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She could tell Haydenwantedto kiss her. His patience and self-control were sweet and special. On the other hand, if he didn’t kiss her soon, she might need to grab a fistful of T-shirt and plant a kiss on the man’s mouth he’d never forget.

Then again, she probably wouldn’t, because Violet Simmons was oh so proper.

Dani lowered her cup to the table. “You might not be able to tell, butthisis the face of giddy. I wish you could have seenyourface in the past minute or two. Your expressions tell a story all their own.”

No wonder this girl was her best friend and had been since childhood. Dani was sunshine for her soul.

“Admit it, my friend. You’re not just falling in love with Hayden. You’vearrived.”

Violet’s fingers curled around the poem paper in her pocket, and she couldn’t stop her smile. “I believe I have.”

Chapter Seventeen

GLANCING AT THE CLOCK, Hayden turned on KGOLD as he drove to the station. Not that he’d purposely cut the already late soccer practice short, but he wanted to catch part of Violet’s show.

“This is Violet Simmons withLove Noteson KGOLD, and now we’re continuing our discussion with Judy from Ironton. So, Judy, when we give access to, and allow those seemingly ‘little’ sins to infiltrate our life, that’s when the ‘bigger’ sins can take root. Unfortunately, that’s also when they can form roots and start to grow out of control. It’s so important to cling to God and His Word during times of trouble and surround yourself with those who will pray for you and encourage you.”

“Wow,” Hayden breathed. Did Violet have any idea how profound she could be sometimes? Of course, he was falling so deeply in love with the woman, so she could tell a caller the iconic Gateway Arch was in St. Louis, and he’d consider her a bona fide genius.

“As much as I hate to admit it, I’m pretty sure that’s what’s happening with my husband.” Poor Judy sounded resigned.

“We’ll pray he keeps his commitment to counseling with your pastor. Keep the faith, Judy. Please know I’ll be in prayer for you both as you go through this process.” Violet’s voice was soothing, reassuring.

“I know God can move mountains, so like you said earlier, I need to trust He’ll work a miracle in my husband’s life—inourlives. I appreciate you, Violet. Knowing you’re there and care means more than you’ll ever know.”

“You’re welcome, Judy. I consider it an honor that you place your confidence and trust in me.” Violet’s voice wavered, tugging on Hayden’s heart as she prayed for the woman. Sure, some guys called it sappy, but it was heartfelt sap. They dealt with real people and authentic problems. As much as anyone, he understood the emotions Violet was feeling now.

“Thanks again for calling in tonight. I’m going to take a short break, but while I’m gone, I hope you’ll enjoy the latest music from two favorite contemporary Christian artists who seem tolivetheir faith. May we all be so obedient.”

Violet’s taking a break?That was new. He’d never known her to take a break during her show. Not that he listened every day, but he caught her show whenever he could.

Hayden dialed Violet’s cell phone number using the screen on his dashboard, frowning when the generic voice mail kicked in. “Hey, Violet. It’s Hayden. I’m in the truck on my way to the station and heard what you said to Judy. It was . . . profound. That’s all I wanted to say, but it was awesome. Okay, then. I’ll see you soon.” He darted a glance at the clock again. “Like in ten minutes. Take care.”

Ugh.If he didn’t already know he was smitten with Violet, that awkward sign-off was a huge clue. “Take care,” he mimicked. What a goob. Realizing he was speeding, Hayden eased up on the accelerator. He couldn’t afford a speeding ticket. The deputy sheriff often patrolled this relatively quiet road leading out to the small building that housed the radio station on the outskirts of Goldenrod. No sense in giving the lawman a reason to pull him over.

VIOLET RARELY TOOK TIME AWAY from the booth during her show, but it was embarrassing how that third glass of strawberry lemonade at lunch with Dani had her running to the ladies’ room so often. Not that she’d ever admit such a thing to her listeners, although Hayden probably would. He was so open and rattled off whatever thoughts rambled around in his fertile mind. Still, the man the most self-deprecating she’d ever met.

That was one of the many reasons why KGOLD listeners loved him.

And why you like him so much.Ever since he’d adopted Haystack and been telling hisnew puppy ownerstories, his ratings—and consequently,theirratings—had tripled. Maybe she should start mentioning Snugs. Maybe…not. Men raising babies or animals were always cuter and more relatable than a woman with a cat.

Hearing a knock on the glass of the sound booth, Violet looked up.Hayden.Even with sweat gleaming on his brow and damp hair, he looked handsome. Based on his gold and maroon Goldenrod Riders jersey, he must have come straight from a late soccer practice.

I called you, he mouthed, putting an imaginary cell phone to his ear. The guy was too cute. Until recently, that thought never would have crossed her mind. Neither would Hayden have called her. Now…well, things were different. Their relationship had changed the night they’d been at the coffee house. The personal dynamics between them had seemingly shifted to theI’m crushing on youstage.

Relationship?Oh, goodness. Am I in a relationship?Yes, she was. Sort of. With Hayden Brooks, no less. As her Grandma Ella would say, “Will wonders never cease?” Grandma Ella would get a kick out of Hayden. Her parents and Trent had told her on multiple occasions how much they enjoyed Hayden during their combined show. In fact, they mentioned it more thanherindividual show.

Get over yourself, Violet.

Hayden was still standing outside the booth. She had a minute left until the end of the current song, so she tugged her phone out of her purse beneath the desk.

Giving her a thumbs-up, he grinned and moved down the hall.

Shameless or not, Violet was on her feet in seconds. Walking over to the window, she caught a glimpse of him—gym bag in hand—as Hayden darted into the men’s room.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t see that.”

Her cheeks flushed at Jillian’s comment. She’d forgotten Charles’s assistant was in the control room behind the sound booth. Scurrying back behind the desk, Violet grabbed her phone and listened to Hayden’s short message.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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