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When she shook her head, Hayden pressed forward. “I’ll admit, when I first heard Chuck’s idea, I wasn’t sure it’d work. When you think about it more, I think you’ll come to the same conclusion I did.”

“Which is?”

“It’s brilliant! You can’t ignore how this will enhance our on-air profiles.”

And there they were, those little missiles of fire launched directly at him. “Is that all you care about? The bottom line for our careers?”

His arms found their way across his chest. He was tired of having to second-guess everything he said to this woman. “Of course not. Give me a modicum of credit, Violet. I hope it’ll benefit the station, but like it or not, it’s all part of the . . . process.” He stopped himself from sayinggame. In some ways itwasa game. He just hadn’t expected it to be so difficult to earn respect from this woman. She was every bit as stubborn as she was beautiful.

Violet closed the distance between them. “What abouthelpingpeople, Hayden? Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I thought you felt the same way.”

“You know I do, but sometimes we have to try new things,” he said, lowering his tone to match hers. “You made an offhand comment about me being flippant the other day, but what you’re calling ‘flippant’ is my way of being positive and lighthearted. I’m not putting anyone down, I’m not devaluing their worth, and I’m not being mean.”

He stepped close enough to pick up on the light, floral scent she wore.Intoxicating.“That touch of humor might be the only smile a person has in his or her day.”

She angled her head, neither a yes nor a no.Lipstick.That’s what was different about her today. The color was brighter than usual, reminding him of strawberries—plump and ripe.

“Hayden, you’re staring.”

“Sorry. Doing a show together will create positive buzz and generate excitement for the station.” His gaze met hers. “That can only be a good thing.”

Violet’s eyes widened. “Did you fake being tired last night to trick me into helping you with the show? For a trial run?”

“Wow, that’s unfair.” His jaw tightened. Hayden ran his hand over the back of his neck, determined not to give in to his frustration. “No, although I might have thought of it if I were half as creative as you. In case you haven’t noticed, I have a very high opinion of your talents. In fact, I’m hoping you can drag me out of the trenches of self-absorption long enough to elevate my professional reputation to some semblance of respectability.”

Violet started to speak then paused. Could it be he’d rendered her speechless?

“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”

Hayden’s mouth gaped as she walked away. Once again, the woman had upended him. Never in his life had he met a better adversary, male or female. Violet was his match, wit for wit, barb for barb.

The problem was, he didn’t want to fight with her.

As she reached her office, Violet turned, wearing an undecipherable expression before she quietly closed her door. What was this womandoingto him?

That’s when it hit him with almost alarming clarity. Violet was the one. sheTheone. Theone. Hayden hurried down the hall and closedhisdoor, something he rarely did.

He needed time to think. Time to pray.

Lord, help me.

Chapter Eleven

“WHAT DOES YOUR CATCHPHRASE MEAN?” Violet took the crepe paper sunflower Hayden handed her and tacked it in the corner of the ceiling. “Making hay while the sun shines.”

“I know the one.” He frowned. “I’ve built a radio from scratch, but getting a new roll of crepe paper started is impossible.”

Violet quickly climbed back down the ladder. “Hand it to me.” Using her fingernail, she took care of it in seconds.

“Showoff,” Hayden teased. “Ready to tackle the next section?”

“Armed and ready.” With a grin, Violet held up her supplies.

Lifting the ladder, he moved it over to the next section of the gym, giving her a glimpse of his muscular arms. Those muscles made regular appearances at the radio station, but lately, she’d noticed them more.

She’d tossed and turned most of the night, wishing she’d curbed her sharp tongue. Finally, she’d pulled out her Bible and searched verses on the tongue. She’d prayed and then fallen asleep meditating on Colossians 4:6,Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Violet arrived at the high school determined to be nice after their cross words yesterday. She’d made a pretty little speech before they started decorating. Hayden watched her with a bemused smile and pledged to try and not annoy her. They both knew their truce probably wouldn’t last long, but they’d try. One of Hayden’s best qualities was his ability to easily forgive others. Good thing for her. Neither did he seem to hold a grudge.

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