Chapter 2

2

CARSON

A ll day long, I work harder and faster than usual so I can get ahead of the orders we have on deck. The auto shop I run with my two brothers is always steady but not too crazy, just the way we like it. Although the three of us are all involved with every aspect of the business, Griffin usually takes care of the tow truck, I run the gas bar, and Walker is the head mechanic. But we all help out anywhere we're needed, and we're always constantly working on the backlog of trucks, cars, and occasional tractors that need repairs. Plus maintaining the trucks for the volunteer fire department, which are pretty cool.

My oldest brother Walker shoots me a look. "What's with you? You look like you're up to something."

"Who, me? Never."

My brothers know that I like to keep some things private. My personal time and my hobbies are my own business. But this is too exciting not to share.

"To be honest, I met an incredible woman. So I have to find out where she hangs out and accidentally run into her."

Griffin pokes his head in from the small kitchen area at the side of the shop. "Why don't you man up and, you know, ask her on a date? It worked for me."

"I did. She said she doesn't date. So I'm going to have to get creative. But subtly. You know, without being pushy."

Walker chuckles. "That's a fine line. Good luck."

"Thanks. That means you'll forgive me for taking off a bit early." Grabbing my things, I'm already heading to the door.

"Hey – I didn't say…"

" Forgiving your brother… " I sing out as the door closes behind me. I can vaguely hear Griffin and Walker laughing.

I've noticed the three new girls around town the past week, but never really took a good look at any of them since they were just cruising by. I'm always neighborly enough, but I'm also busy with my own things.

But then I saw Nikki get into that old car and something inside me…clicked? Snapped? It was like a missing puzzle piece dropping perfectly into place, and suddenly the entire picture came into focus.

I jump into my truck, change my t-shirt and throw on some deodorant, then drive into town. Old Hemlock Valley is spread out over a beautiful forested area, and the surrounding plains are rolling farmland. But the town itself is pretty much Main Street, Second Street, and Lizbeth Avenue, named after the wife of Adler Wolfe, the main founder of the community.

Driving slowly through the streets, I peer into every shop, looking for the girls. I see Harper in the window of Corina's Coffee. The other girl…something beginning with a J, I think…is on a bench in front of the library. Sure enough, when I get to Fran's Diner I see Nikki in one of the center booths.

I park, then stroll in casually as if I have no idea she's there. Luckily, the industrial coffee maker is shiny enough that I can clearly see her reflection in it. Nikki's eyes jerk up, staring at me, then dropping down again.

"Coffee, sugar?"

"Yes, please, Myrna." While she pours, I grab a napkin and borrow her pen from the end of the counter. "Could you please send a slice of your finest apple pie along with this note to the long-haired girl behind me?"

Myrna smirks, shaking her head as she plates the pie. I write, "May I please join you?" and fold the napkin in half, then slip it onto the side of the plate.

The room is quiet enough for me to hear Nikki's surprised, "What's this?"

Turning to glance over my shoulder, I watch as Myrna leans in a bit. "He's probably got a crush, honey. For what it's worth, he's a really nice guy."

I slowly take a sip of my coffee, then look back again. Nikki smirks and rolls her eyes. Then she nods at me.

I take my coffee over to her booth, sitting across from her. Damn, she is beautiful. Long, wavy honey-brown hair. Big brown eyes. Deep pink lips that honestly make me want to climb over the table to kiss her.

And she doesn't want to date me. I'll have to tread lightly.

"Thank you." I flash her what I hope is a winning smile. "For the record, this is not a date. It's simply conserving tables because it's so busy in here."

She snorts lightly. The diner is barely half-full. "Thanks for the pie. How did you know I like apple?"

"Because of the look in your eyes when you had those cookies yesterday. You liked that the raspberry wasn't too sweet."

Her luscious mouth falls open for a second. "How…"

I burst out laughing. "Actually, that was a total guess. Was I right?"

She squints at me. "I think you're officially what my mother would call a rascal," she laughs. She takes a small bite of pie, then closes her eyes blissfully. "The food in this town is fantastic, you know that?"

"Indeed. One of the many reasons that you should stick around for as long as possible."

The music is faint, but Nikki's chin jerks up in recognition when the song changes. "Sweet! This was always one of my older sister's favorites."

We start talking about music as we both enjoy our coffee and she eats her pie. The conversation dips and swoops from music, to diners across the country, to movies, to the most hilarious websites out there when you need to turn your brain off for ten minutes.

After she asks me a few questions about our family business, she pushes the empty plate away, then stares at me with a strange grin. "So… You come from a family of auto mechanics."

"Yes."

"And your name is Carson. Car-Son. Is that the ultimate dad joke or what?"

I laugh, reaching out to tap her hand so casually I'm not sure if she even registers it. "Yeah, he slipped that one right past Mom. It wasn't until my fourth birthday that it hit her."

"So you also come from a long line of rascals. Good to know."

My knee taps hers under the table. "You just said that you're mentally filing away information about me. That means you're interested in me."

"That's not what I said at all."

"Strange. That's what I heard." I walk my fingers across the table, hop them up onto her hand, then do a little high kicking dance before retreating again. "How old are you, Nikki?"

She was laughing, but now her eyes narrow. "Twenty-one. You?"

"Thirty-two." I nod very seriously. "Since girls mature faster than boys, that means you're actually twenty-four and I'm twenty-nine. But the fresh mountain air around here keeps people young, so I'm really only twenty-seven. Which is perfect."

One of her eyebrows lifts in a graceful arc. "Perfect for what, exactly? I told you: I don't date."

I wave my hand dismissively. "Oh, of course not. Dating is ridiculous. Should be banned, if you ask me. However, I know this town, and you're obviously doing some kind of top-secret government spy research here. I think it would be incredibly helpful of me to pick you up after work tomorrow and drive you around so that you could see the sights."

"Top-secret research?"

"All the notetaking. You can't be writing in a diary. Nobody is so interesting that they write out their thoughts all day long. No offense."

She sputters a laugh, her delicate fingers splaying across the table, as if trying not to laugh too loudly. "You don't know me. Maybe I have a fascinating inner world."

"I'm sure you do. And I want to hear all about it during our drive tomorrow."

I really want to take her out right this very second, but since she's wary, I need to give her time to think it over and keep acting as casually as possible. I can't let her know that even resting my fingers on her hand is giving me a little thrill.

"So, I could be down here around quarter after five. Where shall I pick you up?"

"I haven't said yes yet, buddy."

"Yes, you're right. My apologies."

I pull out my phone and start to make a new contact. "And your number…?"

She recites it almost automatically, then looks surprised. "Wait a sec. I never give anyone my number."

"See? It's a sign that you trust me. And that you really do need my help for your research, or spying, or plans for global domination." Two men walk past the window, and my palm raises to the sky triumphantly. "I've got it! You're researching plaid shirts. You're here from Big Flannel."

"Weirdly, that's actually a tiny bit closer than government research."

I could stay and chat with this girl forever, but can't let her know how eager I am. Plus, Harper's car pulls up out front at that very moment. Holding out my hand, I shake hers gently but formally. "Lovely sharing coffee with you, Special Agent Nikki. I'll text you tomorrow and you can send me the coordinates for our secret rendezvous."

Her lips purse. "I didn't confirm any rendezvous."

"But you must!" I jump to my feet. "It's absolutely crucial to our operations in Zurich and Minsk. Until tomorrow, then."

Nikki's delighted laugh at my ridiculous farewell will keep me warm all night. I march to the counter, pay our bills, and disappear before she can remind me that tomorrow is not a date.

Yeah, right. The most important "not a date" of my entire life.