Hand-Picked Husband. HEATHER MACALLISTER

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      “...a great idea,” he substituted. But if her mother hadn’t been here, he wouldn’t have.

      Autumn’s cooking failures were legendary. In self defense, she’d gone out for barrel racing instead of competing in the culinary arts portion of the rodeo. She was as good a barrel racer as she was as bad a cook.

      Mercifully, the business meeting started shortly af ter that Autumn gave Clay a frigid smile and turned her chair toward the podium.

      “I’m mighty glad to see y‘all out here this mornin’ for our program-sales kickoff,” began a man wearing a belt with the grand champion buyer’s huge buckle. “My name’s Fred Chapman and I’m the head of today’s doings.” There was good-natured laughter and applause. “Before we get down to assigning the sales groups, I want to lay a few stats on you. You know, we have both a lot of fun and a goodly little competition raising money.” There was more laughter.

      Autumn and Clay glanced at each other. These people thought they’d seen competition? They hadn’t seen anything yet.

      “But when it comes down to it, we’re doing this for the kids. Last year, we raised...”

      Since Autumn already knew how much scholarship money had been raised, her mind wandered during Fred’s pep talk. For the next month, she and her group, Hogs and Kisses, would scour San Antonio persuading businesses to contribute to the Livestock Show and Rodeo education fund.

      Clay would be doing the same, and Autumn was determined that Hogs and Kisses would raise more money than his group, High on the Hog.

      The meeting didn’t take long because the men wanted to get home in time to watch the New Year’s Day football games on TV. When Fred’s speech was over, the crowd lined up to register their groups, and Autumn’s mother drifted away to talk with friends.

      “You might as well give up now, Autumn,” a familiar voice murmured in her ear.

      Clay was behind her in the line. “You wish, Clay, ’cause that’s the only way you’ll win.”

      He laughed, but it was a tired laugh without the usual sharpness.

      Autumn turned to face him. “Do you feel as bad as you look?”

      Clay grimaced and ran a hand over his jaw. He’d missed a few spots shaving. “Probably.”

      “Then maybe I’d better call an ambulance.”

      “Not unless I’ve eaten some of your cooking.”

      She eyed him. “You are tired if you’re falling back on cooking insults.”

      “Haven’t seen you much lately. Guess I’m out of practice.” He smiled crookedly and drew his hands up to his waist. “How are you and your mom getting along?”

      Autumn automatically scanned the room until she found her mother and her group of friends. Debra was smiling as she talked. “She’s a lot better. This was the second Christmas since Dad died and it was definitely easier than last year.”

      “I miss your dad,” Clay said. “A lot of people do.”

      “Yeah.” Autumn turned until she faced the signup tables again. She still got misty-eyed when thinking about her father and didn’t want Clay to see.

      “So...are you planning to go back to law school any time soon?”

      Good question. The longer she was out of school, the less enthusiastic she felt about going back. “Maybe this summer,” she answered just as they reached Jackie Dutton at the table.

      “Hey, Autumn...Clay. Let me find your packet.”

      Before Autumn could stop her, Jackie went to the B section and pulled out Clay’s packet.

      “Oh, would you look at this?” Shaking her head, she uncapped a pen. “They left Autumn’s name off the list. I am sorry. I can’t imagine how that happened.”

      “Because I’m not with Clay’s group,” Autumn told her when it was obvious Clay wasn’t going to.

      “You’re not with High on the Hog?” Jackie looked mcredulous.

      “She’s going to wish she was.” Clay took his packet and winked at Autumn.

      “I’m with Hogs and Kisses,” Autumn said.

      “But...” Jackie looked from one to the other.

      “You two aren’t on the same committee?”

      The streaked-blond woman next to Jackie leaned over. “What’s the problem?”

      “Clay and Autumn are on different committees.”

      “Computers.” The blonde rolled her eyes. “You just can’t trust them.”

      “It’s okay.” Autumn forced herself to smile. “We didn’t sign up to be on the same committee.”

      Both women’s eyes widened. “Why not?” they asked in unison.

      Autumn gritted her teeth. Because we’re not a couple, we’ve never been a couple, and we’re never going to be a couple. Can’t you people get it through your heads?

      “Because this year, it’s the girls against the guys,” Clay said with an easy smile. “The High on the Hog men against the Hogs and Kisses ladies. Now, if this is everything I need, then I guess I’ll see y’all later.” He nodded his head and strode off.

      Autumn resented the fact that he’d come up with an answer that did nothing to squash the persistent belief that he and Autumn were eventually going to get married.

      Jackie sighed after Clay. “There goes one good-looking man.”

      “His eyes are bloodshot.”

      “But there’s nothing wrong with his backside. And that is one fine—” Jackie broke off and blinked. “You are so lucky, Autumn.”

      Autumn drew a deep breath. “Clay and I aren’t dating.”

      “Well, of course not.” Jackie handed Autumn her packet. “Why would you two need to date?”

      Autumn gave up, took her packet and went to find her mother.

      Mistake. It was obvious that her mother and friends had been watching Clay and Autumn as they stood in line. Autumn greeted them and steeled herself for the inevitable.

      “Autumn, your mom told us that you and Clay haven’t set a date yet.” A silver-haired woman with turquoise earrings smiled expectantly.

      People had stopped being subtle. “We aren’t going to set a date.”

      Several pairs of eyes widened. “You’re not eloping!”

      “Clay and I aren’t engaged.”

      “Well, not officially,” Debra said, patting Autumn’s arm.

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