Page 20 of The Small-Town Seduction Plan

Duke sighs. “Yeah, well unfortunately I can’t leave you on the side of the road again.”

“That sounds like a ‘you’ problem,” I reply lightly. I’m in no mood to go another round with him tonight– even if my new sandals are rubbing a blister into my heel.

“I mean it, get in.” Duke sounds impatient now.

I roll my eyes. “Gee, what a charming offer, but I’ll pass.”

Duke mutters what sounds like a curse. “Look, you can either get in the truck and be home in five minutes, or spend the next half hour with me trailing you to make sure you get home safe. Which is it going to be?”

I pause. Duke’s jaw is set, and he looks about as stubborn as I feel right now.

“Fine,” I sigh, and circle around to climb up in the passenger seat.

Inside, the truck is cluttered with old newspapers, boxes, and at least half a dozen old sweaters that I shove aside as I buckle up. “Neat freak, are we?”

“You could just say ‘thanks’.”

“Ha!” I snort. Don’t think you’re doing me any favors,” I add, as Duke pulls away.

“Believe me, I’m under no illusions,” he grumbles back. “This is just so I don’t have to feel bad, like last time.”

“Really?” I smirk. “I thought you cackled with evil laughter all the way home.”

“Cackle?” Duke repeats, looking offended. “Do you think I look like a man who cackles?”

I try not to smile. “Fine, bellowed with evil laughter.”

To my surprise, Duke sounds a suitably-evil laugh, deep and throaty. “Like that?”

I grin. “No, with more menace. Bwahahaha,” I mimic, making my voice extra-creepy.

“Huhhuhhaha…” Duke tries again.

“Exactly. Now you’re really plotting for world domination.”

Duke chuckles. “You can keep the world,” he replies, turning down the lane to the cottage. “Too much trouble for my liking, all that conquering.”

“So, you’re a man of modest ambitions, then?” I look over, curious.

Duke gives a shrug. “I want to do good work, and live a decent kind life, but as for the rest of the bullshit… well, I see it all the time with my clients. They think money and success is going to solve their problems, but as far as I can see, it just brings a whole lot of new ones.”

He pulls over outside the cottage before I can reply. “Four minutes and counting,” he reports, checking the clock on the dashboard. “As promised.”

“Thanks for the ride,” I say grudgingly. I already know my blister wouldn’t have stood up to another mile of walking, and something tells me Blackberry Cove isn’t exactly an Uber rideshare hotspot. “But understand that I won’t make a habit of it.”

Duke snorts with laughter. “Right back atcha, princess.”

Our eyes lock for a moment, and I feel the strangest rush, sparkling hot in my veins.

Anticipation.

Duke looms, solid and easy there in the driver’s seat, and suddenly, I can’t help imagining those strong arms wrapped around me… pulling me into his lap… pressed tight against that wall of muscle…

My heart beats faster, and I glance at his mouth, his lips still curled in that wry, infuriating grin.

What would it feel like, kissing him?

Duke leans in, and in a daze, I sit there, waiting. Closer… closer… and just when I’m letting my eyes fall shut, about to sink into the kiss?—

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