Page 6 of One Chance

Bug King was the matriarch of the King family—the Kings’ version of our very own aunt Tootie.

She barely gave a sideways glance down her nose at Annie’s shop as she beelined straight toward us. She held out a paper poster, and Annie grabbed it.

“With all of the details finalized, these should be hung in the storefront windows. The charity this year will be the Remington County Child Protective Services.”

Annie smiled brightly at Bug. “Great!”

Bug’s eyes raked down me, and she made no attempt to hide the obvious disapproval in her scowl. “I take it you’ll be there?”

My back tightened. I hated the annual Outtatowner Matchmakers' Gala. Sure, it was for charity, but really it was an opportunity for the biddies in town to play matchmaker and pair off the singles in town through a ridiculous date auction. I had no trouble finding my own dates and learned early on that dating women from town usually ended in an uncomfortable disaster.

Heat prickled at the base of my neck under her hard stare. I swallowed thickly, willing the words to leave my throat.

Say something.

Say anything.

I willed myself to give any reason, any reason at all, why I couldn’t attend this year’s gala.

“It is for charity, you know,” Bug added.

Annie looked between us, and I caught her eyes narrowing a fraction.

Oh shit.

Annie gently cleared her throat. “Actually, Miss Bug, Lee might not be able to be in the auction this year.” Annie beamed her brightest, albeit fakest, smile at the woman.

Her delicate fingers trailed a burning path on my forearm, and my eyes locked on the spot where our skin connected.

“He won’t be attending solo.”

The subtle gesture did not go unnoticed, and Bug’s eyes held the spot where Annie’s fingertips danced along the fine hairs of my forearm.

My jaw was locked tight. The words, any words at all, still clogged in my throat.

Annie blinked her wide, crystal-blue eyes at me. “You’re all set for our dinner, right?”

“Uh...” I glanced between the two women. “Yeah. Yes. Just swinging by to finalize plans.”

Bug’s eyes grew wide. “Oh ... oh well, that’s...” She cleared her throat. “That is interesting. I’m sure we’ll hear hearts breaking all throughout Remington County.”

With her final remark, Bug turned on her heels and sailed out of Annie’s shop.

With a playful laugh, my best friend turned to speak with another customer, taking her hand with her and the heat of her touch, but the warmth of her fingertips spread up my arm and across my chest.

It’s not like that between us.

Jesus Christ.

“Hey, I gotta run,” I called to Annie’s back, and she lifted her hand in a two-finger salute.

Gathering my thoughts and the last shreds of my dignity, I shook my head and left, wondering what the hell that was all about.

THREE

ANNIE

Howdy, Charles! I was hoping to take you up on your offer to try the new wine varietals that came in. Just let me know when you’re free!

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