I duck my head and pretend to study the noodle shelf like it’s the most fascinating thing I’ve ever seen.
I wander over to the refrigerated section, torn between a cola and an orange drink. My hand hovers as Collin comes around the corner.
“Can I help you find anything?”
I smile, holding up the noodles and chips. “No, thanks. Just trying to figure out dinner.”
“New to town?”
“Brand new,” I respond with a small nervous laugh.
“Ah. Well, you picked a tough time to get hungry.” He lifts his arms slightly, motioning around the store. “After eight, this is pretty much it.”
“Seriously?”
He chuckles. “Yep. The closest open gas station is the other Circle K in Newport.”
I raise an eyebrow at him. “That’s like twenty miles away.”
“Twenty-five.” He flashes a grin before walking away.
I sigh and grab the cola. I add a large bottle of water and head for the register.
I look out the window to check on Neptune. He is still sitting on the passenger seat, looking every bit the loyal guard dog he is. When he sees me, his tongue rolls out of his mouth. I smile back at him.
I set my items on the counter, and Collin quickly rings them up.
“That’ll be $17.89.”
He starts putting everything into a plastic bag.
“No thanks.” I shake my head. “I don’t do plastic. I’m good.”
“Suit yourself.” He hands me the receipt.
“Thanks.” I pick up my items, turn to leave—and smack right into a wall.
Except it’s not a wall. It’s the guy in uniform,Finn.
He’s over a foot taller than me, all broad shoulders and that grin again.
“Excuse me,” I say, feeling heat rush to my cheeks.
“Aye, lass.” He grins, and my knees feel like seafoam. “Would you like some help?”
I look up at him, my heart tripping over itself. “I’d rather not.”
I step around him and practically flee the store.
I rush back to Rusty, Neptune still standing guard.
My hands shake as I load the snacks into the passenger seat. God, he’s handsome. And that accent… it did things to my insides I was not prepared for.
I start the truck and pull out of the parking lot. As I drive past the store, I glance up to find Finn still watching me through the window, that same grin on his face.
Which is a problem… because I kind of like it.
Chapter 3
