Page 52 of Country Charm

I sling my arm around Cassidy’s waist from behind and pull her back to my chest.

“Whoa,” she giggles, and some of my anger simmers.

“Sorry, Beautiful, I parked by the apartment and walked since there was no parkin’ ‘round here.”

Cassidy’s body relaxes into mine and she tilts her head back to meet my gaze.

Fuck, beautiful doesn’t even cut it.

I didn’t know a woman could be lovelier each time you saw her, and yet here she is. She’s wearing a mustard and navy cutoff and her signature ripped jeans—looking like a fuckin’ supermodel.

“It’s fine, we can Uber to get food.” She sounds sweet but annoyed. “Hunter, this is Dom. I met him a few days ago at work. Apparently, he lives close to here and decided to check this spot out. Dom, this is Hunter. He definitely doesn’t live around here, but you’ll find him where I am.” Leave it to Cassidy to tell this guy she’s unavailable without putting a title on what we have.

Dom squares up with me, I have a good four inches on him barefoot, but five in my boots. He looks me head to toe and catches sight of the shoes.

“Not from around here, are you?”

“No, that’s what she just said. But I go where she does, and we’re ‘bout to head to dinner.” I’m curt and clipped. Cassidy can be as sweet as she wants to this worm, but I have no reason to be nice unless he’s a boss of hers. I look down at her apologetically, and she just smiles warmly.

“It was good seein’ you Dom, but we better get goin’.” Cass drops the “g” on her words, and I quietly laugh to myself.

“See you Monday, Cassie.”

Cassie? I look over to her and see that annoyance flash in her eyes. She doesn’t even look like a Cassie. She just nods and hops off her stool. Slipping her hand in mine, she leads the way out of the bar.

“I’m sorry, I thought I was early,” I open.

“You’re on time, Hunt. It’s fine. Food?” She squeezes my hand reassuringly.

“I haven’t eaten all day. I stole a pack of cherry tomatoes from my stand today, but that’s it.”

Cassidy giggles again and the sound makes me feel like the ground has suddenly become softer. I was worried we would be tense and unsure around each other, but immediately we’ve clicked into comfort.

“I’ve got a surprise for you after dinner.”

She tilts her head up to me and a flicker of arousal comes across her face.

“I bet you do.” She grins and I harden.

I’m so fucked.

“Come on, Country Charm, you’re about to eat some city slicker food.”

“But it’s not cooked?” I’m sitting at the tiniest table known to man, on the floor. My boots are at the front door.

“No, but it’s safe to eat.”

“Can’t I order somethin’ from over there?” I point to the tables that have grills or some sort of cooktop built into them.

“No, you’re trying something new. Just like I am.” She’s got this tone that says she won’t be argued with. My ma has the same one. I won’t admit it to Cass, but I like that tone on her a whole lot.

“What are you tryin’?” I ask. Cassidy is wrapping a rubber band around two wooden sticks that are supposed to serve as eating utensils.

“A second dinner date with a man I’ve already slept with, Hunter Hill,” she deadpans, and I feel like letting out a loud whoop.

“Fair enough, raw fish for dinner it is. If I become violently ill, are you going to nurse me back to health?”

“I don’t even have a thermometer at my place, but I might have some expired Tylenol or something.”

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