Love In Cardwell by Mark F. Geatches

Just when Jason is settling into a new, self-imposed lifestyle that does not include romantic love or even the prospect of dating, a chance encounter on Main Street makes him question his solitude and willpower. Karen is a firebrand who has her sights on Jason for sexual conquest, while her best friend, Lucy, a girl-next-door sweetie, is interested in him for a meaningful relationship. At first Karen wins out and a relationship is born, but her mysterious silence about anything personal makes Jason worry she only cares about sex. Even while their tumultuous relationship develops, deep down Jason realizes that Lucy has always been the girl for him. In the end, and after a great deal of uncertainty, a series of unusual circumstances takes the decision completely out of Jason's hands.