Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Macy perked up at that.
“I drove here straight from work, over an hour from Manhattan with traffic. I’m looking for Nicole Farnsworth. Know her?”
Macy blinked, surprised. “I do.” She came around the counter and settled onto the stool beside him.
“Where is she staying?” he asked.
She narrowed her gaze. She didn’t know him, and Nicole hadn’t mentioned a man in her life. “Did you say Nicole was your fiancée?”
“Ex.” His eyes hardened at the word.
“Your idea or hers?” she asked boldly, having her reasons.
He pushed back from his seat, surprise in his eyes. “Hers. Now will you tell me where she is?” he asked.
Macy might admire his bluntness but that didn’t mean she trusted him. She eyed him warily, wondering if the handsome devil was telling her the truth.
“What’s your name?” Macy asked him.
“Tyler Stanton. Yours?”
“Macy Donovan.”
“I would normally say it’s a pleasure, Ms. Donovan—”
“Macy,” she interjected.
He frowned. “But you’re not helping me out. And I thought small towns were friendly.” His jaw worked in frustration that didn’t make him any less sexy.
She leaned in close, inhaling the potent scent of his aftershave. Even after a full day, he smelled manly and delicious. God, what a traitor she was, lusting after her new friend’s ex-fiancé.
But no matter how humiliating, she wouldn’t allow her hormones to override her common sense.
“I’m very friendly. In this case, I’m protecting my friend. If you leave me a number or hotel information where she can reach you, I’ll give her the message.”
“Ms. Donovan.”
“Macy.”
He worked that sexy jaw once more. “Macy. Don’t you think I’ve called her more than once before I drove all the way upstate?”
She couldn’t contain her grin. “I think she’s obviously not returning those calls, which means she doesn’t want to talk to you.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“What? If she wanted to see you, she’d answer your calls. What kind of new friend would I be if I just turned her over to you without making sure that’s what she wanted?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Fine. Tell her I’m in town, and I need to see her. Now, can you please tell me where I can find the nearest hotel?”
“Five-star, or is a bed-and-breakfast okay with you?” Macy couldn’t help teasing him.
“I’m guessing there are no five-star hotels around here.”
She shrugged. “Twenty minutes away. But you look exhausted, and I promise you the Serendipity Inn is clean and the food homemade.” She pulled out her phone. “I’ll even call ahead and make sure they have a room available. How’s that for friendly?”
“Works for me.” he said, obviously relieved.
She made the call and secured him a room. “Tell you what. Eat dinner, then go get a good night’s sleep. Come back in the morning, breakfast on me. In the meantime, I’ll try to reach Nicole.”
“Now that’s mighty neighborly of you, Ms. Donovan.” He winked, and if she were another type of woman, she might have swooned. “You’ve made me reassess my opinion. You’re definitely friendly. In fact, if I were Nicole, I’d be damn glad you had my back.”
“That might be the nicest compliment I’ve ever received.”
“Macy! Food’s up!”
“Excuse me,” she said to her customer. She walked back to the kitchen.
“Who’s the hunk?” Aunt Lulu asked.
Macy narrowed her gaze. “What are you doing here? Isn’t it bridge night?”
“I stopped by to pick up the pie I baked for after we play. Now spill.”
Macy loved her aunt, trusted her business sense, and knew she had a big heart. But she also loved to gossip, which meant she wasn’t giving the woman any information. Not until she knew what was going on with Tyler from Nicole herself.
“Just a customer.” She picked up his order. “Thanks, Dad!” She waved to her father, the cook in the back. He shared shifts with her uncle.
He winked at her and went about his business. He hadn’t inherited his sister’s propensity for talking or gossip.
“Have fun tonight,” she said to her aunt and walked back into the restaurant with Tyler’s food.
She set his meal in front of him, noting once more the utter perfection of his chiseled features, and did her best not to sigh. In a small town like Serendipity, Macy had seen all the available men and often despaired of meeting anyone new. Didn’t it figure the one she found drool-worthy was her new friend’s ex. And true friends just didn’t go there.
“Enjoy,” she said, turning to go.
“Keep me company?” he asked, surprising her.
She wasn’t technically scheduled to work anyway . . . “Let me just get myself something to eat, and I’ll be right back,” she agreed, knowing that her attraction to this man was a bad thing.
But he hadn’t shown any reciprocal interest, and clearly, he was here for Nicole. Besides, if Nicole had really ended things with him, he wouldn’t remain in town for long. So Macy decided that keeping him company wouldn’t hurt anyone at all.