In the rugged terrain of the Appalachian mountains lies the small town of Cedar Ridge, where the echoes of the past reverberate through the winding roads and rolling hills. It is here that we find Elena Stone, a young woman burdened with secrets and...
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I wake up to the gentle warmth of the sun streaming through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Rubbing my eyes, I glance at the clock and my heart skips a beat—2 in the afternoon already? How did I sleep in so late?
Shooting up out of bed, I hurry into the bathroom, the events of last night already starting to fade into the recesses of my mind. The warm water cascades over me as I step into the shower, washing away the remnants of sleep and the memories I'd rather forget.
Drying off with the softest towel I've ever felt, I make my way back to my room, my eyes falling on the clothes laid out for me by one of the men who ventured into the little back house my parents gave me on their land. Pushing aside thoughts of last night, I slip into a comfortable outfit and head downstairs.
(Outfit above)
As I descend the stairs, I'm greeted by the sound of unfamiliar voices mingling with my mother's laughter. Peering into the living room, I see two men I've never seen before, but there's something about them that sends a warm flutter through my stomach.
Stepping into the room, I catch snippets of conversation as I make my way through the hall. Outside, children's laughter fills the air, a stark contrast to the tension that still lingers from last night.
My mother's smile draws my attention, and I watch as she embraces the two men, kissing them on the cheek with genuine affection. When her gaze lands on me, she says something to them, and they turn to face me, their eyes locking with mine.
I nearly stumble at the sight of them—ridiculously good-looking, each in their own way. My thoughts stray to Wrench, and I scold myself for even entertaining thoughts about anyone else.
Summoning my courage, I approach them with a tentative smile. The one with chocolate skin meets my gaze with intense eyes, something unspoken lingering between us, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. The one with a scar under his left eye, accentuating his rugged features, grins and greets me.
"We've been waiting to see the infamous Elena," he says, smirking, and I can't help but smile back.
"Well, here I am," I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
Wrench's arrival breaks the tension, and I watch as they embrace, the camaraderie between them palpable. My mother's reminder prompts introductions, and the one with chocolate skin introduces himself as Slick, his voice deep and resonant. The one with the scar, Brick, bows playfully, his grin infectious.
"I'm Elena," I say, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks as I realize they already know my name.
Brick chuckles, and Slick smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. They are so different, but their presence is comforting, like they're part of our little family now.
"What a pleasure to finally meet you," Brick says, winking. "We've heard a lot about you."
"Oh, really?" I ask, feeling suddenly self-conscious.
