Stud Muffin (Donner Bakery #2) - Jiffy Kate Page 0,24

says, effectively changing the subject and making me swallow my tongue. “Don’t look so surprised. Small town… plus, I swung by while you were gone. Floyd filled me in.”

“Oh, right.” I let out a deep breath, trying to release the pent-up tension in my shoulders. I need a run. No, scratch that. What I really need is a good bout. I need to go nose-to-nose, toe-to-toe, glove-to-glove with someone. I need to feel the exhaustion that only comes with exerting every ounce of energy and adrenaline in my body… and then some—pushing myself to the limit.

But that’s not going to happen, not today, anyway. So, I’ll settle for a run.

“Yeah, she had a little too much to drink. Floyd tried to get in touch with her cousin …”

“Cole,” Hank offered.

“That’s right,” I say with a nod, trying to not sound as interested or invested as I feel. “So, I drove her home. Made sure she got in okay.”

Hank laughs. “That girl has really been stirring things up around here.”

I’ve heard, but I don’t tell Hank that. I wait and see what information he has to offer.

“I can’t say I blame her, though,” he adds, sighing.

For a second, I’m afraid he’s going to stop there and leave me hanging, but then he continues. “She walked in on her husband and his … mistress,” Hank informs, choosing his words carefully. “Guess she didn’t handle that too well. First she ransacked the bedroom, and then one night, she set his shit on fire in the driveway.” This garners a full-on belly laugh from my old friend. “And I don’t just mean a few old shirts. She practically had a bonfire going. The fire department was called out and everything. I mean, I’ve heard of scorned women, but she seems to be taking it to a whole new level. Disturbing the peace, breaking and entering, destruction of property…”

Huh. Can’t say I really pegged her for one to break the law, but it also doesn’t surprise me. There was fire behind those green eyes… like an angry, sleeping dragon.

“So, it’s good you took her home. She’s a good girl, just had a lot of shit thrown her way lately and she hasn’t been handling it so well.”

I nod, trying for a non-committal response. Although, I’m not sure why. I doubt Hank would care if I told him I was into her, but that’s my business, not his. Besides all that, she seems like she has a lot on her plate and a shit ton of baggage, so I think I’ll keep my distance—do my job, work on this space, and figure out what I want to do with my life.

A clothes-burning, peace-disturbing, property-destroying, fiery redhead would only complicate things.

“You should come to the church picnic next Sunday.”

I turn to look at him with what I’m sure is a confused expression. “Me?”

“Of course you,” he says, laughing. “It’s not a church house… you’re not gonna get struck by lightning. It’s a picnic… there’ll be some good food and a pie auction. Well, cakes and all sorts of desserts. It’s a great place to meet some locals. Who knows? Tempest Cassidy might even be there.”

My mouth gapes at his insinuating tone and I pull my brows together. “I just took her home… and I didn’t say anything about wanting to see her again.”

“Didn’t have to,” Hank says, walking toward the door and opening it. “It’s written all over that pretty face of yours.”

I scowl.

First of all, my face is not pretty.

Second of all, I hate when people act like they know what I’m thinking… especially when they know what I’m thinking.

And third, because if there’s a first and a second, there has to be a third… I might be seriously fucking attracted to Tempest Cassidy, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be acting on it.

“Yes, your face is pretty,” he drawls. “I’ve seen the way women look at you… all dangerous fighter with Hollywood good looks.” He laughs and I flip him the bird. “And yes, you’re coming to the picnic.” Pausing, with his hand on the edge of the door—one foot out, one foot in, he adds, “I just made it mandatory for all employees.”

Oh, fuck me… and fuck him and his pink pony he rode in on.

Without waiting for a response, he gives me a shit-eating grin and waves, closing the door behind him. I watch him walk down the sidewalk through the large windows and glare at him, hoping he can feel the weight of