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Billy’s hand still hovered by her cheek, and she fought the urge to turn into his pal into his warmth How had he done it? With just a feords, he’d made her feel more sensitive to her dad and better about herself, all at the same time

What else could a man like that do, what else could he ht shift of her head, one step closer to his body, and she’d take this conversation to a whole different place What would he do if she did?

The door swung open It was her sister Laura froze at the sight of her and Billy, standing so close to each other in front of the sink The blood pounded in Sorrow’s cheeks

Laura waggled her brows in a way that she found intensely annoying "Kudos, kiddo Your pasta was a hit Even I loved it"

Sorrow turned her back and pretended to finish up soe that didn’t need rinsing Waiting for breathing to be not so difficult "I thought you didn’t do carbs"

Laura reverted to her high school big-sister voice "Shut Up" She put a stack of dishes in the sink, nudging Sorrow as she passed "I don’t eat a lot of pasta But I did have so smile "I’m honored"

"No, seriously," Laura said in aI ever got in North Beach," she added, referring to San Francisco’s Italian district, but then she put the tease back in her voice "Isn’t that right, Sheriff?"

Billy s the bait "I’ve been to North Beach a tiht"

"Wow, okay" Sorrow put the sponge down and turned to face Laura Now she really was bloay "Thank you Both of you"

Laura winked "And sonized that wicked look She should’ve known that Laura’s sweetness came with a price "Who?" Sorrow asked blandly

"Daerously close to a singsong "He’s getting a ga with that Neanderthal, Eddie I told hihten She wasn’t sure what bothered her h she could work up a list

Billy reached out toward her, and her heart soared, but then he squeezed her arood-bye, and her stomach fell He said, "I’ll leave you to it, then"

A part of her wished he’d show so But instead Billy just looked vaguely amused It , sure, but definitely well past teenager Hell, she’d been running the lodge nearly single-handedly

And yet, hearing Da froe feeling There was definitely no need to be self-conscious--Damien was hot He’d been an all-around sports star He was froly feeling in her chest?

She tried not to look as crestfallen as she felt Damien was here, but she wanted to play a round of pool with Billy Wanted Billy to be the one to walk her back to the house after they closed up

Billy’s hand on her arm had felt so broad and firave a shake to her head This was not good It was time to talk to Damien

But what if the connection she felt with Billy was a figination? He was a er, after all What if he mourned his wife too much ever to move on?

Or what if he were interested in a relationship--ould that i water she had no idea how to navigate

Billy’s voice brought her back to herself "I’ll see you toaze didn’t waver from hers Faint lines at his eyes, ined hiot out of his cruiser for a routine traffic stop Those eyes would be hard on someone who’d broken the law But they arm on her now

He was so different from Damien, his features not technically as handso But Billy was so in control of his world--he was steadiness, strength, and wisdos wereshe shared with Daed his voice He tilted his head, studying her "Silver City?"

Their shopping trip to Silver City--she’d forgotten Exciteht Of course Totally Tomorrow"

Froh

Sorrow blushed She’d answered a bit too giddily, and Laura had noticed She made a mental note to ask next ti sister planned on returning to the city

Billy didn’t seeot a buddy in the restaurant business there He talked to his supplier Usually they’re closed weekends, but we can get you into the warehouse toive you a new industrial freezer at cost"

Hearing that news, Sorrow forgot all about her sister Appliances cost a fortune, and she was still in denial about just howto run them "At cost? Really?"

"One that won’t break down" He winked and, for an instant, that rugged tough guy was just plain cute