Unruly

Book One of Songbird Ridge: A Year in the Life

Riley

I know how to paint a sunrise and mind my business. That's always been good enough to sustain my reclusive lifestyle here in Songbird Ridge. Until now. For this year's art auction, my uncle wants me to hobknob with the big donors. And if I don't make a good impression, the local artists' guild is in danger of losing the funding that keeps our community thriving during the off season. What's an extreme introvert to do?

I could be reasonable and practice my social skills by simply getting out more. Or, I could ask Rowdy to go with me and act as my buffer. Why not? One: He's one of my best customers at the gallery, so he knows my work. Two: Rowdy is the life of the party and everyone around here loves him.

The only problem is Rowdy has zero chill about being my buffer. So much so that he's leaning in hard to his role as my "date." Now, in the weeks leading up to the event, everyone in town thinks we're hot and heavy. I mean, sure, we've secretly shared a few kisses here and there, but that's only because Rowdy keeps showing up everywhere, making me laugh, and restocking my snacks. It doesn't mean anything.

Everyone in town will have to deal with our "break up" eventually, because there's no way Rowdy's chaos will fit into my quiet life as a permanent fixture. Love doesn't factor into my plans. Putting the "fun" into fundraising? Sure. But he and I? Long term? It just doesn't make any sense.

Rowdy

I've been pining for Riley since I first laid eyes on one of her paintings. I know what I like, and I had to meet the artist who sees the same beauty that I see when I hike these mountains. I've bought every piece I could get my hands on, in hopes to meet her someday. Riley's a recluse, though, which sticks in my craw because I need to tell her what her art means to me.

Imagine my surprise when we eventually meet, and Riley asks me to be her date to the annual art auction. Mind blown.

She's made it clear that this is a fake date, and that she needs me only to help her seem social. I'm so pumped to help her out, though, that I go a bit overboard. I turn into Riley's full-time hype man, learn everything there is to know about her, and make it my mission to boost her confidence. And, okay, I admit it. Some people have assumed that Riley and I are officially dating, and I haven't contradicted them.

Do I know the first thing about fine art? No. Do I know how to act around the super rich donors at this fancy gala? Also no. But I'm not worried. A party's a party. How hard could it be?

What I do know is this: I'll do whatever it takes to spend my life making Riley smile. If our "accidental" kisses are any indication, this "fake date" has the potential to last forever.