Page 13 of Raised On It

“Yep, he’s a great guy. If you need anything at all, he’ll be there. So, who else?”

“Well, that guy Miles Montgomery you warned me about…”

“No way, on your first night!”

“Yes, on my first night but don’t worry, he didn’t even get my name, at least not until this morning when I saw him at Brass Tacks.”

I purposely leave out the little fact that I’m apparently going to be marrying him one day.

“Oh, I miss Brass Tacks already. New York is great, but they haven’t perfected their coffee game, that’s for sure. Tell Becks I said hi the next time you’re in there. Now, let’s get back to Miles. How in the world did playboy extraordinaire Miles Montgomery not score your name? I can’t imagine how crazy it must have made him!”

“I just didn’t give it to him. We talked, and he tried. He really did. Even offered to be my tour guide while I’m here, but for some reason, it felt right not to give him my name. He’s kind of fun to mess with.”

“That he is, and from what I hear, in more ways than one. So what did he do to finally get you to cave?”

“I didn’t cave, but I also didn’t have my guard up. He cleverly found it on my coffee cup when he sat down at my table.”

“Oh, snap! He foiled your flirty little plan.”

“I wasn’t flirting. It was just too much fun to string him along for a little bit. Besides, I know his type, and I have no intentions of falling prey to his dastardly ways.”

“Oh, come on, who knows what you might be missing, right? Miles may be a player, but he is also a ton of fun. You’re onlythere for three months, so why not enjoy yourself? If you go in knowing he’s not the love of your life and he’s just temporary, then Miles Montgomery is the perfect way to fill your time.”

“But he was on your list! You told me if anyone was going to try to get in my panties, it would be him. Now you’re saying I should let him in?”

“Well, I didn’t think you would meet him on night one, and that you would have such a great time toying with his emotions. I think you might just be what the big guy needs to be put in check.”

“I don’t want to put him in check, Katie.”

“Yes, you do. Besides, nobody loves Eastlyn more than Miles. If you really want inspiration from our small little town, there is no one better to guide you.”

“Katie…I don’t know.”

“I do. Just say yes. Have a little fun. It’s not forever; it’s just for now. Do it!”

“Well, who knows if I’ll even see him again. I may have already missed my chance. Now, tell me all about opening night!”

Changing the subject is a must because I cannot talk about the hot farmer in the tight-fitting jeans anymore. He isn’t for me, and temporary fun or no fun, I cannot let myself fall for another man-whore.

Another charmer.

Another man who will say anything to have his way.

It’s something I refuse to do.

CHAPTER 5

Miles

Katie Sandoval is my new favorite person.

When I got her text asking me if I could go over to her place and fix the stair on her back deck, I couldn’t help but kiss my phone. Especially when she ended the conversation with “good luck.”

She knows more than she’s letting on, and my guess is that she talked to her house guest and my name came up.

Damn skippy, if that doesn’t feel good! If doing some manual labor for Katie is what it takes to get Mason to notice me, then by all means, let me do her this favor.

As if Katie’s house was on fire instead of having a loose board on her deck, I rev up the engine to my truck, and Lou and I haul ass to town.