Young Millionaire Went to Small Town to Escape His Past—Love Was the Last Thing He Expected to Find
The Stranger in Maplewood
Logan Carter gripped the steering wheel of his matte black Range Rover as he sped down the empty Highway. The Neon Lights of the city were fading in his rear view mirror. He wasn’t sure where he was going. He just knew he had to get out.
He needed to get away from the ruthless corporate world. He needed to escape the Betrayal that had nearly destroyed him. He fled from a life that, despite all its luxury, felt entirely suffocating. The GPS sign blinked, signaling a turnoff toward an unknown town.
Maplewood was small, quiet, and completely off the radar. It was exactly what he needed. By the time he reached Main Street, the sun had dipped below the Horizon. A Golden Glow cast over the Charming storefronts and brick-lined sidewalks.
This was a world away from the penthouses and exclusive clubs he was used to. There were no Paparazzi and no investors breathing down his neck. There were no reminders of the Empire he’d built or the people who had turned against him.
Logan pulled into the parking lot of a small Diner. It was the only place that still had its lights on. He stepped out, stretching his tall frame. He ran a hand through his dark tousled hair as the scent of fresh pies drifted out.
For the first time in months, he felt something close to peace. As soon as he pushed open the door, a bell jingled. A warm feminine voice called out from within the establishment.
“Take a seat wherever you like, I’ll be right with you.”
Logan slid into a booth in the corner, his sharp blue eyes scanning the diner. A few locals sat at the counter, chatting like they’d known each other forever. Then his gaze landed on her. She was pouring coffee with effortless Grace.
Dark brown hair fell in loose waves down her back. Her hazel eyes sparkled with a light he hadn’t seen in a long time. There was something about her that felt refreshingly real. A minute later, she was standing at his table.
She held a notepad and offered him a polite, curious smile.
“Haven’t seen you around before,” she said, tilting her head slightly.
“Passing through,” Logan hesitated.
He wasn’t ready to explain his past, not yet.
“Something like that,” he said, his voice smooth but guarded.
She raised an eyebrow but didn’t press.
“Well, welcome to Maplewood. I’m Charlotte, but everyone calls me Charlie.”
Logan glanced at the name tag pinned to her apron.
“Charlie.”
It suited her.
“What can I get you?” she asked, tapping her pen against the notepad.
He realized he hadn’t even looked at the menu.
“What do you recommend?”
Her lips curled into a small smile.
“The apple pie is the best thing you’ll ever taste.”
He found himself smirking.
“That’s a bold claim.”
Charlie Shrugged playfully.
“Only one way to find out.”
“Then I’ll take a slice and a coffee.”
She scribbled the order down and disappeared into the kitchen. Logan leaned back, exhaling. He had come here to escape. He did not want to get caught up in small-town charm or a waitress with sharp wit.
