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There was a lull in the traffic, and she turned to Samantha. “You think you can handle things here by yourself for a few minutes while Jacque and I grab something for lunch? And then when we get back you can go to get some lunch.”

“That sounds good to me,” Samantha agreed. “I’ll be fine here alone.”

Monique stood from the chair and looked at Jacque. “You ready to see what we can find to eat?”

“Definitely,” he replied.

“Then let’s go.”

There was still a crowd of people on the streets although a lot of folks were gathered in front of City Hall. A bandstand was set up there, and a local band was playing country tunes.

As they walked, Jacque surprised her by wrapping one of his arms around her shoulders and pulling her closer to his side. She knew he was doing so to make sure she stayed safe, but she found it more than wonderful to have his body so close to hers.

The scent of him infused her head and half dizzied her senses. She not only felt incredibly safe, but his nearness stirred up her physical desire for the man.

They stopped walking in front of the grocery store where the owner, Howard Griffen, was serving up pulled pork sandwiches and French fries at a reasonable price.

“Sound good?” Jacque asked her.

“Smells delicious,” she replied.

“Heck yes, they smell delicious, and they taste even better,” Howard said. “Should I serve you up a couple with fries on the side?”

“Yeah, that would be great,” Jacque replied.

Minutes later, Monique held the two plates while Jacque once again pulled her tight against his side. They returned to the shop and ate while Samantha left to go get some food.

The rest of the day passed with sales made and plenty of laughter as friends and neighbors stopped by. Dominique came and bought a scarf and told them Angelique was keeping busy at her sidewalk sale. Nola also showed up, more to gossip than to buy anything.

At five o’clock, as they began to move things inside, a layer of clouds moved in, darkening the day. “I hope it isn’t going to rain,” Monique said. “That would certainly ruin everyone’s fun.”

“The weather report called for a cloudy evening, but it’s not supposed to rain,” Jacque replied.

“That’s good,” she said and then turned to Samantha. “You’re officially off duty. Thank you so much for working with me today.”

Samantha smiled. “I really enjoyed it, and I’ll see you day after tomorrow when I work again.” She got her purse from inside the store, then with goodbyes said, headed down the sidewalk.

Finally, everything was put away in the store. Monique and Jacque stepped back outside, and she locked the door and then gazed down the street. All the shoppers had disappeared, leaving the sidewalks relatively empty. She knew most of the people were either by the bandstand or enjoying the small carnival that had set up in a field just behind City Hall.

“With the cloudy skies, the lights of the carnival really sparkle and shine,” she said. “Especially the ones on the Ferris wheel.”

“I suppose you want me to ride it with you,” Jacque said from behind her.

She whirled around to look at him. “Would you?”

“I suppose I could do one ride.”

“Oh, thank you, Jacque.” On impulse she stood on her tiptoes and threw her arms around his neck. She kissed him on his cheek as once again she smelled the delicious scent of him. Instantly, a familiar flame flickered to life inside her.

She quickly lowered her arms, but not before she saw the flames that danced in the depths of his green eyes. “Let’s go,” she said with a forced lightness.

As usual, as they made their way down the sidewalk, he tucked her into the shelter of his arm. This nearness further stoked the flames that burned in her veins.

She wanted him. In spite of his bouts of coolness, despite his occasional gruffness, she wanted her body naked against his and his hot mouth consuming hers. She wanted to feel him caress her, and she wanted to run her hands across his broad chest and down his perfect body.

She tried to tamp down these emotions. What happened to just wanting him as a friend? Maybe they could be friends with benefits. That would be absolutely perfect. She could have his friendship and his body.

By the time they reached the line for the Ferris wheel, she had successfully managed to shove her desire for Jacque to the back of her head.