Page 41 of More Than a Fling

Grumbling to himself Slim took his leave and Sam followed.

“Why does he hate me so much?” Annie asked.

“That’s his way. He’ll come around. Don’t worry about it. If you’d like I can talk to him about it,” Gabe offered.

“No, you can’t force someone to like you. Forget it. I’ll live.”

“If you’re sure. Come here you,” Gabe said, pulling her into his arms. “I haven’t given you a proper hello yet, have I? I’m no better than Slim.”

“I’ll forgive you this time,” Annie said.

“What brings you to the farm on this beautiful spring day?”

“I got off work early and felt restless…so I thought I’d drop by and see you.”

Gabe nuzzled her neck breathing in the floral and spice scent of her. He then nibbled on her ear lobe causing Annie to giggle. “That tickles!”

“How about dinner at my place tonight? We’ll have a little fire in the fire pit…I may even serenade you with my guitar,” Gabe said.

“That would be a yes,” Annie said. “What time?”

“Six sound good to you?”

“I’ll be here.”

“Anything I should know about your eating preferences?” Gabe called out to her retreating back.

“Nope, I eat anything,” Annie said as she climbed behind the wheel and took off.

* * *

Six o’clock could not get here fast enough. Annie now back at her townhouse, was having a hard time adjusting to living alone without Darcy’s three mutts. The house felt empty and a little creepy. She still had shivers when she thought about her encounter here with Bradley. Surprisingly, there had been no fall out from running into Ike the other night. Maybe Bradley was finally moving on. She prayed that was true.

After slipping on a pair of black leggings with an oversized loose-fitting top, she studied her shoe selection. She opted for a pair of knee-high brown boots. She would take along a cardigan in case she got cool by the fire tonight.

She pulled her hair up into a ponytail, then after deciding to use eyeliner and shadow, at the last minute, went all out and added a dramatic red lipstick. Of course, she had chosen to wear her laciest and skimpiest lingerie. A girl had to feel good from the inside out, and tonight she was feeling sexy and beautiful.

She allowed herself time to stop and fill up the gas tank which was sitting on E as per usual. As she inserted the nozzle, a large gray truck pulled up to the pump on the other side of her. She didn’t pay any attention until the driver gunned his motor causing the oversized truck to spew black smoke everywhere. She was thinking how rude the person was and why in the world did all these men think they needed Hummers and Hemi trucks, when the majority never used them to haul a damn thing.

“If it isn’t my beautiful Annie. If I didn’t know better, I would think that you were following me,” Bradley said, laughing as he turned on the full charm.

Annie replied, “The real question is areyoufollowingme?”

“Paranoid much?”

“New truck?”

“As a matter of fact, it is.”

“Just your style. I’m serious about this Bradley. This is another pretty big coincidence. I find it hard to believe that you just happened to need gas at this exact moment.”

“These trucks are real gas guzzlers. Annie, when are you going to come to your senses and realize that we are meant to be?”

“You’re beginning to freak me out.”

“So, Ike tells me you’re seeing some guy in a band. Gabe Hunter…good looking guy, apparently also into horses. Right up your ally isn’t it?”

“How do you know he is into horses? More to the point, who I see is none of your business. Bradley this is your last chance and I mean it! Leave me alone and leave Gabe out of this mess,” Annie said. She was equal parts angry and creeped out.

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