Page 5 of Tennessee Trouble

“Yes!”

“’Cause he’s walking over here.”

What?!

I freeze, internally panicking, my inner cartoon character running around in circles as if she were on fire and forgot the stop, drop, and roll drill we were all taught as children. Not helping.

“Look at me!” April snaps her fingers in my face, bringing my attention back to her. “You got this. Treat this like you do any of your other Wink & Shine dealings. Brain first, heart second. Or in this case, lady bits first, brain second, heart not at all. One night of fun.”

One night of fun…right…

“Hey.”

My heart stops, kick-starting back to life a split second later. His smooth as molasses voice with a thick Southern accent feels like a warm hug, and all he did was say hey. This is going to be trouble.

No, I got this. Just like April said. Lady bits first, heart not at all. One night of fun.

One night of fun…

“Hey,” I return.

“CedarSteel. Is there anyone manning their booth?”

His smile spreads across his face, the smell of Irish Spring soap filling my nostrils as he steps closer, making butterflies take flight in my tummy. Seriously, this man has no business being this damn charming asking these simple questions.

“They stepped away for a second. Can I help?”

“I was just hoping to meet the brains behind the operation.”

“That would imply there are brains…”

Oh, shit. That was snarky. I didn’t mean for that to come out that way. I was going for funny, but nope, I sounded bitchy. See, better with stills than people. Nice going, Lindee.

Except…he laughs. Throwing his head back slightly, Mr. Tall and Broad lets out a real, honest-to-God laugh.

“Touché. How about someone who can at least tell me something about it? Anything…”

I bite my lip, wishing I could be more help. “They went to go fanboy over the Midnight Mavericks.”

Idiots…

“Well, that’s disappointing to hear.”

My insides perk up, getting way too excited over his response. Could it be that he also thinks those fly-by-night cowboys are overrated? No way…

“And you?”

Me?!

“What about me?” I ask, playing it cool. I think.

“You’re with…” He peers around me, giving my tent a once-over. “Wink & Shine?”

He grimaces saying the name. Because, of course.

I deflate slightly, my momentary excitement replaced by a new desire to tell him off. Until I catch April out of the corner of my eye, giving me the look. The one telling me to let it roll. To just go with it and pretend like I didn’t see his involuntary reaction to my baby.

“I’m just kinda here…” I look down at myself again, thankful I went for the plain black tee this morning and not something branded.