Mr. Devon nods. “How you feelin’?”
Most people around here are unbearably polite. Mr. Devon is obviously the exception, since he doesn’t even acknowledge me. Then again, Mr. Sexy Stranger doesn’t introduce us either.
You’re being a creeper, Carina. He doesn’t even know you.
“Good.” Mr. Sexy Stranger grimaces. “Better, I guess. Thanks for asking.”
“Shame what happened,” Mr. Devon says. “We all were worried about you, boy.”
I wonder what that’s about.
“Thanks,” Mr. Sexy Stranger says again.
“Changing the subject, have I told you about my real good-lookin’ grandbaby?” Mr. Devon pulls out his phone. “Here’s a photo.” He points at his screen, calling for Mr. Sexy Stranger’s attention. “Look at how beautiful she is.”
Of course, grandfathers are throwing their granddaughters at him.
I need to get back to work instead of drooling all over this guy.
You’re in Summerville to make your mark as a chef, not to fall head over heels for a smoking hot Texan with emerald green eyes.
Time to go.
I take advantage of this distraction to walk away and pretend I haven’t made a complete fool out of myself.
Chapter 2
Rhett
Where did she go?
One second, I’m staring into a pair of gorgeous blue eyes, the next, Mr. Devon is all up in my business. Now, she’s disappeared and I don’t even know her name.
Who was that girl?
“Rosaleigh is ready for a man to saddle her down so she can start poppin’ out some big fat babies.” Mr. Devon’s voice snaps me back to reality. “Mrs. Devon and I are ready to be great-grandparents. We’d be the first in our group of friends. I’m tellin’ you, boy, my Rosy isreadyfor child bearin’.”
I hate the way he calls me, boy. It’s demeaning.
“Did I mention she’s only eighteen? Nice and real ripe.” He gestures to his chest with one hand, palm open as if groping a woman’s breast.
Fuck, that’s disturbing.
“She’s been savin’ herself, too. And oh, she’s not like those misguided girls who use anal sex as a diversion to hide the fact they’ve lost their virginity.”
Like I care.
“No, sir. My Rosy is as pure as the driven snow—front and back.”
God, that sounded so, so wrong.
“Mr. Devon. I just settled back in town?—”
“But it’s been six months.”
“Perhaps, but I’m onlynowsettled in.” People like him are why I’ve been a recluse.
“Of course. You need some time.”
