Picture Perfect (Small Town Romance)

By Cheryl Douglas

Levi loves the simple life and solitude. He appreciates open fields and neighbours who mind their own business. Friends think he should get married, but he has all he needs. A house he built with his own two hands, a dog as his constant companion, and a career that earns him more than he’ll ever need to live comfortably. But when a pretty girl buys the shack next door, encroaching on his property and his life, he has to decide whether to fight back or give in.

Erin has had enough trouble to last a lifetime. She moved to Vista Falls to run her business and fulfill her dream of becoming a homesteader. The people are friendly, making her believe she’s finally found a place to call him after a nomadic childhood and memories she’d rather forget. There’s only one problem with her plan. Her next door neighbour. She didn’t intend to get under Levi’s skin... but he sure has found his way under hers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Douglas
• Release date: Jun 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463961391

Cheryl Douglas

Cheryl Douglas is a USA Today bestselling author who kicks back in the country, surrounded by farm land and nature. Her life revolves around family, country music, travel, caffeine, chocolate, and deadlines.Visit Cheryl at www.authorcheryldouglas.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

I’ve started a new job.

Levi paused with a forkful of his mother’s peach pie halfway to his lips. A job? he asked, raising an eyebrow.

He’d never known his mother to work outside the home, though she said she’d been a receptionist in a dental office before she married his dad.

Why do you say it like that? she asked, fisting a hand on her hip. You don’t think I have any skills? You think I’m too old to work? Is that what you’re saying?

He walked right into that one. No, Mama. I’m just wondering why you’d wanna work. You sure as hell don’t need the money. They’d sold their farm for millions five years ago, the year before his dad died. And you always manage to keep busy. Between the church, your women’s group, and your charity work, I’ve never heard you complain you’re bored and need something more to do.

I didn’t say I was bored. She leaned over to scratch Levi’s dog, Ivy, behind the ears. But when Juliette told me about the new girl that moved to town—

Please tell me you’re not talking about my new neighbor. He’d heard all about her from the boys down at Rusty’s, and he’d purposely kept his distance. If she was as beautiful as his friends claimed, he wanted nothing to do with her. A gorgeous damsel in distress, who according to the town grapevine could barely keep a roof over her own head, was the last thing he needed in his life.

As a matter of fact, I am. His mother stood a little taller, but since Shelley Rowe stood only five-two to Levi’s six-two, she’d stopped looking down on him years ago.

Levi took the entire pie plate to his kitchen table, guarding it from Ivy, who looked as though she’d devour it the second his back was turned.

And I’m surprised at you. She pointed a finger at him. Never a good sign. Didn’t we teach you to be a good neighbor—to always help someone in need?

She’s never come by to introduce herself to me or to ask for any help. He shrugged and gestured to the pie. You want some?

She rolled her eyes. It’s no wonder you’re still single. Can’t you even use a plate?

Why dirty a plate when you don’t have to?

Ignoring the question, she said, Levi, I’ve been inside her house. I’ve seen the way that poor sweet girl lives. She brought her mug of coffee to the kitchen table and sat down with a heavy sigh. She’s trying to do it all herself. It’s too much.

He should have known she had an ulterior motive when she brought his favorite dessert. I’ll tell you the same thing I told Juliette when she suggested I help this girl… He reached for a paper napkin to placate his mother. I’m not in the habit of taking care of women. She came out here ‘cause she thought she could handle this life. Let’s see if she can.

Why are you like this? she asked, curling her small hand around his forearm as her brown eyes softened. Weren’t your dad and I a good example for you?

He hated it when things got heavy with his mother. He preferred to keep it light—vegetable crops, weather, his work, her activities—those were safe topics. Whenever she started talking about relationships—or his lack of one—he tuned her out.

Sure, you were a good example, he said, shrugging. Doesn’t mean everyone has to want what you guys had. Marriage works for some people, not for others. That’s just the way it is.

At thirty-five, he liked himself and was happy with his life. He didn’t feel like anything was missing. Most days. There was the odd time he wished there was a little person trailing him, calling him daddy. But he suppressed that longing whenever it crept up, reminding himself to be grateful for the things he did have instead of focusing on the few things he didn’t.

But you could have it all. She leaned back, crossing her arms as she watched him push the pie plate aside. You could have a woman who loves this life as much as you do and kids to pass it down to, to teach all that you’ve learned about—

I’d be a lousy husband. Levi knew what his strengths and weaknesses were and wasn’t afraid to own them. I like being alone too much. I like peace and quiet and solitude. Most days I’m fine hanging out with Ivy, just getting my work done around here.

But you have plenty of friends. It’s not that you don’t like people.

Never said I don’t like people. Levi jumped up to pour himself another cup of coffee before bringing it back to the table.

As much as he hated it, he knew this conversation was long overdue. His mama wouldn’t give up on the idea of finding him a wife until she understood why he preferred being single.

I just like being with people on my terms. I have plenty of friends I can call when I feel like having a beer. He brought the cup to his lips. And I know you don’t want to hear this, but I also have women I call when I’d like a little company.

Ugh! That’s your problem. Women like that who give you what you want with no strings attached. They’re the reason you’re still single.

"No, I’m the reason I’m still single, he said, gently. It’s what I want. I’m happy with my life. I love it, in fact. Isn’t that what every parent wants—for their kid to be happy?"

Her eyes filled with tears and Levi cursed himself for pushing too far. He couldn’t handle seeing any woman cry, especially his mama.

I’m just afraid you’ll wake up one day and regret the fact that you didn’t put yourself out there. You deserve to be loved.

He swallowed the lump in his throat as he focused his attention on Ivy, who walked around the table as though she sensed he needed her and rested her chin on his knee. I am okay alone. I have my family and friends. Ivy. That’s enough.

But will it always be enough?

Honestly? I don’t know. I just know that it is right now. It’s not that he’d never considered the questions she was asking. Living in solitude, without a lot of screen time—by choice—meant he had countless hours to think. He was more introspective than most people and believed he knew himself better.

Fine, I won’t push anymore, she said, raising her hand. It’s just that I love you so much and don’t want to see you missing out on anything.

I get that. But he’d had enough of this conversation. So tell me more about your new job.

Her face lit up, and she clapped her hands. Well, I’ll be helping Erin process orders for her soap business.

Erin is my new neighbor? Like he hadn’t heard her name a hundred times since she moved to town a few months ago.

Right. She’s hired me and a few other women from town to help with her business. The other ladies are younger though. I honestly feel like she hired me ‘cause she was missing her own mama so much.

Levi didn’t want to know any more about this woman, yet he heard himself ask, What happened to her mama?

She died of cancer. It seems she and Erin were inseparable. She was an only child, and she and her mama traveled a lot when she was growing up—sort of a nomadic lifestyle—I think. She waved her hand. Erin was homeschooled and—

How do you know all this? Levi would have to know someone for months, maybe even years before he delved this deep.

We talk, she said, as though that should be obvious. We’ve been working together every day for weeks. She only has one person at a time helping her, so it gives us plenty of time to get to know each other while we work.

Huh. Another reason Levi didn’t have any employees—he didn’t like the idea of strangers getting up in his business.

Anyhow, her mama bought Joe’s old place before she died. It was kind of a dream of hers to try her hand at homesteading. They were business partners too, you know, Erin and her mother.

It was as though she was trying to give him Erin’s whole life story, hoping something she said would spark some interest in him. That’s nice.

She does very well too, she said, with a glimmer of pride, which was amusing to Levi, since she barely knew the woman and had played no part in her success. She can barely keep up with the demand for her product. That’s why she had to hire help.

Good to know. Not that he cared.

So you see, she’s not looking for a white knight.

Never said she was.

But it would be nice if she had a neighbor she could count on.

Message received.

Does that mean you’ll at least go over there and introduce yourself?

He supposed he couldn’t avoid her forever, though he’d made a valiant effort at trying. Sure, I’ll pass by after dinner tonight.

She grinned. Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?

You already got what you wanted, he said, grimacing. You can save the flattery for when you really need it.

Erin was painting her guest bedroom/office when she heard a knock on her door. Since it was Sunday, their chosen day of rest, she wasn’t expecting any of her employees, and she was out in the middle of nowhere, so it was unlikely one of her new friends was just passing by and decided to drop in.

She ran to the door, paintbrush in hand and gasped when she saw the mountain of a man standing on the other side. He had to be at least six-two and well over two hundred pounds. She’d never seen him before. She was certain. That was a face a woman would remember. Tanned, rugged, angular, faint lines from sun exposure, longish hair that was so black it appeared to have streaks of blue as the fading sun hit it. And pale blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled, like he was now.

Um, hi, she said, pushing the screen door open. Can I help you?

I’m Levi Rowe. He hooked a thumb over his shoulder. I live just up the road.

Oh, you’re Shelley’s son. Erin felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was still getting used to being out in the country on her own, and strange men still made her a little nervous, especially when they showed up on her doorstep without warning. Come on in.

He handed her a basket of vegetables. Wasn’t sure if you’d had time for a garden.

Thank you, she said, feeling a strange sense of awareness as her hand touched his during the transfer of the basket. No, I’ve been so busy working on the house I haven’t had time. I’ve been going to the farmer’s market up the road instead.

He stared at her a minute, as though he was trying to figure her out. You don’t have to do that. I have a huge garden. Come and help yourself anytime you like.

She was touched by the offer but had never been one to take advantage. Oh no, I couldn’t.

Sure you could. Around here, neighbors help each other out.

She smiled. If that’s true, why is this the first time I’m meeting you? She’d been teasing, but when he didn’t respond, she feared he’d taken her seriously.

I’ve heard a lot about you. His eyes moved over her body slowly and based on her body’s reaction to his perusal, it became obvious Levi was used to getting his way with women. Maybe I was afraid everything they said was true.

Who said bad things about me? Tired of being a loner, Erin had been trying hard to make new friends since she moved to town. She’d even started going to church, and the locals had been so nice and welcoming to her. It hurt to think they’d been speaking ill of her behind her back.

Not bad things, Levi corrected. Good things. If you call the men down at the bar thinking you’re hot as hell a good thing.

She hid her blush as she turned her back to set the vegetables on the kitchen counter. Her only experience with men had been her ex-husband, and that was a time in her life she was still trying to forget.

They must be thinking of someone else, she said, praying that was true. I don’t go to bars.

They’ve seen you around town. He stepped forward, shifting his body so he was able to watch her from only a couple of feet away as she washed the paint off her hands with a bar of her favorite cinnamon soap.

Would you like a cup of tea? she asked, ignoring the comment. I was just about to take one out on the back porch. I like to watch the sunset.

You got any sweet tea?

No, but I have lemonade. Fresh squeezed. Would that do?

Sure.

She told herself Levi was just being neighborly, probably feeling the pressure from his family and friends to introduce himself, but there was something about the way he watched her move around her small kitchen that made thrill bumps prickle her skin.

Looks like you’ve been hard at work here, he said, peeking into the small living room off the kitchen.

It’s not finished yet, but I can show you around if you like? Deciding it would take too long to brew the tea, she opted for a glass of lemonade too.

Passing one to him, he nodded his thanks as he said, I’d love to see what you’ve done with the place. I’ve only been in here once when the previous owner needed a little help after the basement flooded.

She suspected there’d been water in the basement because it had an off-putting musty odor. It wasn’t useable space, but she’d have to have the mold issue treated if she wanted to build a pantry down there, as she’d intended.

Um, this is the living room. Obviously.

He was standing just behind her, towering over her, as she brought the cool glass to her lips. She was wearing cut-off jean shorts and a light blue tank top streaked with white paint. Her long hair was wound in a sloppy bun, and she suddenly wished she’d had time to prepare for this impromptu meeting. She’d never been one to primp for a man, but something about Levi made her wish she could have.

Perfect.

His hot breath skittered along her bare shoulder, making her draw a silent breath. It had been so long since she’d felt a man’s hands on her. Years. And until this moment, she’d never missed the intimate contact.

Country. Comfortable. Just as it should be.

She realized he was talking about her salvaged furniture. It consisted of a white slip-covered sofa and chair that could be laundered as needed, two pine end tables and a pine coffee table that she’d stripped and stained, and two mismatched lamps she’d fallen in love with at an antique mart. But her favorite piece was the hutch she’d painted with red chalk paint to offset her white walls.

I’m working on some red gingham pillows and curtains. I love hand sewing, so it takes a lot longer, but it’s a fun project for the evenings. I’m not really into TV, so I just listen to music and sew.

What kind of music do you like? he asked, following her down the narrow hallway.

Country.

He chuckled. New or classic?

Both, she said, turning on the hall light. I grew up listening to classic country ‘cause my mama loved it. But I appreciate the new stuff too.

You and I are going to get along just fine then.

She looked over her shoulder and caught him grinning at her. Is that so?

He winked. We’ll see, but so far I’m thinking it’s a yes.

Erin turned on the bathroom light and gestured to the small space. It’s the only bathroom in the house, but I love the claw-foot tub. Thankfully I was able to restore that.

He ran a hand over the resurfaced pine vanity. You did all this yourself? he asked, checking out the new white tile floor.

Yeah, with a lot of trial and error. She laughed, feeling a little self-conscious. I read a lot of books. Watched a lot of YouTube videos.

How’s your Internet connection out here?

Sketchy, she admitted. Sometimes I have to go into town and use the library.

I invested in making sure mine would be reliable. I can give you the code for my Wi-Fi. It should work for you.

She looked over her shoulder and felt the impact as soon as his chest brushed her back. That’s very generous of you, but I couldn’t—

You have a hard time accepting help, don’t you?

She glanced at their reflection in the mirror. Damn, he was sexy. And together they looked… so right. She shook her head to clear it of any silly notions about the possibility of them being more than neighbors and friends.

My mama taught me to be strong and independent, she said, by way of explanation. For most of my life it was just the two of us, and we always managed.

He nodded as though he understood and whispered, Your accent… where are you from?

Charleston.

He licked his lips as his gaze roamed her body in the mirror.

She was finding it tough to breathe, being in a confined space with this gorgeous stranger, but he was blocking the doorway, making it impossible for her to get away. Would you like to see my bedroom?

He laughed, his eyes twinkling as her cheeks flamed. I thought you’d never ask.

Levi, stop. She shook her head as she buried her hands in her face. You know what I meant.

He tugged her hands away, brushing back a strand of hair that escaped her bun. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I was just teasing, sweetheart.

Sweetheart. No man had ever called her that before. She kind of liked it.

I’m not embarrassed, she lied. It’s just, um… She bit her lip, unsure how much she should reveal. I don’t have a lot of experience with this. She gestured between them. You know, being friends with men. Truth be told, it’s just been my mama and me most of my life. I’ve been trying hard to make friends since I moved here, but they’ve been mostly women.

Good. He smirked.

Good?

I’m glad most of the friends you’ve made so far have been women. I know most of the guys around here. If they tried to befriend you, it would be for one reason only—to get in your panties.

She wasn’t used to men being so bold, but she appreciated the fact Levi seemed like a straight shooter. The only men I’ve met so far, outside of church, are Wes, Rush, Colt, Zeke, and Gunnar. She smiled. "How crazy is