San Antonio. They’re doing an exhibit featuring Hill Country artists.”
“Oh, my God, your first sale—that’s so amazing!”
He nods. “I hope it won’t be my last.”
“Was Gigi so proud of you?”
He nods slowly, and a strange look passes over his face. “She was. But you know, she doesn’t really get it. What I went through to get here.”
I hesitate for just a second before I reach over to hug him. He hugs me back, and I keep my arms around his neck. And everything’s fine and platonic—until Logan moves his arm and touches my hip by mistake. I bite my lip and try to breathe and remember my name. I can feel his hot breath on my neck, and I can smell his cologne, and a stab of lust hits me right between the legs.
Crash!
“What the hell?” Logan pulls back and turns around.
I look behind us toward the trees. I don’t see anything at first, but then a flash of light gets my attention.
Jon and his camera are lurking behind a tree.
“You’ve got to be kidding—” I say just as Logan’s phone buzzes and sufficiently distracts him.
“Gigi just texted—they’ll be here in five minutes.”
He starts typing her a response.
“Okay, I’ll be right back,” I tell him as Blake returns and calls to Logan to get off his butt and help him with the grill.
I walk into the shadows of the trees until I see the glint of Skip’s glasses. Then, I reach out and grab his shirt so fast he gasps.
Chapter Nine
“Ms. Henwood!” Skip steps backward. “You scared me!”
“And you didn’t scare me? What the hell are y’all doing hiding in the woods like serial killers? Are you spying on us?”
Jon drops his eyes in a guilty manner, but Skip just smiles. I glare at him and his cowboy hat that’s gradually looking more and more authentic.
“This is a private gathering,” I say. “Between friends. How much of it have you photographed?”
Skip leads me away from Jon and over to the paved walkway that leads to the road. Right in front of us stands a stone sculpture of Jane Austen.
“Is the Make Your Match contest all about Jane’s ghost?” Skip asks me bluntly as he points at the statue. “Or something else?”
I’m too tired and strung out to think straight, so I answer him honestly. “I never wanted anything to do with the ghost legend in the first place.”
“And you don’t think Mr. Wild is deserving of the Mr. Darcy cowboy hat.”
“Not true.” I don’t know why I keep going, but I do. “I want only good for Logan if that’s what you’re implying.”
“I know you care about Logan, and your daddy, and even this ghost.” Skip leans against the statue and takes off his cowboy hat. “But life’s more complicated than just being a Good Samaritan.”
“You don’t know anything.” I surprise myself when I keep going. “You don’t know how hard it is for some people to run an establishment filled with alcohol. Sometimes they just need a chance to prove that they’re up to the task. And my daddy can’t get another chance unless this damn legend gets put to rest. Not that that makes any sense at all. But that’s not the point I’m making. The point is this contest gives my father hope. And who am I to say what someone else needs to get through the day? Or to get through their life?”
“I get it,” Skip says. “I’ve heard about your daddy’s struggles. And what you just said will remain off the record, of course. But I’ve also noticed other things, things you don’t want anyone to see. Same with Mr. Wild.”
I squirm. “You’re a reporter who’s come charging into town and decided he knows everything. Well, you don’t! You don’t know anything, not about my family, or me, or my heart.”
“So it’s got nothing to do with being on Team Ginny and Dave? Maybe it’s more about beating who’s on the other team?”
“Shut up, Skip.”
Skip says nothing, just looks at me earnestly.
“I mean, sure, Gigi’s only half grown up if you ask me. And sure, the life’s gone out of Logan’s eyes, and he and Gigi hardly know each other while Ginny’s been putting up with Dave since she was thirteen. Sure, all of that is true. But I’m not trying to beat Logan. If Logan and Gigi are indeed the soul mates Jane’s been waiting for this past century and a half, I’m not going to stand in their way.”
“You’re certain?” Skip says as