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“I swear to God, is there a candle on this table?” I said, picking up the votive in its glass holder and pro to myself because it was hot

“Yeah, they’ve classed up the place,” Layla said, “still get all the crowds for the big garill than a bar The menus are even real—not laminated”

“Then maybe it’s too classy for me,” I joked

We ordered drinks Layla talked about parts she located for the classic car she was fixing up, and right after the drinks arrived, I worked up e

“I’ him behind the bar

I took a deep breath and walked up to the bar with a confidence I didn’t feel

“If it isn’t the All-A a casual smile

I had teased hih school ere teenagers, but the nickna He was six feet of wholesome, boy next door sex appeal Sandy blonde hair, square jaw, blue eyes, and the kind of broad shoulders that used to make me chew on my hair I had to forcibly re good, and not the kind of person who chewed on her hair nervously while crushing on her brother’s friend

Luke looked up fro His eyes took me in from my hair to the shoulder cutouts onlook Not disrespectful, not creepy Those icy blue eyes always seemed to pierce me, to make me lose my voice

“Ryan said you were back in town How’s your dad?” he said

“He’s holding his own How have you been?” I said, trying to keep the worry out of my voice

“Sa one shoulder

“This place looks great You’ve really fixed the place up”

“Dad and Mo it into this century,” he said “I’m pretty proud of it Ryan helped with it—well, with the loan,” he said

I nodded, knowing Ryan would help with paperwork, but wouldn’t so much as hand soood He said you’re down at the fire station now”

“Yeah It’s all I ever wanted to do”

“That’s great I’m happy for you”

“It’s really good of you to leave school and take over the lumberyard I knew you would,” he said

“How did you know?”