Page 12 of Sexpresso Night

“What’s the project?”

She started telling him about the project to protect the endangered Steelhead Trout. She was talking about goddamn trout and he was fucking fascinated. “It’s a fish passage improvement project along Carpinteria Creek and Mission Creek. The projects will involve removing or modifying barriers to fish migration, and removal of non-native vegetation and habitat restoration. Restoring waterways requires a holistic approach that looks at the health and function of the entire ecosystem around a creek.”

“You’re into saving fish.” He lifted one brow.

She laughed. “Well, of course I care about the fish. But I’m interested in it from the legal perspective—environmental protection laws and what can be done. Anyway, it will be an interesting project to work on.”

“Where did you go with the Peace Corps?”

“I spent a year in Guatemala and two years in Matagalpa.”

“No way.”

“Yes way.” She tipped her head to one side. “Why?”

“I’ve been to both those places, many times. On coffee buying trips. I love Matagalpa.”

She gave a little laugh. “I can’t believe that. Nobody I talk to even knows where it is.”

“Believe it, baby. It’s a sign.” Carter leaned closer and stroked a fingertip up her forearm, then down, and she shivered.

“Come back to my place,” he said, voice low. “For coffee.”

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