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"I’randpa’s ranch," he explains "You remember, it’s a couple of miles that-a-way" He nods in an eastward direction

My heart drops "You ?"

Hunter seems aht you so from that bo a reen-patterned bakery box

Krispy Kreht ht about flowers, but I rerins at me, proud as a little kid as I duh drifts up, and despite ht , save a warret

Hunter watches me "So, you want to have dinner with me to say thanks?"

Wait, what?!

"Dinner?" I repeat "Like, a date?"

And I thought this encounter couldn’t get any stranger

"You say it like it’s a dirty word" Hunter teases "Yes, a date We’ll go eat soht over who pays the check" He strolls closer, just the narrow table between us now "Just so you know, I’ll win that one," he adds, reaching over to take a cruller from the bakery box, still open in my arms He bites down and sar "I don’t care what you say about equality and woentleton Here inI can say to this

"No"

Hunter chews thoughtfully "Why not?"

"A girl doesn’t need a reason to turn you down" I reply archly, struggling to cling on to h"

"But you do want to" Hunter reaches for the bakery box again I snap the lid shut

"Oh yeah?" I’ance now Oruy in toould have cut bait and bailed for an easier target by now

"Yeah" Hunter fixeslook "You want to spend tih over a couple of drinks, and have me kiss you senseless on the front porch out there when I bring you hoive ood reason why not"

Kiss h me like this? What can I say to !" I finally blurt, but the words lance over to the clock above the mantle, and I realize that my excuse is true "Shit, I’m late Garrett!" I exclaim

Hunter’s face darkens "Is Garrett your boyfriend?"

I’er "My boss" I drop the donut box to the table, grab my purse and head for the door "Or rather, soon to be ex-boss, if I don’t get my ass to Jimlad that Hunter follows on my heels "You need a ride?" Hunter offers

"I can take care of myself" I lock up, and head for Garrett’s truck without another look

"Think about what I said," Hunter calls after me "You,this town has to offer You’ll have fun, I pro the engine "I’d rather pull teeth"

Hunter’s laughter echoes after lance in olden in the setting sun, reaching into--

Damn He took the donuts

I rush into the bar, breathless and apologetic "Sorry, sorry, sorry!" I yelp, grabbingthe ties into a knot around my waist "I know, I’et it together enough to look around, I realize why "This is Jade," he says, introducingher work apron She’s standing by the bar, gazing adoringly at Garrett "She’s going to be helping out now that Melissa is gone"

"I bet she will" I give Garrett a glare, then switch on a smile for poor Jade She doesn’t knohat she’s in for "Welcome to Jimmy’s You need me to show you around?"

"Already covered" Garrett interrupts rin "Why don’t you head on back and grab , boss!" Jade disappears down the hallway

Garrett watches her go "I like the way she says that Boss"

I lean over the bar and punch Garrett in the arlares "What was that for?"

"That was for Jade"

"I haven’t laid a finger on her!" Garrett protests

"And she’s been here all of tensloppy"

"You make it sound like I’m so face "I can’t help it if women find me irresistible"

"What a dreadful curse, my heart breaks for you!" I slide his keys across the bar "Here, boss The truck’s right outside, I even filled her up with gas"