The way Duke’s eyes narrowed sent a tiny thrill through Suzy. “Do you have a problem with that?”
Clearing his throat, Duke made his expression passive. “Not at all. Just feel bad I’m dumping her with you is all.”
Heather smacked his arm with her menu. “You’ve always been such an ass.”
He flashed the cocky grin she’d come to expect—and, God help her, love.
Celine and Lane joined the group. Parker sat on Celine’s hip.
“I hate to ask you this,” Celine said. “But can you keep an eye on Parker for a little while? Lane and Duke need to run to Gurly’s Candystore.”
“Only if Lane brings me back my favorite chocolate covered peanuts.”
“You’d use your nephew as a bartering tool for candy?” Lane asked, his voice dropped low in disbelief.
“I’d use anything for a reason to get free chocolate.”
Heather laughed. “I think you and I are going to get along just fine.”
“Okay, I’ll get your peanuts. We shouldn’t be long.”
Suzy took Parker from Celine and set him on her lap. “Take your time. We’ll eat and then I’ll show Heather around a little. I have a stroller in my car for this little guy.”
“Perfect.” Celine kissed Parker’s cheek then gave Lane a quick peck on the lips. “I have to get back to work. I’ll be around in a second to take your orders.”
“All right, let’s head out,” Lane said. “Thanks for the help.”
Duke hesitated, darting his gaze between Heather and Suzy.
“Something wrong?” Heather asked.
He grunted something Suzy couldn’t understand then situated his cowboy hat back on his head. “Be good.”
“I always am,” Heather said.
Suzy chuckled and gave Duke a little wave before he stalked out the door. “I’ve never seen him so rattled.”
“It’s easy to get him worked up if you know what buttons to push,” Heather said. “And right now, he has a giant red button on his forehead that saysSuzy.”
Suzy coughed to loosen the tightness in her throat. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Heather tilted her head to the side, her long hair pooling over one shoulder. “I think you know exactly what I mean, and maybe after today, we’ll both have a better understanding of what the heck’s happening between you and my brother.”
Heat invaded her face and she struggled not to squirm in the hard, wooden chair. Maybe spending the morning with Duke’s little sister wasn’t such a good idea. She’d have to watch every word she said or her true feelings might be exposed.
Feelings she planned to keep tucked away forever. The last thing she needed was for Heather to out her, or for another cowboy to break her heart.
3
Aflash of anger heated Duke from head to toe. The front window of Gurly’s Candy Shop was shattered. Glass littered the front sidewalk like confetti, rays of sunlight sparkling through the debris. Mrs. Gurly swept the mess inside the store. Sadness covered her like a cobweb, a deep frown pulling down her wrinkled face more than gravity.
This wasn’t just a harmless prank. Someone had caused massive damage to a store owned by two of Hillmore’s most beloved residents.
Lane stood beside him, his fists balled at his sides. “This is bullshit.”
“Agreed,” Duke said.
Mrs. Gurly’s snow-white covered head shot up and she managed a tired smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hello, boys. Glad you made it so quickly. Police just left and Eugene is pacing the store like he’s got a bee stuck in his bonnet. You’ll have a better time calming him down than me.”
