Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 57350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Bianca set the glass down. Against her will, her cheeks heated. “Um, what’s the special here tonight?”
Taylor nodded, pen already poised. “Enchiladas.”
Bianca blinked, happy to have changed topics. “Are they spicy?”
“We can make them spicy,” the girl said, tapping the pad once.
“I’ll take the spiciest you’ve got.”
Adam’s grin was immediate and relieved. “I’ll do the same.”
“Perfect.” Taylor scribbled fast, tore the slip free, and bopped off toward the kitchen, calling the order as she went.
Bianca let her gaze drift around the diner. Several people from the council meeting earlier were filtering in, claiming tables and booths in small clusters. A few glanced their way, curiosity open and unembarrassed. “I like your town.”
“We like it the way it is.”
Ah. Okay. That was a warning. “We’ll be here for three weeks tops,” she said. “We’re not going to hurt your town.”
“That’s what they all say,” he murmured.
She studied him for a beat. “Believe me or not.”
He studied her right back, and she fought the urge to squirm. The guy had an intensity that didn’t go with the Montana drawl. Finally, he spoke. “You seeing anybody?”
Her eyebrows lifted. “That’s forward.”
He met her look easily. “Is it?”
“Yes,” she said. “I find it rather direct.”
Bianca considered that for a moment. Did she want to leave the rooms above the bar in the early morning hours with the entire town knowing about it? Um, probably not. Yet she couldn’t stop herself from flirting. “Why? Do you want to see me?”
“Yep. Briefly. Like for three weeks before you leave?”
Amusement slid through her before she could stop it. “I appreciate the honesty.”
“Ah, come on.” His gaze stayed steady. “You belong in Maverick County about as much as a wild steer belongs in a pen, darlin’, but we could have fun while you’re here.”
“So, you’re offering a no-strings affair?” she asked.
“Sure, if that’s what you want to call it.”
What the heck else would she call it? But she wanted more facts and wasn’t relying on what Taylor had said. “Are you seeing anybody?”
“Nope. Haven’t for quite a while, actually.”
She tilted her head. “Why? Don’t want to get attached?”
He shrugged. “Most of the single women around here don’t stay that way for long. I have a couple who work for me, but they work for me. I don’t cross that line. Ever.”
“What was your last serious relationship?” she asked, curiosity surfacing despite herself, which was a problem for later.
“Serious?” He thought about it. “It’s been a while. Since I was in the service.”
That seemed like quite a while. “I could tell you’re ex-military.”
A shadow passed through his eyes. “Really? How so?”
“The way you move. The way you watch.”
He tapped long fingers on the table. “All right.”
“How long have you been out?”
“Long enough,” he said. “Grew up in Wyoming but didn’t have anything or anyone to go home to after the service. When I finished, I took some business classes afterward, came out here, and bought the bar. Been working there since. I like the town. I like the pace of a small town. That shouldn’t be changed.”
She caught the rest easily enough. The guy thought she was a city girl who liked the action. She didn’t fit in here.
“Hey, Bianca.” Clancy paused at the end of the booth.
She blinked. Oh, crap. This was not the moment she wanted. “Hi.”
Adam angled his head. “Friend?”
She nodded. “Clancy Clark, meet Adam Ridgeway. Adam owns the bar in town.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Clancy shook Adam’s hand. “Mind if I join you?”
“Sure,” Adam said.
Clancy motioned Bianca over, and she scooted, not loving this situation.
Despite having been in Montana for nearly three weeks, scouting different areas before settling on Mineral Lake as the right city, Clancy still wore a three-piece suit with a green power tie. His brown hair was brushed neatly back, his posture relaxed but deliberate. In his early thirties, the lawyer was good looking and smart. Very.
“You own the bar?” Clancy asked.
“I do,” Adam said, his tone giving nothing away. “And you?”
“I’m the attorney for Canyon Productions,” Clancy said. “I get them to sign the contracts while we find the place.” He stretched his arm along the back of the booth, brushing Bianca’s hair to the side. “Good job at the council meeting earlier. It’s nice everyone agreed.”
“Thank you,” Bianca held still. This felt awkward. Why? Because of Adam and that intense look in his eyes. “The council seemed very receptive. You can negotiate contracts with them tomorrow.”
Clancy nodded. “Good. I scored a couple today, so that should round up what we need.”
Adam’s gaze sharpened. “Who signed contracts with you today?”
Clancy exhaled, his body visibly relaxing. “That’s confidential. Sorry.”
“Not for long,” Adam said mildly. “There aren’t many secrets here, so you might as well tell me.”
Clancy eyed Adam and then glanced at Bianca. “I didn’t even ask if I was interrupting anything. Is this a date, B?”