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Tancy gripped a stack of folders in one hand while she rummaged for her car keys. Hearing heavy determined footsteps, she looked up, seeing Teague stalk in her direction with a dark thundercloud of irritation following in his wake. “Darn it.”
“Francis Marigold Foster, I have a bone to pick with you.”
“I’d be happy to organize your calendar so you can make the most of the opportunities I’ve so kindly sent your way.” The air around him thickened with frustration. “I’ll even spearhead your makeover and share all of my best date ideas.”
“You haven’t been on a date in years. How the hell do you have any ideas?”
She ignored the comment and the way his beard functioned as an exclamation point on his too kissable lips. “Don’t be mean just because you don’t know how to deal with a bevy of interested women.”
Teague dropped his head. “What did you do, Tancy?”
“I’m helping you.” Seeing his large hands flex made a tiny seed of doubt grow. Had she guessed incorrectly? “I have nothing but good intentions.”
“And yet it feels just the opposite.”
The frustration marring his blunt features made her wince. “I saw a chance to help, and we both know that’s something I can’t resist.”
“Start from the beginning.”
“Can I give you all the details tomorrow?” She looked past his shoulder. “I have to pick up dessert for dinner with the aunties.”
“We’re going to make time.”
“Must we?” She clicked her key fob and opened the car door placing the folders in the back seat. “You might like the story better tomorrow.” When she straightened, she noticed his expression had gone twisty, like he was watching a distasteful movie and couldn’t wait for it to end. “Perhaps taking time to marinate in the delicious options will make you feel a bit less stabby.”
“Doubt it,” he muttered impatiently.
She closed her car door and decided that publicly sharing the story was probably best. After all, how loud could he shout in the middle of downtown?
Teague placed his hand on Tancy’s lower back and steered her toward the bakery. “Don’t gloss over the important details. I want to know what I’m dealing with.”
“It all started with the hutch you made for my living room.” She glanced over. “I have a TikTok page offering advice for women navigating their legal options and have around five thousand followers. Or I did before your pictures went viral.”
“There are that many people willing to listen to you?”
She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. “Do you want to hear the story or not?”
“I do.” He shook his head. “Even if it does kill me.”
“That’s a tad dramatic.” She studied his beautiful cerulean eyes staring holes into her being, and let out a huff. “How bad could it have been?”
“I had to speak with dozens and dozens of women today and deflect some fairly uncomfortable questions, so I’d say there is zero drama imbued into the statement.”
“Fine.” She exhaled the weight of her unease. “It all started when I began filming my posts in the front of the cabinet. From day one, I was inundated with requests about where I found it.” She began walking toward the bakery. “Since I’m a good friend, I made the most of the interest and promoted your business online.”
Teague emitted a low growl, so she cut to the chase. “I shared a picture of you, and people went gaga. You’re very handsome, so it’s not a surprise.” His brows knocked together in confusion. “You do look in the mirror occasionally, don’t you?”
“Not if I can help it.”
She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, people were clamoring for more, and since I’m not one to disappoint my followers, I shared a couple of pictures from last summer when we were at the beach. Your bare-chested muscly yumminess went viral and has a little over a million views.”
Teague sucked in a breath. “What did you say?”
“You’re the moment, Teague. Tall, tattooed men are what women want. And the fact you know your way around a tool bench is the buttercream frosting to their cake.” She patted his arm. “I thought you could not only grow your business but get dozens of dates. And don’t worry, I didn’t mention your unfortunate personality, constant grunting, or deplorable taste in music. So, you have a real chance of finding lots of terrific candidates.” She gave him an encouraging smile. “My best advice is to let your body do the talking so your lack of charm won’t be a barrier to finding love.”
She tilted her head, deciding that he had enough information. “I’ve got to run before the bakery closes.” She took two steps back. “This will be terrific.” Scurrying away before he could say more, she prayed he’d eventually appreciate her kind gesture and not decide to get rid of her in her sleep.
There was still so much to do, and an early demise would undoubtedly get in the way of that.
