Stargazer — Wendy S. Marcus

Randall Dickson is coping, sort of. An upcoming medical evaluation, one that could end his military career, has him stressed and making bad choices. So when a concerned friend issues a strongly worded “invitation” to Vermont, R. D. is all in, for it’ll be a change of scenery, a temporary job as a bartender, and the opportunity to shake himself out of his self-destructive routine. Then he sets eyes on his seriously sexy new coworker. Lily Reynolds, an artist by day, Speakeasy’s favorite bartender at night, works hard to stay positive, unlike her surly new coworker. He may be a treat to look at, but that grumpy attitude and terse manner are not her type. So when Lily finds herself in desperate need of someone to share expenses, she convinces R. D. to rent her vacant room. There’s no way she’ll find herself falling for him.She’d like to find the secret admirer who is leaving her secret love notes around the bar, though. But he won’t reveal himself.