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Trick-or-Treated

Page 43

by Three Silver Foxes

Hazel must be busy.

I realize belatedly I’m still wearing Gabe’s jacket. It’s got something fuzzy on the inside of it. He’ll be lucky if he gets this back.

He can consider it a security deposit.

My phone starts to buzz as soon as I crank up the car.

I see Hazel’s name on the screen, smile, and click the Bluetooth button on my steering wheel to put her through the car speakers.

“Hi, Hazel,” I drawl.

“Don’t you sound like the Cheshire cat,” she accuses. “What happened at that meeting?”

“I knew before the meeting. Just had to be sure.”

“Well, spill! Who is it?”

I pause for dramatic effect and Hazel screeches.

I laugh.

“Okay, okay. Well, first… Cole Hayes.”

She’s quiet for a moment. “That one doesn’t surprise me.”

“Why not?” I frown, pulling onto the highway.

“Please. Joss told me how he was looking at you at the Dive. Apparently, he wasn’t subtle.”

“I don’t think it was that clear.”

“Clear enough for her to mention it.”

I sigh. “Do you want to guess the rest or do you have it all figured out, Nancy Drew?”

“Tell me, tell me.”

“Marcus Sterling.”

She gasps at that one and I feel a sense of victory.

“Your groundskeeper?”

“One and the same.”

“God. He’s huge. Do you think he’ll even fit⁠—”

“Hazel!” I gasp, shocked. “That sounds more like something Joss or Del would say.”

Hazel groans. “I guess I’m pent up.”

“Maybe you should try Season’s Greedings next.”

Hazel pauses. “I don’t know about that. Tell me the last one. I’m dying to know.”

“Gabriel Rivera.”

“Wait. Isn’t that the guy with the big brown eyes and gorgeous hair? Owns the vineyard?”