Unbroken

<p><strong>ELI</strong><br>Drama and I don't mix. Never have.<br>But Fiona Cafferty? She's a walking whirlwind in tight jeans-and unfortunately my new trail guide partner.<br><br>Perfect.<br><br>We've been oil and water since high school. She's all sass sunshine and trouble in denim. I'm the quiet one-hands calloused jaw set no patience for nonsense. I'm here in Poplar Springs to work hard and build a steady life for my son.<br><br>But she's in my space in my head and damn if I don't catch myself watching her when I shouldn't.<br><br>Then she drops a lie that spreads like wildfire-tells folks we're dating.<br>Says it's just to help me save face after my two-timing ex tried to make a fool of me.<br><br>Now we're faking it.<br>Smiles hand-holding playing couple for the town.<br><br>It was supposed to be temporary. Just a story to shut people up.<br>But she fits into my life-and my son's-too easily. And every day it feels less like a lie... and more like the one thing I didn't know we were missing.<br><br><br><strong>FIONA</strong><br>It was just one tiny lie.<br>Okay-one giant town-shaking gossip-fuelling lie. But it was to protect Eli Carter.<br><br>He didn't deserve to be cut down by his ex-not in front of half of Poplar Springs. So I said we were dating. Figured we'd fake it for a week maybe two then go our separate ways.<br><br>Now? We're playing house on the trails sharing long rides longer glances and things that feel a little too real.<br><br>Eli's not just the strong silent type-he's a wall of grit and quiet heat. A protective father with a soft spot he keeps buried deep. The kind of man who doesn't say much but when he does you feel it in your bones.<br><br>I used to think he barely tolerated me. Now he's looking at me like I might be the only reason he'd ever stick around.<br><br>This was never supposed to be serious.<br>But I think I just crossed the line between pretend and something that could break me wide open.</p>