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Zoey shook her head with a snort. “You thinkI’dhit on your contractor?”
“No. But are you hitting on your attorney?”
The question left Zoe staring, her mouth open. All she could think about was the near miss she and Mike had the other night. He’d wanted to kiss her—she was sure of it. But that was just a moment. It didn’t mean anything. She definitely didn’t want people gossiping about it, so she rushed to deflect Vickie’s curiosity.
“Have you hit your head recently? Are you smoking weed?” Zoey was protesting too strongly, and Vickie knew it.
“A simplenowould have sufficed. Why does my simple question have you so worked up?”
They stared at each other for a moment before Zoey smiled. “Maybe for the same reason you got worked up about Gordy. Seems like both of us are in denial or...something. Do youlikeGordy?”
“I’ve known him since high school.”
“Do youlikehim?”
Vickie stared at the counter. “Yes, I think I do. And do you like Mike?”
“Mike and I are best friends. You know that.”
“Hazel mentioned that he stops by your place quite a bit in the evenings.”
Zoey felt a chill. “Was she upset about it? It reallyisinnocent—we talk while I work on repairs. That’s it.”
Until he almost kissed me...
“Relax,” Vickie said. “Hazel didn’t seem concerned. I was just surprised when she said he’s therea lot.” She tipped her head to the side. “How often isa lot?”
“I don’t know...a couple times a week.”
Vickie arched a manicured eyebrow. “He’s been coming over a couple times a week foryearsand nothing’s happened? Not once?”
“Neither of us would risk our friendship for some...fling. Sex changes everything.”
“I was thinking more likedating, but it’s interesting that you jumped right to mentioningsex.”
Zoey didn’t have an answer for that. Her thoughts about Mike were getting moreinterestingall the time.
Vickie studied her, and a slow smile grew on her face. “So youhavethought about it?”
Not until recently...
“Have you thought about sex with Gordy?” Vickie’s mouth opened, but she didn’t answer. Zoey chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes. So we’ve both got sex on the brain.”
Vickie’s mouth twitched. “I still say I’m too old. But you’re not.”
Zoey shook her head adamantly. “Even if Mike wasn’t...well, my very best friend in the world, I wouldn’t get into a relationship with him or anyone else. This isHazel’syear, not mine. She’s been through enough upheaval. And she’s told me more than once that she’s glad I’m not dating.”
She had to protect her daughter. Even if it meant resisting the delicious temptation of Mike McKinnon.
“HEY,DOYOUguys know anything about Karen and Edward Schiff? Up on the hill near Zoey’s place?”
Mike was sitting in a booth at The Spot with Luke Rutledge, Logan Taggart and Mark Hudson. He’d originally planned on meeting Mark for lunch, but when they spotted Logan and Luke coming in, they’d shared their booth. It was tourist season and the place was busy.
Luke made a face. “Aren’t they the ones who built that stupid cement house that looks more like a bunker than a home?”
Logan nodded. “I’ve seen that place—it’s cut right into the side of the hill. Are they survivalists or something?”
“Believe it or not, Ed’s an architect and author,” Mark answered. “I’ve met him a few times at the college—he teaches some classes there.” Mark taught classes at Brady College as well, being a well-known mural artist. “He’s writing a book about the guy who designed all the Victorian houses in town He’s quiet, but seems okay. Why?”
