She never meant to stay. He never thought he deserved love. But Lonesome Creek has other plans.

Allie: Running from my father’s criminal past wasn’t my plan, but when dangerous people want something I don’t have, the orc cowboy town of Lonesome Creek becomes my only sanctuary. Taking a job with Hail, the quiet orc potter whose hands create magic from clay, should be temporary. Just long enough to disappear. But watching him work and seeing the gentle way he treats his rescued wolf, Tressa, I feel safe for the first time in months. I’m starting to want things I can’t have. Like his shy smiles. A future that isn’t built on fear. But falling for him means risking everything I’ve fought to protect.

Hail: Running the pottery barn keeps my hands busy and my heart quiet, even when my stutter makes talking to tourists a challenge. Then I hire Allie as my assistant, and I start dreaming of something more. She makes my art sound like magic instead of mud. I don’t care that she’s got secrets. But when someone threatens her, I’ll protect what’s mine. I’d face down the world for the woman who sees beauty in my simple pottery and makes me believe I’m worth fighting for. And I’ll spend forever proving she was right to trust a shy orc with her heart.