Page 10 of Falling For You

The nerve.

Who did he think he was, coming to the Hungry Buck?

This was my place, full of friendly people.

“Hey, Vi.” Liam glanced between Evie and me. “Everything okay?”

My frown deepened. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“You just look a little perturbed.”

“Your sister is probably starving like I am,” she offered.

I nodded at Evie and grinned. “Exactly.”

Sneaking a look back in the stranger’s direction, I noticed him lifting his gaze from our booth at the same moment.

Liam laughed softly and nodded. “Oh, I see.”

My brow lifted as the server came over. “What do you see?”

“You’re playing eyeball tag with the guy at the bar.”

“I am not.”

“Which one?” Evie asked Liam.

He pointed at the stranger, and I scowled harder if that were possible.

“Oh, him.” She nodded and chuckled.

“You know the guy?” I asked, my heart pounding in my chest. “Did he try and hit on you?”

My stomach knotted for no reason.

She shook her head. “Not at all. He seems more into his phone than anything. I don’t think he’s from around here.”

“I saw him driving around our neighbor’s property earlier today.” I shrugged. “But he wasn’t exactly friendly, and he certainly wasn’t forthcoming.”

“His boots are very shiny,” she offered.

“Right?” I laughed. “He hasn’t put them to much use yet.”

She flashed the man a quick look. “And he looks agitated. It’s good that he’s attractive, or his scowl might be a little scary.”

“I know. I totally agree.” I nodded and stretched my legs under the table. I’d scooted in next to my brother so he could have a straight shot at Evie. “He’s got a good body, though,” I added.

“Is this what women do? Pick us apart like we’re meat?” Liam joked.

Evie chuckled. “You poor souls. Men have it so bad, being wrongfully judged.”

I felt the stranger’s gaze on me again, and I looked over to see him studying me. He didn’t even try to hide it this time.

A male server came over with a tray of drinks and set it down at the end of the table.

“Compliments of the man at the bar.”

My eyes shot to the coy stranger, and his eyes smiled more than his lips.

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