ELI Drama and I don't mix. Never have. But Fiona Cafferty? She's a walking whirlwind in tight jeans-and unfortunately, my new trail guide partner. Perfect. We've been oil and water since high school. She's all sass, sunshine, and trouble in denim. I'm the quiet one-hands calloused, jaw set, no patience for nonsense. I'm here in Poplar Springs to work hard and build a steady life for my son. But she's in my space, in my head, and damn if I don't catch myself watching her when I shouldn't. Then she drops a lie that spreads like wildfire-tells folks we're dating. Says it's just to help me save face after my two-timing ex tried to make a fool of me. Now we're faking it. Smiles, hand-holding, playing couple for the town. It was supposed to be temporary. Just a story to shut people up. But she fits into my life-and my son's-too easily. And every day, it feels less like a lie... and more like the one thing I didn't know we were missing. FIONA It was just one tiny lie. Okay-one giant, town-shaking, gossip-fuelling lie. But it was to protect Eli Carter. He didn't deserve to be cut down by his ex-not in front of half of Poplar Springs. So, I said we were dating. Figured we'd fake it for a week, maybe two, then go our separate ways. Now? We're playing house on the trails, sharing long rides, longer glances, and things that feel a little too real. Eli's not just the strong, silent type-he's a wall of grit and quiet heat. A protective father with a soft spot he keeps buried deep. The kind of man who doesn't say much, but when he does, you feel it in your bones. I used to think he barely tolerated me. Now he's looking at me like I might be the only reason he'd ever stick around. This was never supposed to be serious. But I think I just crossed the line between pretend and something that could break me wide open.