The Fall Groom, page 1
The Fall Groom
Alexa Riley
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Epilogue
Epilogue
Hungry For More
Chapter 1
Read Me Romance
Stalk the Author
The Fall Groom
by Alexa Riley
Gracie is a mail carrier in Hollow Oak and knows everyone in town. When the recluse on her route complains that she’s taken the day off, it’s time she introduces herself properly.
Donovan’s scars force him to stay hidden from the world, but a pretty mail carrier with colorful bows in her hair makes him want to come out of the shadows. How can he make her his when he’s afraid of what she might think of him?
Warning: This beast has found his beauty and it’s just as adorable as you think! Come back to Hollow Oak for this new love story and stay for the cheesy goodness!
Copyright © 2021 by Author Alexa Riley LLC. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email to riley_alexa@aol.com
http://alexariley.com/
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
Edited by Aquila Editing
To all our besties that shine when the pumpkins come out!
* * *
Chapter One
Gracie
“Why are you all dolled up?” Oliver asks, leaning up against the side of his truck and watching me.
“I’m not dolled up.” I grab another box and haul it into the back of my mail truck. When I come back out, Oliver is still standing there watching me.
“You are too. Your lips are shiny.”
“It’s lip gloss. I wear lip gloss all the time.” Maybe not the mascara, but I don’t mention that.
“Hmm.” He doesn’t sound convinced as he looks me up and down. “Something is different.”
Oliver is three times my age and very happily married. If he wasn’t, I’d be telling him to get lost. His wife makes the best sprinkle cookies I’ve ever eaten, and Oliver brings me some at least once a week.
“Did you cut your hair?”
“Nope.” I pull my braided hair over my shoulder. I always keep it braided when I’m at work so it stays out of my way. I also always keep a bow tied at the end. I might be a mail carrier, but I can make it cute. I’ve got to do something to liven up these navy overalls.
“All right. I’m only asking because you look extra nice this morning,” he says, giving up on what I’ve done differently today.
He’s right, though, not that I’ll admit it. If I do, he’ll start grilling me for information. People think beauty salons are full of gossip? The post office gets to see it all firsthand.
I have on a bit more makeup today, but that’s not saying much. Normally I put some gloss on my lips and call it a day, but I had some extra time this morning. It has nothing to do with a sexy recluse that’s on my route.
Maybe I checked to see if the mystery recluse was getting any packages today, but it’s not a big deal. He gets something delivered every day. What the heck is he ordering all the time? Since he’s always home, I guess everything. And I’m not only saying he’s always home because he’s there during the day. I’ve never run into him once in the town of Hollow Oak.
Everyone knows everyone here. It’s almost impossible not to run into people at some point, which is why I don’t date anyone from town. Though for him, I’d make an exception and not only because I wouldn’t have to risk running into him if things didn’t work out. That’s just how big my crush is.
“We need you at the front, Gracie.” Mick’s voice comes over my radio, and I grab it from off my hip.
“On my way,” I respond before waving at Oliver and shutting the back door of my truck.
I tuck my clipboard under my arm as I make my way to the front of the building. Most of the trucks are already pulling out, and I need to get going soon.
I knock on Mick’s open door, and he motions for me to come in. “I got a complaint from your route.”
“Really?” I scrunch my nose in surprise.
I’m the only driver for Hollow Oak since I know where pretty much everyone in town lives. It’s not often I get a complaint. If I do, it’s for something being broken inside their box, which I know has to have happened before it hit my warehouse. I handle all my boxes with extra care. Nothing is worse than being excited for something to arrive and it not being what you hoped for.
“It's from yesterday.”
“Oh, Gail did my route yesterday. Remember, I took the day off.” Gail fills in for anyone that takes a day off or lends a hand if you have more than a normal amount of deliveries. I can usually handle Hollow Oak easily enough on my own.
“Yeah I know. I just wanted to give you a heads up on what happened. I guess this guy thought Gail was late and rude. He said no one else is to deliver his packages but you. If you're off, then his packages are to wait till you’re back.”
“What?” I say with a laugh. “Can he even make that kind of request?”
“Not typically, but he must know some people in some high places because we’re going to make sure only you drop his crap off.”
“Who is this even?” Before the words are fully out of my mouth, I already have an idea of who Mick is talking about. My sexy recluse. I didn’t think he cared much for me since he only ever grunts. But it didn’t stop me from trying to talk to him. Or the mega crush that’s taken on a life of its own.
“Donovan Combs.”
I nod. “I’ve got a package for him today.”
“He doesn’t give you problems, does he?”
“Nope.” If anything, I think he would think I’m a problem. I can be a bit nosy when it comes to him, but it’s hard not to be. He’s new to Hollow Oak, and the only thing I know about him is that he built his beautiful house. A house that he never leaves.
“All right then. Be safe out there.” I give Mick a mock salute before I’m out the door and on the road.
My morning drags by today. Usually the day goes by in a flash, but all I keep doing is counting down the stops until I get to Donovan’s.
Then a terrible idea comes to me. What would Donovan do if I was late? I normally see him peeking through the curtains when I’m coming down his long driveway. I picture him inside his home pacing back and forth. What’s in these boxes?
“Gracie!” my best friend Julie calls to me when I pull up next to the diner. I’m dropping a package off at Sew Be It next door. The yummy smells coming from the diner have my stomach growling. “Come have lunch with us.”
I turn to see her and her fiancé Jacks getting out of his car. She was actually the reason I’d taken the day off work yesterday. She and Jacks are finally going to say “I do,” and we tried on dresses yesterday. This has been in the making since elementary school, and I’m so happy it’s finally happening.
“Come with us. I’m buying,” Jacks adds. I know he’s only trying to butter me up in hopes that I’ll spill some details about tonight's bachelorette party. He knows I’ll fold like a cheap chair, but too bad for him Val is throwing it and has been tight-lipped.
“Okay,” I agree, checking my watch. This will make me late. Plus the diner beats the turkey sandwich I’ve got stuffed under my seat in the truck. “Let me drop this box, and I’ll be over. Get me a strawberry milkshake.”
I smile as I wonder how Donovan is going to react to me being so late. I’ll order him a piece of pie from the bakery to make up for it. Maybe today I’ll get more than a few grunts.
Chapter Two
Donovan
She’s late. I was pacing in my living room for the past twenty minutes before I decided to go outside and do it. I don’t like to be outside when she comes, but yesterday it was someone different, and now there’s no one.
I made a few calls, and I know she’s going to specifically be the only person to deliver my mail from now on. I was assured it would be taken care of. After all I’ve sacrificed for the government, they owe me. I’ve never asked for a thing from them, and if my one request is that the same person deliver my mail each day, then so be it. Maybe I should have asked for it to come at the same exact time each day too.
Glancing down at my watch, I grunt and look down the driveway. She’s still not here, and I should be able to see her coming from a long distance. My driveway is so long, you can hardly see my house from the road, but with all the packages I order, she has to come to my door.
Just as I make another pass on my porch, I see a flash of light in the distance. It’s her. Well, it bet ter be her. Right now all I can see is the light reflecting off the mail truck as she comes down the road closer to my house. I need to go inside, but first I want to make sure it’s her.
As soon as she’s close enough for me to see the braided hair over one shoulder, I turn around and go inside. Normally she doesn’t need me to sign for things, but every now and then she makes me.
Her name tag reads Gracie, but I’ve never called her that or said her name out loud. I don’t talk much and mostly just do a lot of thinking when I’m around people. But even that’s a lie because the only people I’m around are my parents and my brother Tidas. With them I don’t have to talk much, so I wait to talk until it’s important.
Standing in my living room, I look through the window and watch her get out of her mail truck. I should probably go help her with the box, but I know it’s just paper towels so it’s light. I save all my heavy stuff for when I have to go to the next town over for my big shopping. I don’t like ordering things that are too heavy for her to carry.
Today she’s got a lavender ribbon, and I write it down on the little pad I keep by the door. I don’t know why I’m so obsessed with the ribbons, but usually on the days she’s happy she wears soft colors like this one. Why is she happy today? Does she have a boyfriend? I’ve checked for a ring several times, and she’s not married. If she were mine, I’d never let her leave the house without a ring on. What if her husband doesn’t care?
I grumble as I push those thoughts away. I don’t like the idea of it. Besides, I heard Tidas talking about Valerie and her single friend Gracie. It has to be the same one.
Once she’s got the box out of the truck, she places a smaller one on top and then climbs the steps to my front porch. I move away from the window so she can’t see me and wait for her to leave. But when she puts the box down, she straightens and knocks on the door.
Why is she knocking? She doesn’t need a signature for this one. I don’t want her to see my face. On the few occasions I’ve had to sign for something, I wear a hat and pull it down low. And even then I only open the door a crack to sign the paper and hand it back.
“Mr. Combs?” she calls out and knocks again. “Donovan?”
Hearing her sweet voice say my name makes my stomach feel funny. “Yes,” I say, but my voice is so unused, it gets caught in my throat. I clear it and try again “Yes?” I say to the door without opening it.
“I’ve got a little something for you.”
I close my eyes and imagine her naked and on her knees. “Fuck.” I have to think of football to distract myself. “You can leave the box.” That might have been the longest sentence I’ve ever said to her.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Her slight laugh is like music, and it makes me relax my shoulders. I didn’t realize they were so tense.
“Okay,” I agree as I go over to the coat rack and grab a baseball hat. Pulling the brim down low, I tuck my chin and open the door a crack.
She’s so short and curvy she looks like a little cherub holding a present out to me. Her cheeks are rosy and her lips are shiny, making me want to kiss them. Her freckles are out today, or maybe it’s because we’re so close I can see them clearly. I look down at the ground, trying to hide my face.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here yesterday,” she says, holding out the small box. “And I’m sorry I was late today.”
“Where were you?” I’m just as surprised by my question as she is.
“Well, yesterday I was off because my friend is getting married.” I glance up just enough to see her smile sweetly. “I’m in the wedding.”
“And today?” God, why am I still talking?
“Oh, um, I was running behind.” Her cheeks flush, and I have the feeling she’s not telling me the entire truth. “But I brought you this slice of pie as an apology.”
She holds out the box, and I look down at it. Her nails are painted yellow with little white polka dots on them. She’s so bright and cheerful, which is the total opposite of me. I’m like that Care Bear with the cloud on its stomach, but I’m not cute and cuddly.
“I uh, didn’t know what kind to get.” She steps closer and holds the box up a little more. “I guessed and got you key lime. I thought everyone likes key lime, but now I’m wondering if that was the wrong choice.”
She’s talking faster, and I can see she’s nervous. I don’t want her to feel bad about anything she’s done, especially when she did this for me. Pulling open the door, I reach out my hand to take the box.
“Wow,” she says as she looks up at me, and her eyes widen. Her eyes travel quickly up and down my body like she can’t believe I’m so big.
“I like key lime,” I mumble, trying to turn her thoughts away from my size. I wish I could shrink so I wasn’t so noticeable in a crowd. I hate people looking at me, but her eyes aren’t so bad.
“Oh, sure. Here you go. Sorry I was late.” Her smile could heat the solar system, and I can’t help but think she's just like sunshine. Warm, soft, and it hurts to stare at her for too long.
“Th…thanks…” I stammer, and I have to clear my throat. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She stands there for a second longer, and I look down at her feet. They’re so small. “I guess I’ll go. Have a nice afternoon.”
I don’t know what to say, and words don’t come to me as she turns to leave. I don’t want her to leave, but I’m not good at talking to her.
“Apple,” I say when she reaches the stairs. She turns around to look at me like she’s not sure if I’m the one who spoke. “I like key lime, but apple is my favorite.” I swallow hard, nervous that she’s going to think I’m a weirdo.
“Me too.” She plays with the long braid on one side of her shoulder, and I wish I could touch it too. It looks so soft. “Maybe I’ll bring apple tomorrow then.”
Taking a chance, I look into her eyes and then suddenly they meet mine. I feel shy, and I can’t speak, so all I do is nod as she turns and walks away.
I stand there for a long time, long after she’s gone, and I can’t help but wonder how someone so little could take up so much space in my heart.
Chapter Three
Gracie
“You okay?” Julie nudges me. We all sat down to catch our breath from dancing since we’ve been on the dance floor from almost the second we walked into the bar.
“I’m fine,” I rush to say, realizing I’d drifted off into my thoughts again.
It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, I keep thinking about Donovan. He had the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen. I’m sure that’s not something a man wants to hear, but I can’t help it.
They’re a warm chocolate encased in thick long lashes that I'd kill for. I’d gotten so lost in them that I’d almost missed the deep scar that cut through his eyebrow and down his cheek. Whatever it was narrowly missed his eye, but with how faded it was I knew it had to be a few years old. I’d never admit this out loud because it’s probably terrible, but it only adds to the whole mysterious thing he has going on.
“You want another drink?” Julie nods to my empty martini glass. I’m already feeling pretty good, but this is a bachelorette party.
“Let me get this round.” I hop up from our table at Pretty in Pink and walk toward the bar.
“What can I get you, Gracie?” Charlie calls when he sees me coming. He ignores everyone else waiting for a drink, and I hold up three fingers. He nods, but I shout to get his attention when I see Jacks come through the front door.
“Two.” I nod toward Jacks, making Charlie laugh. I'm pretty sure the staff here had a bet on how long it would take for Jacks to show tonight. I’m glad I didn’t put money down because I would have lost.
