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Minutes later, I pull onto the Walkers’ drive. In all my hesitancy, I forgot to tell them I was taking Rosie’s place here, but they won’t mind me stopping by.

I also didn’t tell Archer, but that was on purpose.

This is a conversation that will be better had in person.

Archer

I arrive at the Walkers for our planned meeting, but when I see the mayor’s SUV there, a knot forms in my gut. I know the Monroes and Walkers are family friends, but I wasn’t expecting to see him here today.

Is he going to cancel the hayrides? Or is he here to turn the Walkers against me, too?

My thoughts continue to whir as I pull my truck into the drive and park at the side of the SUV. But when I see a woman leaning against the car instead, her legs crossed at the ankles and arms folded as she watches me approach, my heart leaps.

Juliet. There’s no sign of her Dad, either. Amazing.

I pull to a stop and climb out of my truck. “Please tell me your car is dead and you need another ride into town.”

“Not today,” she says.

I cluck my tongue in disappointment as I move to stand beside her. “So you’re stalking me now?”

“I hate to disappoint you, but that’s not why I’m here either. Rosie asked me to oversee the meeting between you and the Walkers.”

“Oh, sure.” I speak as if I don’t believe her, and she pushes off the car and faces me directly.

“I’m serious.”

“Okay.”

“Listen. If we’re going to do this⁠—”

“Date?”

She presses her lips together, trying to hide that beautiful smile I’m dying to see. “No, the meeting. If we’re going to have this meeting, we have to be professional, okay? I know the very notion of professionalism is difficult for you to understand, but...” She pauses, leaning in close to me. “The Walkers are my friends. And my dad’s friends. I don’t want them thinking or assuming...” She breaks off with another sigh. “Just don’t embarrass me in front of them, okay?”

“Worried what your boyfriend might think?”

She pauses, looking confused for a second, which settles any remaining concerns I might have between her and Luke Walker.

“What boyfriend?”

“Luke.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“But you want him to be?”

“No, I⁠—”

“Or does he want to be and you just keep rejecting him?”

“That’s not—No, he hasn’t⁠—”

“Oh, you want him to ask you out, but he won’t.”

She stares at me, her smooth lips parted.

I should let her off the hook, ease back a little, but it’s just too fun watching her squirm. After it, I’m usually rewarded with heart eyes and bright grins.