Hometown Courtship. Diann Hunt

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СКАЧАТЬ was a curse. Thanks, Mom.

      Callie mentally shook herself. What was she thinking? By the look on Brad’s face, she’d say the situation had caught him by surprise, as well. Or maybe it was just the hiccup.

      “It’s getting late. I’d better be going. Just bring my dishes to the work site whenever you’re finished with them.” Practically sprinting to the door, she turned with a wave before he could haul himself off the sofa. “Hope you feel better.” Hiccups punctuated the night air as she scurried to her car.

      

      Once inside, Callie tried to catch her breath and straighten out her thinking. She wasn’t sure why she’d decided that bringing Brad dinner was a good idea. Maybe because she felt bad about his ankle, or because she wanted to find out if he, too, thought it was suspicious that she’d been sent to his job site and he’d been sent to her salon. But it certainly hadn’t occurred to her that they’d end up almost kissing on his couch.

      It was probably just the painkillers, that’s all. Well, that would explain his behavior—but it wouldn’t explain the fact that her heart was still pounding from the feel of his lips on hers.

      Hiccup.

      

      Brad put his palm against his forehead and leaned his head against the back of the sofa. His mind was cloudy from the meds, but he was alert enough to know he had just tried to kiss Callie Easton. What was the matter with him? Number one, he refused to get entangled with a woman his brother had forced on him, and number two, he’d only known her for a few days. Not only that, but he wasn’t staying in Burrow forever. So what was the point of a relationship here? He had to blame it on the meds. He just didn’t work that fast under normal circumstances. Now she probably thought he was a real player.

      “I blew it again,” he said, feeling Hammer’s head pushing against his hand. “A lot of help you are. I know you’re the friendly sort, but where’s your allegiance, huh?” Brad scratched behind his pooch’s ears. “You need to keep me away from her, not make her your new best friend.”

      He’d have to watch himself in the days ahead and stay away from Callie at all costs. Keep their relationship on a purely professional level. A few weeks and it would all be over…until his brother sent over someone else. Though something told him someone else wouldn’t have the same power over him as Callie Easton.

      

      The smell of sweet apple conditioner filled the air. Callie tried to relax while Jessica ran the warm water over her hair. “I will so pay you back for this, Jessica. I promise.”

      “Don’t worry about it. I told you I have nothing to do tonight anyway. Besides, I didn’t have that many appointments this afternoon.”

      “I will name my firstborn after you. I’ve always liked the name Jessica, so that will work just fine, don’t you think?”

      Jessica laughed. “That will be the day.” Jessica worked the conditioner through Callie’s hair.

      “Hey, what do you mean by that?”

      “Only that your aunt has been trying to hook you up for years.”

      Why did people constantly pressure her to find someone? Marriage wasn’t for everybody. If she was happy with her life as it was, why couldn’t they leave her alone?

      “Is the water too hot?” Jessica asked.

      “No, it’s perfect.”

      “I’ve waited all through the color and highlights, so now you want to tell me what’s going on?”

      “What are you talking about?”

      “Come on, Callie. We both know you only color your hair when you’re really, really upset. You have issues, girlfriend.”

      “Thank you, Dr. Phil.”

      “Now spill it.”

      Callie sighed. “Brad sprained his ankle because of me, so I brought him dinner as a peace offering. And he almost…kissed me.”

      “Do you like him?” Jessica turned off the water and rubbed Callie’s hair with a towel.

      “I’m confused. I thought he didn’t like me. But I guess he’s a friend.”

      “Is that all?”

      “Yes.” Callie pushed the lever to lower the bottom half of her reclining chair.

      “Is that all you want him to be?” Jessica led the way to her station.

      “Ye-yes.”

      “Are you sure?”

      Callie slid into the chair. “Jessica?”

      “Yes?”

      “Could you stop asking me these questions?”

      Jessica laughed. “Suit yourself.”

      Callie steered the conversation to safe waters during her trim. Jessica didn’t push, for which Callie was thankful.

      “I love it, Jess.” Callie swirled around in her chair and looked at the back through a handheld mirror. “I haven’t had light brown hair in forever.” She wondered if Brad would like it, then wondered if she should be wondering that.

      “It’s really a good look for you, Cal.” Jessica glanced at the clock. “Well, now I really do need to get home. My favorite show is coming on in fifteen minutes.” Jessica finished sweeping the hair from her station.

      Callie gave her a hug and sneaked a twenty into Jessica’s purse when she wasn’t looking. “See you tomorrow.”

      “Let me know what he thinks of it,” Jessica called out.

      “Who?”

      Jessica just smiled. “Good night, Callie.”

      

      Brad glanced at his watch. Callie had been so careful to be on time at the site since that first day. After last night things would no doubt be a little awkward between them. He was an idiot. He had no intention of getting involved with this woman—or anyone else, for that matter, and yet he did something stupid like that. What if she didn’t show up again? He’d have to tell his brother the truth so that she didn’t get in trouble. Brad shifted on his crutches. That was all he needed.

      If she didn’t show up in the next ten minutes, he’d call her and tell her that despite what happened last night, she was still expected to show up for duty.

      A car pulled up in front of the job site, and the Sauders family piled out.

      “Good morning, Brad,” Mick said, stepping up to the house.

      “Morning, Mick and Andrea.” Brad looked at Micah. “How come you’re not in school?” He ruffled her blonde curls, and she lifted the snaggletoothed grin of an eight-year-old.

      “We’re headed there now. Thought СКАЧАТЬ