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“So how long have you been back in Hallies Falls?”

“About six months,” I replied “I ca too well, and the e on his own It’s getting to a point where I’ll have to h decisions My real life is in Seattle, and everyone there thinks I should just move hi or find a property h This place has been a part of me my entire life”

Cooper nodded, his face thoughtful

“Loyalty is a good thing,” he pointed out “Gotta respect that”

I foundat him in surprise

“Thanks Not everyone sees it that way”

“Yeah, well opinions are like assholes, remember?” he said “Sometimes you just need to tune out the static for a while”

“Exactly—and that’s what I’ Sooner or later I’ll have tothe business forever without a real commercial kitchen I could build one in the base commitment, because it’ll take at least five years before I recoup all the costs Thankfully, Moo, so I don’t need to worry about liquidating, even if Dad needs long-term care”

“That’s good news,” he said, and I fell into his eyes a little They were dark and rich, and then he licked his lips and heat rushed throughhim back to my room and—

“Tinker?”

“Yes?” I asked breathlessly

“Where should I put the food?”

So h

“Just take it into the kitchen and set it on the counter,” I said, looking around to see if there was anything I could discreetly stab utter At least there wasn’t much leftover food to deal with, so I loaded the dishwasher while he carried everything inside Then he leaned against the counter next toas I washed the silverware by hand

“Why don’t you put it in the machine?” he asked

“It’s ,” I said “I don’t want the dishwasher to dae it”

Cooper raised a brow

“You always use sterling silver for a picnic with paper plates?”

I laughed

“Grandood china for tea parties, too Using the silverware s back memories When I use the plates all I can think about is the fact that I’ more work for myself Can you dry?”