I sighed as I rolled down the car window. Tashmore Lake was beautiful in the summer. The trees, full and green, rustled in the slight breeze. The gravel crunched under the tires of my silver Toyota Highlander. I wasn't used to such peacefulness.

I'm Caidence Brielle Raine, the actress. The one who just won two Oscars and has three multi-million dollar films in the box office. After months of filming and doing all kinds of appearances, I decided it was time for a long deserved break. I love my job, it's just that I really needed some time off. I couldn't very well just disappear, so I agreed to do interviews and things like that, just not as often.

I pulled into the open parking space at Bowie's Store to pick up some groceries. After shifting the car into park, I slipped on huge sunglasses. I guess you could say I'm fairly noticeable and have distinctive features. My hair is jet black and I have blue eyes. I'm tan and slender. In an effort to conceal my identity from the Tashmore Lake citizens, I cut off my long hair. Now it's a shoulder length choppy bob. I got two more ear piercings and have toned down the glitzy clothes and makeup I normally wear.

I've got it all worked out, I grinned, as a middle aged pot bellied man opened Bowie's front door for me. All worked out. While browsing the aisles, I surveyed the townspeople from behind my dark shades. A woman clerk, a teenage boy, and three men. All the males were staring openly at me. Well, no big surprise. I wasn't interested in any of these guys. The teenager was in dire need of skin care, one man was fat and the other two balding.

It's not like I was looking for love. I've been dating Sidney Crosby for some time now. Okay, it has only been about a year, but it felt like I've known him forever. We made an adorable couple. He didn't exactly approve of my trip here. He wanted to come, but I refused. I knew he would slip and call me by my real name. Besides, he needed to stay in Pennsylvania to maintain our image.

The screen door slammed shut, and I heard a man apologize. I ducked around the end of the aisle to avoid the new customer. As soon as I thought he had disappeared into the aisle next to mine, I stepped up to the counter and set my purchases in front of the cashier.

"Hi," I said cheerfully. All I got in return was a stare and a silent nod. Okay then.

Suddenly I felt like someone was standing right behind me, far too close for comfort. Before I could turn around, he leaned over my shoulder and stuck his face in mine.

"Hello."

My mind went completely blank. Right in front of me was, without a doubt, the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. Even more beautiful than Sidney, and that was saying a lot. This man had big, chocolate brown eyes framed by wayfarer style glasses and a very messy blond bedhead. Pieces of hair fell into his face as he tilted his head even more and grinned. I tried to make a sound, any sound, but I couldn't.

"Are you new here? I don't believe I've ever seen you before."

I tried my absolute hardest to form a sentence. "I…I'm here for the summer," I stated lamely. Oh God, why couldn't I think straight? Now, of all times…

"I'm Mort Rainey," he beamed. I felt like I could faint dead away.

"I'm Jada Morris," I said, trying out my pseudonym for the first time.

The cashier interrupted, "That'll be $23.52."

I dug out the money, picked up my provisions and turned around.

"Well, Ms. Morris…hopefully we'll meet again soon," Mort said, winking at me.

I felt lightheaded as I waved goodbye. I could feel his eyes on me s I walked to my car. Really, I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay with him and talk. I've never been so drawn to anyone before so strongly. Even Sidney had to ask me twice to go out with him at first, and even then I reluctantly agreed. But Mort...I could tell already that I'd fallen for him. Sad, I know. Three minutes, and I was sold.

Once at my cabin, I unloaded my suitcases and purchases. It was a cute little place, yet it didn't feel overly cozy. But then again, I haven't even been fond of the woodsy deal. It was small, but it was more than enough room for one person. I dropped my purse on the kitchen table and threw the Diet Coke and fruit into the fridge.

The house was located by a lake, off of a dirt road. It wasn't too far away from the town. I decided to take a quick walk around the property before I turned in for the night. I slipped on my flip flops and walked out the front. There was a dock and the lawn was filled with wild flowers. There was a path that led off into the distance. It was getting pretty dark fairly quick, so I turned around and headed for the cabin.

I was exhausted after a long plane ride and what felt like an even longer drive. My cell phone rang shrilly, breaking the silence. I pulled it out of my phone and glanced at the caller I.D. Sidney. Of course. I flipped it open.

"Hi, honey," I said.

"Hey, sweetie," he replied, "I just wanted to make sure that you got there alright and everything is going okay…"

"Yeah, everything is fine," I paused, then added, "It seems like this is the place to come. No one's recognized me yet, and the people are so welcoming."

"Really honey? That's great. And you're sure you don't want me to come out there with you?"

"No, no," I answered, trying to keep my cool. I didn't want him out here before because he'd blow my cover for sure…but now I didn't want him out here because of Mort. I was a terrible girlfriend, wasn't I?

"Okay, but Caidence, if you need me at all, call me, and I'll be out there in a matter of hours. I love you," Sidney told me.

"Love ya too, sweetie. I'll talk to you later. Night."

I clicked off the phone and retired to bed. I had to be one of the worst girlfriends ever. I mean, seriously. I have a gorgeous, sweet boyfriend who would do anything for me and I've already spent way too much time fantasing about a hot local I just met.

"Stop it," I told myself, "Nothing's going to happen with Mort. He was just being friendly. Get over yourself."

With my thoughts still lingering on the Mort, I drifted off to sleep.