Page 9 of Vow Of A Fox

“What time should I pick you up?” Ben asked.

“How about I meet you there at seven? That’s when karaoke starts.”

“Sure. See you at seven. Let’s hope I don’t make your ears bleed.”

“Doubtful,” I said with a grin.

With one last smirk tossed my way, he took his coffee and headed to the exit. The second the door closed behind him, I spun to face Cassie. She stood, watching me, with an innocent smile plastered on her face.

“Cassie!” I hissed, my voice sounding half-scolding, half-amused. “Did you really just play matchmaker?”

She shrugged, her nose wrinkling. “Well, you didn’t exactly seem like you minded. And besides,” she added with a smirk. “I could tell from a mile away you’re into him.”

“He’s cute, isn’t he?” I asked, gushing a little.

“Definitely cute,” she said, still smiling. “Go out with him and have some fun. You deserve it. You’ve seemed tense lately.”

“I have a lot on my mind.”

Understatement of the year.

“So, go have some fun,” she insisted. “At least one of us should.”

“You could come,” I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

While I loved Cassie and would definitely enjoy seeing her with a few beers in her singing karaoke, I realized that I wanted to spend time with Ben alone. There had been a spark there that I wanted to explore, even if it seemed selfish.

“I don’t think so. Karaoke isn’t my thing. Honestly, neither is the bar. No offense,” she said quickly, tossing me a look.

“None taken.”

“Besides, I’ve got a new book and a bottle of wine waiting for me at home,” she said.

I grinned, knowing she meant every word—my cousin truly savored the quiet joys of life. However, I’d come to realize that I craved things to be a little more electric.

4

BEN

Iparked my truck outside Last Drop and took a moment to gather myself before heading inside. My nerves were doing their usual pre-date routine of tying knots in my stomach, making me wonder if I should’ve picked a better shirt.

Beyond my nerves was a sense of excitement, too.

Sienna had been on my mind since I’d listened to her voicemail. She was sharp, witty, and her energy was electric in a way that lingered. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d looked forward to seeing someone as much as I did her.

Pulling in a deep breath, I slipped out of my truck and headed for the entrance of the bar. My cell chimed with a text before I made it to the door. I fished it out of my pocket and paused to see who it was.

Sienna’s name lit my screen.

I’m inside already. Come find me.

A grin pulled at my lips.

When I swung the door open and stepped inside, the hum of conversations, low music, and clinking glasses surrounded me. My attention zeroed in on Sienna almost immediately. She stood near the bar, her vibrant red hair catching the dim light, makingher stand out among everyone else. Her sharp, observant eyes scanned the length of me as I walked toward her.

Damn, this woman had a presence that was impossible to ignore.

“Hey, Dr. Ben,” she said in her sultry tone as I walked up.

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