Lib Novel Page 1
Chapter 1
Charleigh
The chilly Montana breeze kisses my cheeks before whipping my hair into my face as I step out of the taxi, but the sight before me is enough to chase away any lingering travel fatigue. My breath hitches, momentarily stolen by the view before me. The mountains beyond the Valley View Resort rise in the distance, their snow-capped peaks like the jagged edges of an ancient crown, and the river snaking through the valley sparkles with the sunlight on its surface. It is a canvas begging for an artist’s touch, which makes me think of my friend Jess who does such fantastic sketches for our firm.
“Would you look at that,” I murmured to myself, unable to contain the wonder in my voice. Home in Georgia is the city of Atlanta, nothing like the rugged beauty of Montana. I can’t help but let a girlish giggle escape my lips; I am standing in the heart of Big Sky Country, surrounded by nature.
I slide my sunglasses up the bridge of my nose, shielding my eyes from the bright afternoon sun that spotlights the valley. A chill runs down my spine and I tug my faux fur coat—a stylish yet practical choice, I had congratulated myself on earlier—tighter around my curvy frame.
I can’t wait to see Maddie! She said the rest of the wedding party will be meeting for the rehearsal later, which gives me just enough time to shower and change before it all begins. The wedding is tomorrow, and then I have the entire rest of the week to explore this place.
The lobby of the Resort is all rustic elegance, beams of polished wood soar above me as my heels punctuate my entrance with a loud click-clack that seems to echo off the grand stone fireplace and over the plush leather sofas. I make a beeline for the front desk, the scent of cedar and pine wafting over me.
“Hi there,” I greet the receptionist, a young woman with a smile as bright as the Montana sky. “I’m Charleigh White, checking in.”
“Welcome to Heart River Valley, Miss White,” she chirps, her fingers dancing across the keyboard.
“Thank you,” I reply, unable to keep the excitement from bubbling up in my voice. “I’ve heard y’all have some of the best mountain views around.”
“Absolutely,” she confirms, handing me a keycard with a flourish. “You’re going to love your room—you’ve been upgraded to a suite. It’s got a view that’ll knock your boots, I mean, heels off. It even has a real wood-burning fireplace that staff lights nightly if you’d like. Just head down that corridor there, and take the elevator to the fifth floor.”
“Oh wow. That sounds perfect! Yes to the fireplace, please.” My heart flutters in anticipation of gazing out at those rugged peaks from my room, curled up by the fire with my Kindle.
“Enjoy your stay, and let us know if there’s anything we can do for you,” she adds with a wink.
“Thanks again,” I reply before turning to head to the elevators. One opens as I approach and I step inside, tapping the button for the fifth floor. The brushed metal doors slide shut, and I grin to myself, eager to explore the resort and the nearby town. The elevator hums upwards, and I lean back against the railing, closing my eyes for a moment.
It’s been a hard year for me. Work is endless, and although I’m grateful to have landed a job at the top interior design firm in Atlanta right out of school, I feel like a doctor on call 24/7. I can’t believe I was able to get an entire week off for Maddie’s wedding. And now I can finally cross a visit to Montana off my bucket list.
Mark never wanted to visit Montana. Mark never wanted to travel at all. We started dating in college after a mixer between my sorority and his fraternity. Everyone said we were the perfect match – a real-life Ken and Barbie, which was just a reference to the fact that we both have blond hair. When I finally realized that he wasn’t ever going to put me first, but always expected me to drop everything for him, I knew it was time to part ways. Much to my mother’s dismay. Mom only seems to want one thing for me: to get married. No matter what I say she doesn’t understand how I am perfectly content as I am.
The ding of the elevator pulls me back from my thoughts, its doors sliding open with a soft whoosh. I step out and glance at the gold-plated room numbers lining the hallway.
“Five-oh-nine,” I mutter under my breath, counting the doors until I reach mine. I slide the keycard into the slot. A green light blinks its approval, and I push the door open, stepping into my home for the next week.
My eyes widen at the sight. The living area boasts a stone fireplace big enough to heat a house, flanked by two oversized leather armchairs that invite you to sink right in. On the walls are pictures of Montana’s wild beauty, framed in rustic wood. It’s a tasteful and elegant style I’d describe as mountain chic, and I’m here for it. I grab my toiletries out of my carry-on before placing it and the rest of my things in the closet.
Closing the closet door, I step back, admiring the warm tone of the wood. “Whoever designed this place sure knew what they were doing,” I remark, a little nod to my own trade. “And I’m going to enjoy every second of luxury while I’m here. Starting with the view.”
Walking over to the floor-to-ceiling window wall, I gaze out. The view I enjoyed earlier is even better up here. I sigh, feeling my shoulders relax and the tension leave my body. All I need now is a hot shower. Ooh! I haven’t checked out the bathroom yet!
I hurry to open the double doors that must lead to the bathroom, and I’m not disappointed. A large tub big enough to swim in is off to the side, while the other side boasts a walk-in shower with two rainfall shower heads. The white marble gleams from the sparkling crystal chandelier and a smile spreads across my face just as I hear my phone ding.
Maddie:
Hey C, you here?
Me:
Yes! OMG my room is so awesome!
Maddie:
I’m so glad! Nash may have made a few phone calls about some upgrades.
Me:
He’s the best! I’m so happy for you!