Page 4 of Only Human in Strangeville

He nodded. “Davin Longmire is the man you want to talk to. He has a number of new and lightly used vehicles and you’ll get a better rate than if you go to the dealership in Mayday Hills. If you want to see his selection, I can call him. I believe he has time to come and retrieve you.”

“Oh. Uh, really?”

Mr. Cofield nodded.

“Thank you.”

My landlord went back into his office and picked up a desk phone. He dialed a number, apparently from memory, and, in moments, someone answered on the other line. I marveled at the old-fashioned phone and his ability to remember phone numbers. Automatically, I patted my pocket, making sure my cell phone was in its normal spot. I’d once dressed only in the cutest, trendiest outfits, but now I was a jeans and t-shirt girl. No matter how odd it felt. Don’t get noticed, that was the new plan.

“He’ll be right over. You can wait in here, or out front.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cofield.”

“Oliver is fine, if you prefer.” His smile melted my panties.

He wasn’t flirting with me. I was nearly certain. Still.

I needed to find a boyfriend or a fuck buddy fast. I did not need to be lusting after my landlord.

“Thanks, Oliver. You are welcome to call me Hannah. Ms. Miller sounds like you’re talking to my mom.” That was a blatant lie, but the sentiment was the same as if I’d been using my old last name.

He nodded. “Hannah then. Oh, look, Davin is already here.”

I glanced out, expecting a fancy car. My eyes widened at the old pickup that rolled up to the curb.

My expression must have let my inner thoughts out.

“Ahh, he loves that truck. No need to worry, Hannah, the vehicles he sells are top-notch.”

“Okay, thank you, Oliver.” His name felt oddly intimate on my tongue, and the way he said mine sent shivers through me. “I’d better just, uh, go then.”

“Have a nice day, Hannah.”

I bolted before I could say anything inappropriate.

The day promised to be warm and humid. Birdsong filled the air, and the trees appeared to be at peak blossom. I hurried down the sidewalk, slowing when I caught sight of the man who had climbed out of the big pickup.

“Fuck me, is anyone in this town not gorgeous?” I muttered to myself.

There was no way the man leaning against the truck could have heard me from here, but I swore an amused smile curled across his lips.

Davin had sandy blond hair, cut short. A neatly trimmed beard slightly darker than his hair, and broad shoulders stretched the material of his casual polo shirt. He wore slacks and dressy boots, but none of that concealed the muscles that filled out his clothing.

I really hoped my landlord knew what he was doing. I was screwed if Davin decided to be unfriendly.

His smile disarmed me a little.

“Hello, Ms. Miller,” he said, voice smooth, comforting, but powerful.

“Hi. Hannah, please.”

“Hannah. I’m Davin. It’s nice to meet you. Oliver says you need a car?”

“I do. Thanks.” Yeah, I definitely needed a fuck buddy. My ovaries had perked up and decided to cry a little at how his smooth voice went right through me. Trying to get myself under control, I thanked him when he opened the door for me.

His truck was old enough to have a bench seat, but not so old that it didn’t have seatbelts.

“What brings you to Beechworth?” he asked casually as he climbed back into the cab and started the truck. It roared to life.

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