Birch Please by Carly Keene

Lila
I’ve spent my whole life trying to get out from under my parents’ thumb. Everything in our family revolves around my brother’s medical issues.
Even though I’m an adult, I still feel like a child.
But when I make the decision to step out on my own, everything goes haywire.
I run away.
When my car breaks down in Black Timber Peak, I’m rescued by the sexiest Mountain Man Mechanic I’ve ever seen.
Ace is perfect.
I just hope he doesn’t realize how imperfect I am.

Ace
I’ve done a lot of stuff in my life that I’m not proud of.
A misguided youth landed me in jail— ironically, for something I actually didn’t do.
But I’m straight now. I own this auto repair shop, and I love Black Timber Peak.
When I see Lila standing frustrated near her disabled car, it’s like the sun has risen on me at last.
She’s perfect.
I just don’t want her to find out that I’m no good for her.
Which is going to be tough, with my past rising up to threaten me.
And threatening her into the bargain.
I have to make a stand and decide what I believe.