Britney peered at me over the rim of her cup, her head tilting to the side, her eyes squinting.
“That bad, huh?” I asked, my voice low and nasally.
“Um,” she said. “No?”
“I just hope it doesn’t turn into two big black eyes.”
Britney grinned, loudly sipping the dregs of her Diet Coke. “You could always reschedule your date with Patrick.”
I groaned. “I can’t, though. I’ve rescheduled three times already and I need his help moving my furniture.”
“I’m going to tell him you only want him for his body.”
“Don’t you dare,” I said, laughing. “But I might need to borrow a little concealer.”
“Girl, you’re going to need more than a little.”
A throat cleared to the side of the counter and I straightened. The cover model was standing a few feet away, hands in his jacket pockets. That was quick.
“Can I get you something else?”
“No, it was great. I left cash on the table.”
“Wonderful. Thanks for stopping in,” I said, trying very hard not to sound sarcastic. “If you’re ever back in Holly Springs be sure to stop by The Bell.”
He gave me a look that clearly said he knew I was delivering my spiel with a side of sarcasm.
He nodded and left.
“Explain,” Britney said before the door had even closed all the way behind the guy.
I shrugged. “Nothing to say.”
Her face was a picture of doubt. “There’s a handsome stranger eating in your diner that you seem to have a strong dislike for and you’re sporting a bruised nose. There’s a story here.”
“He hit me in the face with a bottle of Fred’s hot sauce.” I raised my hands to stave off her indignation. “It was an accident, but then he had the gall to insult my diner.”
“Ah, I see,” she said, leaning back on her stool. “And he’s only passing through?”
“Probably,” I said, removing her empty glass and wiping the counter to remove water rings. Hardly anyone passed through anymore, and when they did, they never stayed long. It was something which would need to change if I was going to save the diner.
Britney sighed. “I hope you’re wrong.”
Ignoring her, I moved around the counter to clear Hot Sauce Guy’s table. The full plate of fries sat untouched. Scoffing, I dumped the plate in the clean-up bin with the rest of the dirty dishes.
“My boyfriend is constantly out of town and I need some eye candy. We could use some fresh men,” she said, spinning around on her stool. “Especially if they look like him. They don’t make them like that in Holly Springs.”
Also by Kasey Stockton
Contemporary Romance
Snowflake Wishes, A Holly Springs Romance
His Stand In Holiday Girlfriend, Christmas in the City 1
Snowed In on Main Street, Christmas in the City 2
Women of Worth Series
Love in the Bargain, Book one
Love for the Spinster, Book two
Love at the House Party, Book three
Love in the Wager, Book four
Love in the Ballroom, Book five
Stand-alone Historical Romance
A Duke for Lady Eve, Belles of Christmas Book 5
His Amiable Bride, Featherbottom Chronicles
A Forgiving Heart, Seasons of Change 3
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About the Author
Kasey Stockton is a staunch lover of all things romantic. She doesn't discriminate between genres and enjoys a wide variety of happily ever afters. Drawn to the Regency period at a young age when gifted a copy of Sense and Sensibility by her grandmother, Kasey initially began writing Regency romances. She has since written in a variety of genres, but all of her titles fall under sweet romance. A native of northern California, she now resides in Texas with her own prince charming and their three children. When not reading, writing, or binge-watching sappy chick flicks, she enjoys running, cutting hair, and anything chocolate.
Melodies and Mistletoe (Christmas in the City Book 3) Page 15