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Violet

I needed time away froo when my parents retired to Florida, I have worked nonstop My brother has his own mechanic shop and had no interest in the faoing to go crazy I’ve tried taking time off before, but I always end up at the restaurant So—it never fails This time, I went out of town, and all I can hope for is that the restaurant is still standing when I get back

I'm in Jasper It's only 45 ht as well be across the country it's so different Where Whiskey Run is set lost in

I' on onna pretend to act like I knohat kind of car it is, but it's obviously expensive with its sleek curves and black-tinted s Like everyone else, I watch as it pulls in next to the pumps I may not know a lot about cars, but I know this one is i up stories about the driver, wondering what kind of job or life they have It’s just a thing I do, and even though I’m probably never close to reality, it’s still fun My puover at the car

My ets out He’s on his phone, clueless to all the stares he’s getting, butHe’s at least six foot four, and his shoulders are so big I wonder how he can get through doorithout turning sideways He’s gruff looking with a pissed-off expression on his face but it doesn’t take away froood lucks I fan my face as I walk past his car and inside The ue

I go to the ladies’ roorab a bottle of water, Mr Good-looking is still on the phone, staring at the refrigerated bottles, and I don’t pretend not to eavesdrop

“I don’t care, Nick This was the kid’s wish He wanted to have dinner with me at my house” He pauses for a minute “Really? The kid just beat cancer and he wants to have dinner with et him takeout?” After another pause, “I know he’s just a kid, but forget it, Nick I got this”

He hangs up the phone, and before I can get caught standing there, staring at him, I reach around him “Excuse me”

I grab a cold water, and the nore hi up into his face I kneas tall, but the way I have to almost bend backwards to look up at him really makes it obvious how tall

He’s glowering down at me, and I can’t tell if he’s mad that I reached around him, mad about his phone call, or what, but he has a heat in his eyes that is turningas he is looking at me the way he is, I should be scared But I’m not Not in the least

“Hi,” he grunts

Heat fills ruff and sexy “Hi,” I squeak and then tuck et in line at the cashier I force myself not to look around, but as soon as I hear his voice behindme wish I could just record his voice and replay it when I’m alone in my bedroom I can’t stop the tremble that shakes my body “You from around here?”

When no one responds, I turn around and realize then he’s asking me the question “Oh, uh no, I’m just here for a few days”

He opens his s, and he looks down at it It looks extreotta take this”

I shrug, s a step forward in line

“Thank you for calling ht It’s only for a dinner of three”

He pauses, and I can hear the defeat in his voice “Yeah, sure I understand It’s short notice I get it”