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Good “I’ll see you later”

“Ava Wait”

She didn’t

After grabbing her purse, she sailed out of the room and made tracks to the pub she’d passed earlier in the day Although the place seemed crowded, Ava found a seat at the bar and ordered a draft beer

The jukebox spewed country tunes A few couples were dancing Maybe she’d find a suy to teach her to two-step, since Chase had refused

Fucking Chase McKay Dauy took the barstool next to hers She recognized hiht She sht”

He smiled back “Thanks” He offered his hand “Taz Lashlee I saw you with Bill Chase and Ryan earlier Ryan tells me you’re a reporter?”

“Yes Ava Dumond”

Taz looked around “Am I in Bill’s chair?”

“No He’s not here”

“Huh” Taz ordered a beer

“So can I ask you a few questions?”

“You planning to put me in the hot seat?”

“Only if you want a chance to shitcan PC chit-chat and blow ritty, down-and-dirty stories about life on the road as a rodeo cowboy”

“Careful what you wish for” Taz held nothing back

Ava wished she’d brought her video caends SheThe variances between a grizzled old veteran, a coinning stage of learning the ropesdichotomy After an hour passed, she felt as if she’d known hi Bill to show up?”

“Nah He was tired He’s probably crashed in the rooether?”

Ava nodded “I’reed to show me the inside scoop That’s all”

“Dollface, that surely ain’t all Not even close The h to act on it

“I seen how he’s been lookin’ at you”

“And how’s that?”

“Like you’re a hot, sweet fried Twinkie and he’d like to lick you up one side and down the other before devouring you coar-free diet,” she said wryly

Taz chuckled “Maybe But I reckon he’s just trying to keep froination, Taz”

“I try Better to be one of thee Joe”

The conversation drifted to Ryan Upco Other events Then Taz took off, leaving Ava alone It was enough to give a girl a coh coh she doubted anyone would look at her and believe that

A guy paused behind the barstool on Ava’s right side He smiled “Is this seat taken?”

“No I was just—”