Page 47 of Unforgettable Cowboy
“Fills the space.Gives off a vibe.You don’t want to overload your space, but you can’t underload it either.And the people who linger eventually look up.”
Hayes tipped back his hat.“I had no idea of the science behind this.”
“Neither did I until after a few abyssal shows.Thankfully other vendors are supportive and gave me some hints.”Bailey looked past Hayes at the handful of early birds perusing wares while the artisans set up their spaces.When she looked back at Hayes, she could tell that he knew exactly what she’d been doing.Then a flash caught her eye, and she did a double take, grabbing Hayes’s arm.
“That’s him,” she said pointing at the tri-color collie mix that was galloping through the area.
“That’s who?”
“That is the little dog that’s been running around town.”
“The thief?”
Bailey headed for the dog, knowing it was probably useless but wanting to see if she could get close.He stopped near a trailer and cocked his head at her as she bent low, speaking softly to him.He was obviously enjoying the attention.Hayes came up behind Bailey and leaned close.
“Are you going to catch the thief?”he asked in her ear.Bailey elbowed him.
“Shush.I’m gaining trust.”
Hayes obligingly stepped back as Bailey crouched and held out a hand.The little dog approached cautiously, then he sat down a couple of yards out of reach and once again cocked his head, this time opening his mouth in a canine grin.“Hey, buddy.Just think what it would be like to be adopted and to know where your next meal is coming from.”
The little dog rose to his feet, turned and trotted in the opposite direction.Hayes laughed softly.“Reminds me of you.”
“Does it?”she asked in an unimpressed voice as she pushed herself to her feet again.
He reached for her.“Yep.You can get close, but not too close.”
“I have my reasons.”She put a hand to his chest, more to keep herself from doing something stupid in the PDA department than because she wanted to escape him.She had her qualms about allowing Hayes to help her set up, due to Chance seeing them together, but decided that he wouldn’t risk a confrontation with the Matthews brothers.
“We should discuss,” he said in a low voice.
A tiny shiver of desire went through her as she recalled the last time he’d used that tone with her and the events that had followed.Not the time or place, so she arranged her features into a prim expression and was met with an evil grin.
“Stop,” she whispered.
“No.”The sexy smile intensified, then he tilted his head toward her table where a man was studying her wares.As sometimes happened, the guy looked up as she approached, then moved along.A shy shopper.One who liked to look but not feel any pressure.Bailey was happy to oblige.
“Are you going to the street dance?”Hayes asked as they took their seats behind her table.
“Nope.It’s the lot of the vendor.You get to watch from a distance, but you do not get to partake in activities unless you get someone to watch the table.”
“Then I guess I’ll bring you some food, sit with you and people-watch.”
“I don’t want Chance—”
“Fuck Chance,” he said amiably, leaning back in the folding chair.He closed his eyes and let out a low hum.
She gave him a look.“What are you doing?”
He opened one eye.“I’m getting my Zen on for the ride tomorrow.”
“I still think you’re too old for this stuff.”
This time he elbowed her.She laughed and leaned into him.
*
True to herword, Bailey sat at her table during the welcome dinner, so Hayes loaded up two plates and joined her in the vendor area where a surprising number of people were perusing the open booths.Bailey was making change for a customer as he approached, and she smiled when she saw the heaping plate.
