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Perhaps she should be more proactive in promoting KGOLD, but who could compete with a walking advertisement? Especially one with obvious muscles and a winning smile.

“Trust me, I’ve had worse things spilled, spewed, and—”

“You work with kids. Yes, I remember.”

“Teenagers, technically. I’m also an uncle.”

“You are?” That was new information.

“Three times over. Best kids in the world, two girls and a boy.” He angled his head. “My sister, on the other hand . . ..”

Maureen set her latte on the counter. “Put your money away,” she said, but not before Violet caught the look the kindly woman exchanged with Hayden. “Your tab’s paid up for the next month.”

“Wh-what do you mean?” Violet stammered. Sheneverstammered.

“Precisely what I said. Enjoy and be thankful.” Maureen turned to Hayden. “What can I get for you this morning?”

Violet mumbled a quick goodbye as Hayden placed his order—black coffee, two creamers, one sugar.Wait a second.She returned to the counter. “Let me pay for your coffee for the month, Hayden.”

“Thanks, but I can’t let you do that.”

“Why not? Someone paid my tab, so I should pay it forward. You’re next in line.” The guy could stand to get to get acquainted with the meaning of humility.

He avoided her gaze.

“Is your manly pride holding you back?” The truth hit her with sudden clarity. “Wait. It’syou, isn’t it?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Hayden drummed his fingers on the counter.

“Spill it. Why would you do that?”

“Can’t a guy do something nice for a coworker?” He dug out his wallet and dropped a couple of bills into the tip jar. Anything to avoid looking directly at her.

Violet took a deep breath. “Look, Iknowhow much my morning latte costs. It’s my one indulgence—”

“Then maybe you should get out more.”

She half-laughed. “I hate it when you play games. Why can’t you answer my questions instead of dropping vague hints like a juvenile?”Oops.She’d slipped by saying ‘hate.’ And, yeah, she shouldn’t have compared him to a juvenile.

Hayden’s blue eyes zeroed in on her. “You know what they say about the fine line between love and hate.”

She shook her head. “Sonotwhat I mean.”

“No games, Violet. I’m not the one to tell you, is all. You’ll find out at the station sometime this week. Promise.”

“So, this is a bribe?”Violet lifted her cup.

The muscles in his cheeks flexed. “Not necessarily, but if you want it to be—”

“I was right. Youareinsufferable!” Violet turned to leave a second time. She’d barely reached the front door when a woman’s voice called Hayden’s name.

Don’t do it. You’re so close. Leave now and don’t look back.

Stopping just inside the front door, Violet fumbled for her keys while keeping one eye on Hayden. Cup in hand, he stopped beside a table. From the corner of her eye, Violet overheard the young, pretty blonde invite him to join her.

She’d heard and seen enough, but as she started to depart, she caught sight of a boy in a wheelchair at the table. He looked to be about six or seven. Although she’d seen them around town, Violet didn’t know them.

Hayden clearly does.She grew up in this town, but after six months, Hayden knew people she didn’t. She stayed long enough to witness him giving the child a high-five and engage him in an animated conversation.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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