When two trucks pulled up with materials to get started, I headed outside to greet Lars, the owner of the company. I’d heard from Louise and Kate how he was the best landscaper in town—granted, he was the only one—and that he was smoking hot and dreamy.

They weren’t wrong about his good looks. With his blond shaggy hair and a deep left dimple, I could see the charm.

Lars spoke to three of his employees, giving them each their set of tasks before he turned to me for a greeting. First, his eyes greeted me as they danced up and down my body. When he met my stare, a sinister smirk curved his lips.

“Well, hello there. I’ve heard many things about the new girl in town. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“It seems news travels fast around here. I’m Kennedy.”

“I’m Lars, the owner of Lars Landscaping. It’s an honor to meet you,” he said, holding his hand out toward me.

I went in for a handshake, but he scooped my hand into his palm and placed his lips upon my skin.

Gross.

I quickly pulled my hand away from him.

Just like that, his good looks got knocked down a few pegs. He was being so cocky about—well, everything. It was clear Lars knew he was good-looking, and he probably received a lot of attention from many females in Havenbarrow. For me, though, there was no bigger turn-off than a man who knew he was handsome and thought he could get away with things based solely on his looks.

Even though I hadn’t known Lars for more than two seconds, I was getting a lot of bad vibes coming from him.

He kept smirking, looking like a sly fox. “It’s nice to have someone new in town. It’s easy to get sick of seeing the same faces around all the time. Is it just you and your”—he glanced down at my ring finger, which was bare—“boyfriend…?”

I rubbed my hands together and shook my head. “No. Just me.”

“Single?” he asked, perking up.

I smiled, but in the pit of my stomach, I felt sick. I didn’t like where this was leading, and I would’ve loved for the conversation to shift directions, so that was exactly what I was going to make happen. What was it about that man that made me uneased? Something about him felt so familiar.

“Yes, I am. Well, let me get out of your hair. I just wanted to say hello. I won’t be a bother at all. If there is anything you need, I’ll be inside. As you know, this place actually belongs to my sister and brother-in-law, so most changes should probably be run past them, but I can get in touch with them quickly if needed.”

“Don’t feel as if you need to stay hidden in that house. If you want, you can always come out here and get down and dirty with me,” Lars said. Then he winked.

He winked, and I wanted to throw up right then and there.

Instead, I pushed out a Southern charm smile, nodded once, turned on my heels, and walked back toward the house. I was almost certain the guy was looking at my ass as I turned my back to him, and that thought alone gave me grossed-out chills.

I nearly jumped out of my skin and flinched when Lars unexpectedly touched my shoulder.

I shot around to face him with panic in my eyes.

He tossed his hands up in surrender. “Whoa, whoa. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spook you.”

My heart was pounding rapidly in my chest as I took a step back and wrapped my arms around my frame. “No, it’s okay. Sorry. Just easily jumpy.”

“I just wanted to say you look beautiful today,” Lars stated, allowing his eyes to roam all over me once more. The discomfort started to rise from the pit of my stomach and settled heavily within my throat.

“Thank you,” I said even though I wanted much more stern words about his inappropriate comments to leave my mouth. Instead, I turned back around to leave.

Before I walked up the steps to the house, I noticed Mr. Personality sitting on the front porch next door with Joy, sharing a cup of coffee. His eyes were zoomed in on me, and the intensity of his stare sent chills down my spine. I tilted my head in his direction as confusion washed over me. His eyes looked as if he was thinking something, but I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was he was expressing toward me. I had a feeling it wouldn’t be the first time I’d be left perplexed by his distant, cold stares.

I had a strong feeling Mr. Personality and I would share many looks of bafflement with one another.

Maybe one day, I’d be able to look away faster, but for now, my eyes had a way of lingering on his. Something was different about him this time. Something was holding his stare on me. For the first time since I’d come to town, Mr. Personality didn’t quickly look away from me. He focused in, tilted his head, and—for a moment—his eyes looked concerned.