Page 3 of Creed

“Is that short for Abigail?”

“No, it’s actually Abilene.”

“I like Abilene,” he said with a nod.

“Well, I don’t particularly care what you like,” she retorted.

He couldn’t hold back a laugh.

“You’re a feisty little thing, aren’t you?”

She shrugged nonchalantly and played with the napkin holder. The man was impolite, and she had no patience for rude people.

“I think I’ll take a booth, Connie,” she told her when she brought her tea.

“Oh, sure thing, hon. I’ll bring your lunch over once it’s ready.”

“Thank you.” Abbie slid off her stool and turned to grab her cup.

****

Creed lifted his cup, took a small sip, and placed it back on the counter. He hadn’t made a good first impression on Abilene Wells. She stood at around five-eight, was Creed’s guess. He briefly checked her ring finger, but didn’t see any rings there. How was this stunning woman still single? Her long brown hair, streaked with blonde, cascaded down her shoulders, and her blue eyes had flared with anger at the Feed Store. She looked to be in her mid-to-late thirties.

“Are you married?” he asked.

“No, are you?” she turned to face him.

“Not anymore.”

“I see. Your ex couldn’t handle your sunny disposition, huh?”

Creed shook his head. “She put up with that and a hell of a lot more.”

“Then why are you divorced?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Who said I’m divorced?”

Abbie frowned at him. Then her expression changed to one of shock.

“Widower?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize—”

“It’s fine. Enjoy your lunch.” He sipped his coffee and avoided looking at her again.

Abilene Wells was undeniably beautiful, but Creed knew she would never be interested in someone like him. She was out of his league and didn’t seem like the type to casually have sex with just anyone.

He glanced over his shoulder once more to see her settling into a booth. Too bad.

****

Abbie sat down in the booth, making sure her back was facing the door. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Creed McBride. She wondered how he had lost his wife.

Once Connie set her lunch in front of her, Abbie gave a polite smile and thanked her. Connie told her to let her know if she needed anything and then turned to serve other customers.

“Connie?” Abbie spoke up.

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