She Said: Maggie: He Said/She Said, #1

By Jennye Lush

Newly single after having been dumped at the airport, romance novelist Maggie Miller decides to depart on her romantic couples' getaway anyway. It had been far too long since she'd had a vacation, and this one was free. The tourist season wasn't underway yet, so she had planned to ride out the next ten days virtually undetected. The last thing she expected was to find love while she toured the coastal Maine town. Love was something Maggie was only successful at in fantasy, never reality. Rob was everything she'd hoped to find and more, but the timing couldn't be worse. All the signs showed that destiny was pushing them toward each other. Between ex-fiancés realizing they had made a mistake and ex-wives showing up unannounced wanting to reconcile, it seems the fates were destined to bring these two together only to keep them apart. Ten days is all they have to discover if they are meant to be. Will she manage to find true love and write the sequel her fans have been waiting for?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Williams
• Release date: Feb 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9798224164370

Book preview

Chapter One

Maggie turned off the two-lane state highway on to the paved road leading to the resort that sat high above the harbor town when fear suddenly took over for the fifth time since the plane landed. ‘This was a bad idea,’ she thought to herself. ‘Why did I decide to come anyway?’

No, she said out loud to the dashboard as the rental SUV navigated the twists and turns up the drive through the rugged grove of trees. You are stronger than this. You deserve a vacation. Who cares what anyone thinks? But she did care. She had never been one who liked to draw attention to herself for any reason, and this was going to definitely draw a lot of unnecessary attention.

Finally, the resort started coming into view. Maggie could see the roofs of cabins dotted along the hill, and the main lodge loomed ahead to her right. As she neared, she could see the lake ahead and a single canoe taking its time exploring the water. Tourist season hadn’t begun yet. The terms of the prize were that the trip had to be taken either immediately before or after the run of the season. Maggie hoped it would still be busy enough that no one would take too much notice of a single woman on a romantic getaway.

Maggie pulled up to the main entrance and put the SUV in park. Already a tan young man was approaching the vehicle. She swallowed her anxiety as best she could before stepping out of the vehicle. Hello, she said, greeting him.

Hello! Welcome to Harbor View Resort, his smile was warm and friendly. I’m Nate. We aren’t operating on full staff yet, not until Memorial Day weekend, so I will be acting as your bell hop and valet today. He laughed easily like it was as natural to him as breathing.

Maggie smiled back as if it were a contagion he emitted. Thank you, Nate.

She reached into the backseat to grab her back pack before heading to the hatch where Nate was already collecting her luggage. It was just two small cases in addition to her back pack. Honestly, she would normally turn down help with the bags because she could handle it herself. Just once in her life, just for this trip, she wanted to see how the other half lived. 

Nate set them on the ground and closed the hatch. Maggie handed him the keys to the SUV, and he ran to the podium to get her ticket. I’ll park it while you check in, he told her, lifting the suitcases. Let me just set these inside first. We aren’t too busy yet, so it won’t take long.

Maggie’s hopes plummeted. This was not at all what she needed to hear. She had wanted to be able to get lost in a crowd now more than ever. It would be hard, but she had to try to play it cool. Sounds good, she forced a smile no longer feeling Nate’s friendliness rubbing off on her.

Following Nate, she walked to the front doors of the lodge which opened automatically and went inside. The foyer was stunning. It had a rustic charm, but with a modern touch. The balance was perfect. Maggie looked around the large open room with high ceilings, and for a moment, she felt like she might actually be able to accomplish what she had hoped to do while she was here: relax and forget this was supposed to be a couple’s getaway.

Continuing her sweep around the room, she finally took notice of the incredibly handsome man behind the reception desk. As soon as their eyes met, a shiver went down Maggie’s spine, and the little hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She was taken aback by how affected she was by him. No man had ever caused that kind of reaction in her. She walked toward the desk very much aware that she was staring and also very much aware that she couldn’t stop herself either.

Hello! Welcome to Harbor View Resort. My name is Rob. It’s a pleasure to have you here, the man behind the counter told her.

It took a minute to find her voice. I’m supposed to have a reservation. Megan Miller. Maggie, she said, tearing her eyes away from him. It was fleeting. When she looked at him again, his face was turned toward the computer screen. A shivered breath raked heavily through her chest. She was thankful he didn’t see, but all too certain he had still been able to hear.

He typed something into the computer, and paused. Oh, yes, I see you’re our sweepstakes winner. Congratulations! His smile beamed her way, and she felt a wave of warmth spread throughout her body.

Maggie rested her arm on the counter to steady her balance afraid the room may spin if he flashed those brilliant blue eyes her way again. Thank you, she sounded raspier than she’d have liked and tried to smile politely. ‘Get a grip, Maggie. What’s wrong with you?’ she thought to herself.

First time to Maine? he was being friendly.

Uh, no, actually. I’ve been to Maine once before. Briefly. It was just a detour off a road trip. I went to York and played along the coast for a couple hours.

Beautiful town.

Yes, Maggie smiled easier. Yes, it was.

Their eyes locked for a moment, and Maggie found herself holding her breath as she stared into those bright blue eyes. The heat in her skin returned, and she worried it showed on her face. There wasn’t a time she could remember when she had ever felt like this from simple, casual conversation with any man.

I have your reservation here. I see you’ll be with us for ten days. I just need to see your ID, and I need to put a credit card on file for incidentals just in case. Rob was getting down to business, but his voice still affected her all the same.

Sure. Maggie reached into her wallet and pulled out what Rob asked for handing it to him. His hand touched hers as he took the cards, and she felt a wave of electricity flow up her arm. If she looked down, she was sure she would’ve seen all the little hairs on her skin standing on end and goosebumps covering her flesh. This check-in process needed to be short and sweet. She needed to get away from him before her knees gave out landing her on the floor.

Put her things in Cabin 3, Rob told Nate, handing him the key card.

Maggie had been so distracted by her body’s basic chemistry reaction to the man behind the desk, she hadn’t noticed when Nate returned. Taking a deep breath, she veered away from both of them hoping to regain her composure. It had to be noticeable how strongly she was reacting to him.

Is Mr. Miller coming in late? he asked, bringing his attention back to her.

No, Maggie’s answer was sharp and unapologetic.

Tomorrow then? It was obvious the conversation was becoming awkward for him as he ran his hand through his short, dark hair.

‘Not nearly as uncomfortable as it is for me,’ she thought. Maggie looked down to avoid his eyes and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. No, I’m...I’m here alone, Maggie sighed. She expected these questions, but she hadn’t fully prepared herself on how she would answer them.

Taking a deep breath, she asserted as best she could. I’ll be here alone. I contacted the woman who made all the travel arrangements for me, and she said it wouldn’t be a huge ordeal to change my vacation from a romantic couple’s getaway to an independent retreat so to speak. It was a last minute change of plans, so there wasn’t enough notice to have someone else join me. I guess I thought maybe she would have sent out some sort of notification of the changes. It was painfully obvious now that no such communication had been passed on.

That’s too bad, he commented shaking his head. I have an itinerary here for you filled with meals and activities that are mostly scheduled for two beginning with a couples massage right after you check-in.

A massage sounds great. I’d love to go alone. Maggie meant it. It didn’t seem possible that anything would be able to help her relax, but it would be worth the attempt.

That’s fine. The massage parlor is located here at the lodge.

May I see the itinerary? She kept her eyes on the paper not wanting to make eye contact with him again now that she had her senses in check.

Of course. I’m sorry. It’s your copy, he placed the itinerary in front of her on the counter.

Maggie looked it over frowning. Do you think it would be alright to make some changes to this?

I guess so, Rob answered with a shrug.

Maggie looked over the paper and mumbled, Couples massages, couples dinners, couples this, couples that, and you forgot your man.

What was that? Rob asked.

Maggie looked up and saw an amused look on his face. She shook her head. Nothing. Most of this stuff I can go to on my own. When these details were finalized, I was, Maggie looked out the window again trying to find a way to explain it.

I was planning things while keeping someone else’s interests in mind. Since it’s just me now, would it be possible to add some boating? Or would it be too late? I didn’t include it before because, um...Mr. Miller doesn’t really like the water. I’d be more than willing to pay for it myself, of course.

Oh, but you do? Rob inquired cheerfully. You like being on the water?

I’m not what you would call a strong swimmer by any means. I saw some canoes on the lake on my drive up. I haven’t been in a canoe since I was a child. I used to love it.

Sure. I think we could arrange that. I’ll check the staff schedules and see what we can do. I’ll let you know.

Thank you. Maggie smiled again while looking Rob in the eye, and she felt as though her legs were finally going to completely give out collapsing her to the floor. That sounds great, she managed to say with a breath that was a little too raspy then she would’ve liked.

Here is a map of the grounds. These are all cabins, he said, motioning to the little buildings scattered throughout the picture, but this one is yours. Rob handed her the map with her cabin already circled on it. I can walk with you part of the way to show you where to go.

This is the lodge, he began, both pointing to the large building in the center of the map with one hand and gesturing around the building he was leading her through with the other. It’s the main building of the resort. We have a delicious complimentary breakfast every morning mostly catered by Espresso Yourself which has the best coffee in New Haven over here to the right, and to the left, this is our restaurant and bar, The Shining Port.

They continued to walk to the back of the lodge where they came upon a double set of elevators. There was another set in the main foyer too she had noticed. There are rooms upstairs for those who don’t want the full cabin experience. Downstairs we offer amenities such as a pool, hot tub, hair salon, massage parlor and more. That’s where you’ll head for your massage soon. Go to the lower level and through the door directly across from the elevators.

Maggie looked around taking it all in while he talked. It was hard to concentrate on how beautiful the main hall was when his voice cut through her focus melting her like butter. She was torn between hoping she’d make it to her cabin before becoming so weak she collapsed and hoping she’d collapse now so he might catch her. The thought almost made her laugh, but she was thankful she stopped herself. It could have made for an uneasy exchange between them.

Rob opened the rear door of the lodge, and they emerged on a beautiful open patio complete with tables, a stage and a dancefloor. He led her straight through the middle of the patio that was empty save for one couple giggling in the far corner. At the far side of the dancefloor, Rob stopped. This path will take you directly to your cabin. It will branch off in spots, but just stay on the main path. It’s just through those trees ahead.

Maggie thanked him again and continued on her own. Rob was handsome with the kindest eyes she had ever seen. He wasn’t wearing a ring. She started feeling herself become hopeful again. ‘Stop!’ Maggie yelled at herself. She shook her head and tried to clear all thoughts of him from her mind. ‘What’s wrong with you?’ she asked herself as she laughed out loud. ‘The last thing you need to do is complicate things even more by setting your sights on someone new.’

She glanced again at the map as she walked. All of the cabins had names. Her cabin simply read Newlywed.

Newlywed, she said to herself quietly. Newlywed. Newly. Wed. You’re not wed at all let alone a newlywed. Mr. Miller. And will Mr. Miller be joining you this evening? No, Mr. Miller can fall off a cliff for all I care.

She folded the map and tucked it in her purse. A loud laugh startled her, and she knew it was the couple on the patio. ‘Let them have their fun,’ she thought. ‘All romance dies eventually.’

This wouldn’t do. It was hard enough going about her line of work helping women experience romance when she had never had a man buy her flowers much less put forth any kind of grand romantic gesture. The last thing she needed was to turn her hurt and frustration into bitterness. It would show in her work, and that wouldn’t help anything. Just because your love life has always been on life support doesn’t mean others can’t enjoy theirs. The talk she tried to give herself wasn’t sticking.

Mrs. Miller! She repeated the words out loud. Ugh. Let them wonder. Let them gossip. Let them poke their fun at my expense. Who cares what anybody thinks? I’ll only be here for ten days, and then I will probably never see anyone from this part of the country ever again. She knew she cared what people thought, but there was always the option to leave. That thought is what prevented her from having a nervous breakdown on the flight a half dozen times. After landing in Portland, it was what stopped her from immediately flying home.

Maggie could see her cabin coming into view. It was absolutely gorgeous. The word cabin had invoked an image of some rustic fishing shanty or the like. This was better than anything she had expected. She could tell it was either newly built or newly remodeled. It had a log cabin exterior, but it was much grander than she envisioned. She walked up to the front door and opened it slowly with the key card. She poked her head in and looked around cautiously before stepping inside. There was a full kitchen and a comfy sitting room complete with a fireplace and small wood pile nearby.

Nate appeared from the back and headed toward her. I put your bags in your room, Mrs. Miller, he told her.

She took a deep breath. I’m not married, she said, shaking her head. Call me Maggie.

Maggie, Nate smiled, but she could see the confusion on his face.

‘Of course, everyone thinks you’re married. You were supposed to arrive with a Mr. Miller in tow.’ She really didn’t need to keep reminding herself. Maggie just smiled back without offering any explanation.

If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call the lodge. There’s someone there at all times.

Thank you, she told him as she dug some cash from her wallet for the tip.

Nate thanked her and left.

Chapter Two

Maggie wandered through the cabin taking in every beautiful accent. She found her way to her bedroom and spied a luxurious king size bed covered in rose petals. She looked down and for the first time all day, tears fought to break free. Maggie took a deep breath to steady herself. Tears were not welcome. He wasn’t worth crying over.

She walked over to the large window and pulled the curtains back. The view was magnificent. Still surrounded by trees, but cutting through them was the lake farther down the hill. Maggie turned back and eyed the champagne chilling in a bucket of ice that was placed on the dresser. She smiled knowing that won’t be one part of the prize that gets wasted at least.

The closet was larger than anywhere she’d ever stayed before, and the master bath was huge. It had a garden tub, Jacuzzi and a standalone shower made for two. Maggie put her hands on the counter and looked into the mirror taking a deep breath to prepare for a pep talk. Okay. You’re here, and you’re going to relax. You’re going to have fun, and you’re going to leave here refreshed. Then you will go back home to your normal routine, and you will leave everyone here to wonder what happened to Mr. Miller for the rest of their lives.

Maggie slowly eyed herself in the mirror turning from side to side examining her curves. She was not fat by anyone’s standards, but not all men like curves. It’s a lesson she’d learned over and over throughout the years since her divorce. ‘Maybe Rob likes curves,’ she wondered as she ran a hand down the front of her tank top.

Stop! she said aloud to the bathroom. Ten days! That’s it! There’s not enough time to begin a romance, and it’s the absolute wrong time to begin one at that. There was something about him that she couldn’t shake from her mind. Something about the way she reacted to him. It was natural like her body was choosing the man for her. It was certainly a physical reaction which isn’t the best way to choose either.

Maggie made her way back to her luggage resting on the bench at the foot of her bed. She unpacked her clothes and stored her suitcase in the closet. Every step she took she seemed to find more rose petals. Someone spent a lot of time preparing this room for a happy couple only to have her show up alone. Maggie began to blink back tears that were trying to break free again doing her best to stop it. ‘I need to get out of here,’ she thought to herself. ‘If I’m around people, I can keep my composure better.’

She grabbed her toiletries case and headed to the bathroom. She brought the case to the counter and unzipped it dumping everything out to find what she needed easier. Maggie lifted her gaze to the mirror and saw her eyes that sparkled because they had been watering. She closed her eyes and craned her neck from side to side. She could feel the tension in her muscles from the cramped flight and the stress of everything. ‘This can wait,’ she thought, leaving the case and the dumped contents sitting on the counter.

Maggie slipped off her sandals trading them for slippers. Walking out of the cabin and tucking the key card in her pocket, she headed back on the path to the lodge. She made her way down on the elevator to the lower level and walked up to the receptionist desk where a young fresh-faced girl bubbled with an over exaggerated smile behind the counter.

Hi, Maggie said.

You must be Megan! the girl announced a little too excitedly for Maggie’s mood.

Maggie, but yes.

I’m Stacey, she said and pointed to her name badge where a grinning moose sticker sat by her name. Her smile grew even larger which Maggie wouldn’t have guessed was possible. You’re a few minutes early, but that’s fine. You’re our only appointment right now.

Stacey leaned to the side to look behind Maggie through the glass doors. Did you want to wait for Mr. Miller?

No, Maggie quickly answered.

He can always join you when he arrives too, Stacey was insistent as she began to type into the computer.

He won’t be coming. It’s just me.

Oh, Stacey sounded genuinely disappointed. Well, follow me then, she said, and her smile returned just that quickly. Stacey’s chipper voice was rebounding fast.

Stacey started away from the counter when another woman approached from the hall. Stacey stopped and turned back to Maggie, This is Lisa. She’ll be your masseuse.

Hi, Maggie forced another fake smile. I’m Maggie.

Stacey and Lisa exchanged glances. We’ve been expecting you.

Lisa looked around and before she could ask, Maggie beat her to it. No one else is coming.

She looked as though she was going to say something, but something must have made her think better of it. Instead she flashed Maggie a very warm look, and said, I’m glad you could make it then. Come this way.

Maggie followed her down the hall, until Lisa opened a door for her. This is the changing room. You’ll find plenty of robes and lockers in here. Take off only as much as you feel comfortable removing, but I recommend you at least take off your bra. How can any woman really relax with that on? Lisa’s voice was friendly.

Modesty isn’t an issue.

Great! When you’re ready, just come in this door across the hall, and I’ll be waiting.

Maggie walked over to the nearest bench grabbing a folded robe off a table on her way. She was at ease knowing no one else would be coming in now. She sat down and kicked off her slippers.