“The Humane Society of Western Montana. They do a whole host of great things, like provide shelter for pets and rehome animals. They have a pet food pantry and provide animal education. The ball I’m organizing is almost sold out, but I’d love to get the last few tickets sold in the next week.”
“It sounds wonderful. Of course. Leave them wherever you’d like.”
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Gerald turned, and Sky was just setting the fliers onto the counter when a large hand slipped around her and took one from the top of the pile.
“Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance at our charity fundraiser.”
Sky’s head whipped up and she looked into a set of deep chocolate eyes.
Becket.
He wore a white T-shirt that made his suntanned skin look even darker, and man, oh, man, his biceps stretched the material.
“Give it back.”
“Aren’t these for people to take?”
“Yes, but—”
“Well, Peaches, I’m people.” His gaze returned to the flier. “Dress in your finest formal wear and enjoy live music and cocktail food. The ticket price will help to raise money for The Humane Society of Western Montana.” His gaze rose. “I didn’t know you were such a do-gooder.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Guess you don’t know me very well.”
“We should change that. I think I’ll attend.”
“You’re not going.”
“Are there still tickets available?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“Then I’m there. Contrary to your beliefs, I do like to support good causes when I can.”
“You’re not serious?”
“I am. I love doing good.”
She shook her head. “No. You’re not actually going, are you?”
“I absolutely am. We’ll drink a margarita together and discuss that tree that’s coming down. Maybe even talk about what to do with the fence you’ve already bought that’s not going up.”
Then he nudged her shoulder and headed across the café to a booth.
She had never in her life met anyone who made her so furious.
* * *
Becket was still smilingas he slid into a booth. He glanced down at the flier in his hand. He wasn’t a ball kind of guy. Anything that involved dressing in a suit or any form of formal attire was usually a hard no.
But a fundraiser run by Sky? Yeah, he could fit that in. And the fact that she told him he couldn’t go was just an added perk to attending.
The door to The Tea House opened, and he looked up to see his sister walk inside.
“So, I can confirm my new roommate does not want to be my friend,” Clara huffed as she dropped into the booth opposite him. “This morning, I made her chocolate chip waffles.Chocolate chip waffles. And do you know what she said? No, you don’t. And you won’t even believe it when I tell you. She said, ‘Thank you, but I don’t like chocolate chips,’ then shewalked out.
“First, who the heck doesn’t like chocolate chips? Second, who walks out of the room when someone makes them waffles without even trying one?” She glanced down at the piece of paper in his hand. “What’s that?”
