The description of “different shades of blond” doesn’t seem too specific, but I know one woman who fits that description all too well.
But there’s no way in hell Banner Regent would set foot in BFE or Podunk or whatever else she called Gold Haven, Kentucky.
Unless she’s here for you, a voice in my head argues.
I pay for my groceries, wish Rachel luck with her dad, and push my cart outside. I consider it fate that I’m parked next to Wanda Jenkins, who just delivered the gossip inside Piggly Wiggly.
“Can I give you a hand loading up your groceries, Ms. Jenkins?” I ask.
She’s sliding her key into the trunk lock on her Bonneville, but pauses at my offer. “A handsome man who wants to help me with my bags? I’d be silly to say no.”
I reach for a paper sack when she finishes unlocking and popping the trunk, and settle it inside. “Did you say there’s someone staying at Holly’s gran’s place? I usually try to keep an eye on it, but I hadn’t heard anything about someone coming to use it.”
Ms. Jenkins’s eyes light up at the prospect of her beingin the knowwhen clearly I’m not.
“Oh yes, that’s exactly what I said. I saw her carrying a couple big suitcases inside, so maybe she’s staying a while. But you know those city girls; they probably over-pack for every little thing.”
“I do know a few of those city girls, and you’re usually right. Maybe I should swing by and see what’s going on there, just in case.”
Her interest ticks up another notch. “You probably should. We need to look out for each other in this town. Outsiders aren’t always welcome.”
I hold back a sarcastic comment at her response, because even though I’m from this town, they all considered me an outsider until I started making bank.
“I’ll report back with what I find.”
She nods vigorously. “You be sure to do that.”
Damn Holly and her friends, and all the trouble they’ve brought to my door.
I load my groceries into my truck, and when I pull out of the parking lot, I still turn in the opposite direction of home.
Chapter 21
Logan
Holly’s gran’s house is lit up. Not just one light but all of them, like the person inside is scared of the dark. There’s no car out front, but through the drawn lace curtains, I can make out a person inside.
I’ve got two choices: pick up the phone and call Holly to find out who’s there, or knock on the door and find out for myself. I go for option two.
My headlights cut across the white siding and purple front porch. The curtains twitch, so I know whoever is inside knows they’ve got company.
I climb out of my truck, shut the door, and make my way up the front steps. When I knock on the door, the top of a blond head pops into view through the small glass windows set in the top of the door.
No fucking way.Turns out the gossips had it right this time.
She’s not tall enough, so she has to jump to peek through the window. Her whiskey-colored eyes widen when she sees me.
“What the hell are you doing here, Bruce?” I call from the front porch when she disappears from view.
A few moments of silence pass before the door is yanked open and Banner Regent stares at me from behind the screen door.
“What the hell areyoudoing here?”
Banner cocks a jean-covered hip, and it’s impossible to miss the attitude she’s throwing my way. The chest area of her white sweater is smudged with dust, but she still looks downright edible. My cock takes notice, even though I tell myself I’m still pissed at her.
“What amIdoing here? I live here. But last time I checked, New York princesses don’t set foot in BFE.”
Her full lips press into a flat line, but she still looks sexy as hell.Fuck me.