. Light emerald green with long dark lashes. His lips were full, and they smiled at her.

Without thinking, she smiled back and watched him elbow the man he was with, and then he turned around and looked at her too. They were identical twins and drop dead gorgeous in every way possible. They looked at each other, grinned, and then got up and walked towards their table.

Shay sunk lower into her seat, covering her mouth with her hand when she whispered, “Dee! Nine o’clock.” She watched her friend turn her head at the men and then smile.

“Don’t be so obvious!” Shay hissed, but it was already too late.

“Hey, Dee. Who’s your friend?” The one with the short hair asked. They were both now standing in front of their booth. They were even more incredible looking up close, which seemed impossible.

“Hey Alex, Lucas. This is my best friend, Shay. Shay, Alex and Lucas Avery.” She said smiling while she made the introductions, using her hand to indicate who was who. Lucas had the crazy tousled longer hair while Alex wore the shorter look.

Shay tucked a dark lock behind her ear and said, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you both.”

She watched as Lucas knelt down and grabbed her hand and then kissed the top of it. “It’s my pleasure. What is a beautiful looking creature like you doing in a shit hole like this?” He asked revealing a perfect set of white teeth and dimpled cheeks.

Shay could feel her cheeks turn crimson and she let out a little laugh at his theatrics. “I just moved here from Riverside. Thanks to Dee’s convincing.” She said smiling up at the two men and then Dee.

“We just rolled in about half an hour ago,” Dee said taking a bite of her fry.

“That’s your U-Haul?” Alex asked glancing out toward the parking lot.

“Yeah. That’s our ride. We haven’t even got her unpacked yet.”

Lucas looked at Shay and said, “Well if you ladies need any help just let us know.”

Shay looked down at her plate unsure of how to graciously decline. Looking back up at Dee she tried to shake her head no as subtly as possible, so only she would see. But her friend was studiously ignoring her, and the two guys were staring at her expectantly. “Oh no, I’m good really. I really don’t have that much to unload. But thank you for the offer.” She smiled sheepishly and then glanced back at Dee, refusing to maintain eye contact with the gorgeous hunks.

Shay’s stomach pitched when she watched a slow Cheshire grin appear on Dee’s face. Her friend was definitely up to something, and she only needed one guess as to what that was. Before Shay could protest, her friend was already answering. “It would go a hell of a lot quicker Shay, with more than two people. We could use their help.”

Shay shot her friend a look and not so subtly kicked her in the shin under the table. She had the satisfaction of hearing Dee let out a little grunt.

“Really, I’m fine. But again, thank you for the offer.” She said smiling sweetly at them both.

Lucas couldn’t suppress the knowing grin. He’d seen her kick Dee under the table. But, wisely he chose not to mention it. “Well, if you change your mind, let us know. Dee knows where to find us. By the way, where you staying?” Lucas asked.

“She rented one of the cabins on Mills Road. Right beside Ms. Adkins.” Dee blurted out. Shay gave her another disapproving look and made a mental note to kill her best friend when the two men left.

“That’s fantastic. It’s a great little cabin, and it will be nice to have someone as lovely as you taking care of it Shay.” Lucas said with a wink as he turned to leave.

“Ok. Well, take care ladies.” Alex said as he turned to follow his brother back to the counter.

Shay couldn’t help but watch them walk away. They were two extremely fine specimens of men, and although Shay wasn’t interested in dating, she could appreciate a hot body when she saw one. Let alone two. Once they made their way back to the stools at the counter, she turned her head back to Dee.

“What the fuck Dee!” She whispered none too quietly, giving her a death stare. “What’s with telling them where I live and inviting them to help me move in? You're going to stop this now. Do you hear me?”

“Honey, stop being so uptight.” Dee didn’t look the least bit contrite after Shay’s reprimand. “Look at them. They’re gorgeous, like two fucking gods. Besides, it’s been too long. Your vagina needs greasing Shay!” Dee shot matter of fact and shoved another fry in her mouth smiling from ear to ear.

Shay almost choked on her shake at her best friend’s candidness. Although, she shouldn’t have been the least bit surprised. Dee always said what was on her mind, regardless of how inappropriate it was. Her mind was always in the gutter, but sometimes her friend still shocked her. “Oh my God, Dee. You did not just say that.” Shay could feel the blush creep up her neck to her ears and she glanced around nervously to make sure no one else had heard Dee’s outburst. Thankfully, the diner was relatively empty, and the nearest people were several booths away. Alex and Lucas were busy flirting with the matronly waitress at the counter, so they hadn’t heard either.

“Seriously, it’s probably sealed up down there. I bet it would do you a world of good to get a little action.” She said giving her a wink.

Despite her outrage at her friend’s audacity, she couldn’t help but laugh with her. Dee was utterly ridiculous at times, but that’s why Shay loved her. “Leave my vagina out of this!” Shay smirked as she threw a fry at her. At least life with Dee would never be dull.

She had only been in Greyson Falls for a little over an hour, and things were already becoming interesting. She had already met three of the six Avery brothers and wondered about what the rest of them were like. Lucas and Alex seemed nice enough, and she hoped like hell the rest were nothing like Jaxson Avery.