Make me fall, p.1
Make Me Fall, page 1
Table of Contents
Title Page
Legal Page
Book Description
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Trademark Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
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About the Author
Fallbank
MAKE ME FALL
CASS SCOTKA
Make Me Fall
ISBN # 978-1-80250-798-0
©Copyright Cass Scotka 2023
Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill ©Copyright July 2023
Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz
Totally Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2023 by Totally Bound Publishing, United Kingdom.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.
Totally Bound Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.
If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book”.
Book one in the Fallbank series
Love in a logging town can make anyone fall.
Life in Fallbank, Oregon, is simple and quiet, exactly how Bridget Wildes likes it. She has other things to focus on, like hustling to keep her family store from closing. The age-old rumor that her family is descended from witches makes not getting run out of town difficult enough. She has no time for love, friends or distractions. And the new lumberjack in town is most definitely a distraction.
Jack Thompson has yet to meet a woman who didn’t want his money more than him, so why bother dating? He needs to stay focused on researching whether Timber Logging Company would be a good investment for his family’s business. Who cares if his shy new neighbor is gorgeous and could use a little assistance in how to grow her shop’s profits? After all, his father’s plans include buying out TLC and putting the locals out of work—not boosting Fallbank’s economy.
How can Bridget love someone who’s determined to destroy her small-town way of life? How can Jack dismantle Fallbank when he’s falling in love with not only the way people live there but also Bridget? Well…love and logging will keep anybody on their toes.
Dedication
For Jana, agent extraordinaire.
Acknowledgements
As with all things, this book would not exist without the love and support of so many people. My agent, Jana Hanson is such an amazing supporter, champion, and outstanding human being! Thank you for choosing to believe in me and my writing. I couldn’t imagine a better partner as an author.
Anna Olson, Rebecca Scott and everyone at Totally Bound and Totally Entwined Group, thank you so much for taking a chance on my book and me as an author. Thank you, Erin Dameron-Hill, for creating a stunningly adorable cover that matches my book to perfection. You’ve all made this journey spectacular and so fun! The support and resources given to me for making my book a success have been invaluable and I am forever grateful.
To my writer crew! My agent siblings, Suleena Bibra and Claudia Ambrose, you keep me sane and inspired. I hope we get to meet in real life one day! The Romance and WF On Sub group chat—Joanne Machin, Suzanne Baltzar, Erin Rose, Laya Brusi, Jess K Hardy, Kimberley Ash, Despina Karras, Annia Dowell-Wiltshire, Noreen Mughees and Jannelle Drummond. You ladies keep me laughing, writing and pushing through this publishing life. I couldn’t do this without all of you.
Gwynne Jackson and Ingrid Pierce, there are not words to say how much you mean to me. Thank you for reading and critiquing my work, for staying positive and encouraging, helping me work through mental blocks and plot questions. Thank you for trusting me to read your words and fawn over them before anyone else gets to. You two are amazing, wonderful, beautiful, brilliant writers who give everything you have to the writing community. I am so grateful to have you both in my corner.
Now for my real-life friends and family! The romance readers group chat—you make me laugh and smile and give the best book recs. The Elite Elevens, for not only hyping me up with my books, but also with my running. Our social club with a running problem is the best! I wouldn’t trade our miles together for all the cheesecake. (LOL, we all know I’m lying… Sort of.) To the California Livin’ crew, thanks for accepting me into the fold as a transplant and being the most awesome found family ever. My Colorado loves, Casey Kroepsch and Allison Simpson, you two are kindred and sisters from another mister. Thanks for always having my back and being awesome friends. My parents, sister, cousins and Aunt Linda, thank you for the lifelong support and love to shape me into the person I am today.
Angela Santello. A. My bestie. My ride or die. My no-questions-asked, where’s-the-shovel, when-you-die-the-first-thing-I’ll-do-is-dip-your-computer-into-acid best friend on the planet. No words are enough to describe my love, gratitude and happiness that you are in my life. Thanks for reading my words, telling me needs fixing, and overall being a badass. You are the BEST bestie.
All of YOU reading! An author is nothing without readers, and I am eternally thankful for each and every one of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for reading and supporting me!
Lastly, to my children and my husband. Without you three, my life would cease to have meaning. I love you more than all the words that have ever been spoken, written or thought combined together. Your love, support, snuggles and laughter are everything. Thank you forever.
Trademark Acknowledgements
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
Square: Block, Inc.
Hocus Pocus: The Walt Disney Company
Jeopardy: Jeopardy Productions, Inc. and Sony Pictures Television
BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation
The Nines: Sage Hospitality Group
Vogue: Condé Nast
Ann Taylor: Ann Inc.
FaceTime: Apple Inc.
ESPN: The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications
Google: Google LLC
Chapter One
The burst of crisp air lifted the hairs on the nape of Bridget’s neck. She glanced toward the opening door as the bell above it chimed, and smiled out of habit. She froze her muscles in place as an old schoolmate who used to tease her walked in. “Hey, Julie. What brings you in today?” She knit her fingers together to keep from fidgeting.
Julie beelined her way. “Bridget! I’m glad it’s you here today. Not that your gran isn’t lovely, it’s just that I’m hoping you can help me. You did assist me that one other time.”
As if she could forget Julie wanting a love potion from her. She fought the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, Bridget tucked her dark curls behind one ear. “Of course, what do you need?”
Julie leaned in closer and glanced around furtively, despite no other customers being present. “Something for nausea,” she whispered and touched a palm to her abdomen. “Because…you know.”
She sucked in a surprised breath and widened her eyes. “You’re pregnant?” Bridget kept her voice soft and cut her eyes over to the door for a split second.
Nodding, Julie beamed. “It’s still early and we’re going to wait to tell anyone, but the morning sickness is killing me.” Her diamond ring glinted in the light as she brushed her bangs to the side. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks since I found out. I thought since you had something for attracting Ben, then you might have something now?”
Uncomfortable warmth smoldered in Bridget’s chest. “No, no. The lotion I gave you wasn’t for attraction. It was for confidence. Lavender for relaxation, ylang-ylang to boost romantic thoughts and rosehips for feminine allure. Al l combined to give confidence in yourself. A natural inner glow is what attracts someone, not the lotion you put on. Soft skin and smelling good boosts self-assurance. Nothing more.” She spun and stepped to the back wall with Julie trailing along.
“Whatever you say.” Julie laughed and waved a hand. “All that matters is that you have something to solve my morning sickness problem.”
Bridget snagged a tub from the third shelf in front of her then led the way to the left wall and picked up a tin. “Here you go.” She held both out. “Lotion to put on pressure points when you’re feeling nauseated. Rub it into those spots, and the massage plus the scent should help lessen it.”
Julie examined the containers as Bridget continued talking.
“Tea to help keep things at bay. Ginger and lemongrass, plus caffeine-free.” They crossed the well-loved dark wood floor over to the ornately carved mahogany counter with an heirloom cash register prominently displayed on it. Beside it rested a small white tablet and credit card reader. An assortment of colored leaves and tiny pumpkins dotted the length of the desk.
As Bridget rang up the items, she flashed a quick smile. “Hopefully these will ease your tummy troubles, but obviously I can’t give any guarantees.” She shrugged and opened her mouth to apologize, but Julie interrupted.
“Okay, whatever you say. I’ll try anything at this point and even if it’s just a little relief, I’ll take it!” She tapped her card and grabbed the gold-embossed navy paper bag with her goods. “Thank you so much. I knew you’d have what I needed.” She stepped back and arched one brow with a colder smile. “You’re so magical.” Julie turned back and headed out. “After all, you are the town witch!” Julie’s laugh vibrated after her exit.
Bridget wanted to protest, but in the pit of her stomach, an icy void opened for a shaky moment. As Julie walked out of view, Bridget wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and swallowed hard. “Not a witch. Not magical. I just sell herbal stuff. That’s it.”
Ugh, when would the people of this town learn? They never seemed to mind when they needed her products but wouldn’t associate with her outside of the shop. To make herself feel less isolated, she shot off a quick text to her cousin, Becca, to see about grabbing dinner together this week.
Then she shook off her mutterings and anxiety, instead focusing on closing up the shop for the night. A quick sweeping of the floors, restocking gaps on the shelves and closing out the register and Bridget deemed herself ready to head home.
She poked her head out a side door and called up the stairs. “Gran, I’m heading home.”
A lined face peeped into the hall. “Night, Bridgie! I’ll open up in the morning and see you around midday.”
Bridget furrowed her brow. “You sure? I don’t mind coming in.”
Gran waved her off. “Enjoy your morning. It’s not as if I haven’t been running this store for almost my entire life.”
With a sigh, Bridget relented. There was no arguing when Gran made a decision. Like moving out of their little house together to live above the shop. Apparently, Gran wanted to live out her remaining years without a granddaughter “cramping her style” in case she had any “gentlemen callers.” While Bridget couldn’t fault her grandmother for wanting a bit of independence after raising two granddaughters, she still felt the sting. And the loneliness of the empty house.
“All right, Gran. I’ll bring lunch then. Good night!”
“Night-night, dear.”
After locking the front door, Bridget tucked her hand into the pockets of her hunter-green peacoat and walked up the block to the Harvest Street parking garage. The brisk fall wind lifted the heavy mass of long, dark curls from her shoulders. Tension released from her muscles as each step took her from Three Sisters Apothecary. She lifted her face to the evening sunlight, enjoying the warmth. Today had gone well. Sales were decent, the autumn decorations added a fresh breath of vibrancy and the customers were friendly…ish.
A beep from her phone revealed a response from Becca, suggesting Tuesday for dinner at her house. Happiness filled her chest as she smiled and sent back a message agreeing.
With September ushering in the pumpkin patches opening for the season and the leaves starting to turn, more and more tourists were trickling in. The upcoming annual harvest festival in two months would keep those numbers climbing. A grateful breath left her as a red truck rumbled down the road. She glanced at the brown-haired, bearded man inside the cab as he passed, but didn’t recognize him. Maybe another tourist? New lumberjack in town for seasonal work?
A mother and child walked in her direction about half a block from her. Without thinking, Bridget lifted the corners of her mouth in greeting, but the woman took one look at her and jerked to halt. Then she tugged her child’s hand and they scurried to the other side of the road.
The wind carried the child’s voice. “Mommy, is that the witch?”
The woman rushed to quiet her son, but it was too late. Bridget’s brief moment of confidence and contentment fizzled and died within her. She pulled the collar of her jacket tighter and tucked her chin into the fabric. Eyes down, she double-timed her steps to get to her car and get home. Alone.
* * * *
Jack scratched at his beard, still adjusting to having hair on his face, as he drove down the main road in Fallbank. What was he doing in the middle-of-nowhere Oregon again? Oh yeah, investigating whether this local logging company would be the next great acquisition for Thompson Incorporated. He tightened his fingers on the wheel of the red pick-up truck he’d purchased used as part of his “undercover boss” scheme. His grandfather’s scheme. The one designed to “help find his path in life.” Being groomed to take over the family business didn’t count.
“I guess an MBA and landing all those deals for our current companies over the last five years isn’t enough,” he grumbled as he drove through the quaint downtown. All of the shops had fall-themed window displays and the sidewalks were lined with wooden flower boxes overflowing with chrysanthemums of all colors, with large pumpkins nestled between them. A massive sign stretched across two light poles advertising the “Forty-Third Annual Fallbank Fall Festival” on Halloween this year. Was that what counted as excitement around here? He shook his head. Well, at least this town wasn’t completely devoid of any form of entertainment.
Jack had to admit a quieter pace for a few months would be a nice change from the high intensity of the office and hustle of Seattle. A way to reset the nagging sense of restlessness, of life slipping by with only shallow platitudes to show for it. Sure, money could buy a lot, but there was something missing from his life that Jack couldn’t name.
The vehicle passed a woman in a dark green coat, then a mother and child duo. The kid waved as he drove by and Jack raised a hand in return. Maybe that was what was missing. Companionship. A relationship with a woman who didn’t want him for his money and gilded last name, but for him as a person. As a partner in life. Not that he was going to find that here. He snorted. Nope, he was here to learn the logging business firsthand and see how it fit within the massive holdings of the family business.
Two lefts and one right turn later and his phone had successfully navigated him to the office of Timber Logging Company. Jack hopped out of his truck and walked in. A tall, lanky guy with glasses met him.
“Hey, I’m Cornelius. You must be Jack?”
Shaking his offered hand, Jack nodded. “That’s me. Nice to meet you. Sorry I’m late, traffic getting out of Seattle was even more ridiculous than I expected.”
Cornelius laughed. “Well, that’s one thing you won’t have to worry about here. So, you’re the new hire, huh? Ever done logging before?”
Heat crept into his cheeks and Jack found himself grateful for his newly grown beard. “Uh, not really. I’ve worked construction, though. I’m hoping that will give me something to go off. I’m a quick learner.”
Cornelius lifted his eyebrows but didn’t show any other surprise. “We’ll do our best to keep you alive as long as you do the same for the rest of us.”
