Pity

A week ago, if you told me my boyfriend was cheating on me, I would have called you a liar. If you said a movie star would walk into my bakery and offer to help make my ex jealous, I would have thought you'd eaten one too many of my grandmother's special brownies. And if you had the audacity to suggest my fake date would turn into the love of my life? I would have told you to stop toying with me. I've been through enough disappointment lately.

I should have used my college degree to become a lawyer, politician, or heck, even a Time Lord—hey, it worked for Dr. Who. But no, I had to own a bridal boutique. Turns out that's a terrible idea for someone with my lousy dating history. Every day, I'm surrounded by the trappings of the perfect wedding, and I'm starting to resent all the smug almost-marrieds. I shouldn't want to throat punch the brides, right? Then Jamie Riordan moves to Elk Lake with his twelve-year-old daughter. He's everything I've ever wanted in a guy—tall, gorgeous, successful, and clearly devoted to his kid.

Who in the world would go on a dating show to find love? Turns out, I'm that person. Paige Holland, lifetime resident of Elk Lake, Wisconsin, and dedicated seventh-grade math teacher. I love my charming town, but there's seriously no single action here. Unless of course I want to date the painfully boring mailman or the kid at the Quick Mart. Hard pass to both. So, what's a girl to do? Apparently, apply to Midwestern Matchmaker and hope the reality show gods will smile on me.

I haven't been interested in dating since my ex dumped me for a new girl at his law office. Since then, I've thrown myself into my work as a hotel gift shop designer. While being single isn't what I expected, there's truth to that old saying, "Once bitten, twice shy." And the bite of a cheater stays with you. Christmas can be a particularly vulnerable time, which is why I accepted a job right before the holidays. I had no idea the lodge that hired me was also hosting a singles' event. Imagine my surprise when they had a last-minute cancellation and asked me if I wanted to join them.

I've loved my brother's best friend for as long as I can remember. Newsflash, he doesn't see me that way. But now that Luke Phillips is coming to town and needs a place to stay . . . could this be my big chance? It's not like I've sat around for the last twenty-eight years waiting for Luke. Not really. But ever since I moved back to Elk Lake, I can't help but hope I'll run into him. Enter my big brother calling and asking if his bestie can bunk with me. My younger self is doing backflips at the possibilities.