“I just know my limit, that’s all.”
“If you say so.” Catie smiled and shook her head. “Since both of you are determined to keep secrets from me, I’m going to go check on Violet. You two try to stay out of trouble.”
“She’s got a belly full of fire worked up now,” Harper said.
“Can you blame her?”
“I suppose not. You, on the other hand, didn’t put up too much of a fight about Blake Buchanan.”
Amber sighed. Did this man forget nothing? She might have to kiss him again. The thought pleased her. “Why should I? I hardly know him.”
“That’s not what he seems to think.”
“Harper—”
“Look, I don’t know why he thinks he knows you from Rachel’s. And I don’t give a damn if you used to take your clothes off for a living.”
“I didn’t—”
He put two fingers on her lips. A jolt shot through her.
“Let me finish. Please.”
She nodded.
“I never thought you were my type at all, Amber. You’re beautiful, no doubt, but different as all hell from the girls I’m used to. I hadn’t given a thought to you in…that way. Until you kissed me, that is.”
Amber’s cheeks warmed. Was he attracted to her? What was he after? “I’m not sure what you’re saying.”
“I’m saying…aw, hell. I’ve never been any good at this. You want to go get a bite to eat after this shindig’s over? Maybe talk a little?”
She smiled. “Harper Bay, are you asking me out?”
“I’m trying. You’re not makin’ it easy.”
Amber’s heart pounded. The kiss had been ecstasy for her. She hadn’t thought it possible that he’d enjoyed it just as much. Yet she didn’t want to complicate her life with a man right now. She was enjoying her alone time in this small town. Life was good.
Course Harper Bay just might make it better. Heck, it was only dinner, right?
She smiled. “I’d love to have dinner with you, Harper.”
His lips curved upward in a smile that lit his whole face. He grabbed her hand, and electricity rushed up her forearm.
“I’m glad to hear that. How long do you think we have to stay at this shower you dragged me to?”
Amber laughed and entwined her fingers through his. “I guess we’ve stayed long enough.”
* * *
Blake Buchanan drove back from Chad McCray’s ranch to his hotel in downtown Bakersville. If he didn’t find work soon, he’d be shit out of luck. He had debts that wouldn’t wait much longer.
His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. His pal Bernie calling him back.
“Hey, Bern.”
“Blake, sorry I missed your call. What’s happening up north?”
“Same old same old. Lookin’ for work. I need some help with a situation.”