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this is—”
    Chloe was on her feet studying Nick with unabashed interest. She held her hand out. “Chloe Garrison.”
    â€œNick Westing.” He took her hand and spun her around with a low whistle. “Mmmm. Doll, all I need to know is where you came from and how long you plan to stay on.”
    Miya rolled her eyes. Dead End wasn’t the only thing that hadn’t changed. “Nick, please behave.”
    â€œDon’t I always?”
    Before Miya could respond, Nick winked at Chloe.
    â€œNew York,” Chloe offered, “And two days. Though I’ll admit Texas just got a bit more interesting, so we’ll have to see what it has to offer as incentive to stay on a bit longer.”
    â€œI think we could find any number of distractions to convince you,” Nick offered before flashing Miya a mischievous smile. “You always were my favorite gal. Now you’re right up there with an angel for bringing this doll to meet me.”
    â€œYou’re so very welcome.” Miya crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “And yes, I’m great. Doing well in the big bad city, and so far my time home has been pleasant, thanks for asking.”
    He nodded absently. “Sure is good to see you.”
    â€œSo what are your plans for the night, cowboy?” Chloe asked.
    â€œYou.”
    The long, slow perusal of his stare made Chloe giggle.
    Giggle!?! Chloe? Giggling?
    Miya rolled her eyes, but there was something in Chloe’s gaze that made her pause. “You two have the subtlety of Ma’s rabbits.”
    They both laughed, but their eyes never left each other’s. She hadn’t considered setting the two up, but now she realized they were equals. Players to the core. It would be interesting to see who came out on top. With a laugh, Miya walked away. “I’m going to see if my father needs any help. Let me know when you’re ready, Chloe.”
    â€œYour dad’s out back with Shawn unloading the hay,” Nick called out.
    Her steps faltered, and she swung back to meet his gaze. Nick had been her friend for as long as she could remember, and she didn’t miss the slight frown marring his handsome face.
    Question was… What did that frown mean?
    â€œWhat’s he doing here?” she asked, almost afraid of the answer.
    â€œHe had deliveries to make.” Nick shrugged and looped an arm around Chloe’s shoulder. “Said after yesterday, he figured he should swing by to check in on yer folks.”
    â€œIs that something he does often?” She couldn’t imagine her mother not mentioning a visit from Shawn. The woman called on a weekly basis. If she thought Shawn would be yet another way to try to convince her daughter to come home, Miya was sure she would have used it.
    Chloe whispered something in Nick’s ear and he smiled hugely. Returning his attention to Miya, he adjusted his dusty hat. “From time to time.”
    Then Nick’s comment replayed in her mind. After yesterday? He’d told Nick about their—nostalgic fling? And he must have thought she’d spilled to her parents? That didn’t make sense. “What do you mean, after yesterday ?”
    Nick cringed. “You need to talk to Shawn.”
    â€œAnd that’s just what she’s going to do while we go find some of those distractions you were talking about,” Chloe hinted.
    Nick’s gaze followed as Chloe walked across the yard.
    Miya shot him a scowl and stormed toward the old barn at the side of the house. She heard her father’s and Shawn’s deep voices as she neared and slowed to eavesdrop on their conversation. Their shadows shifted over the ground as they unloaded bales of hay from the truck. They discussed the weather and local events, nothing too exciting, until her father stopped suddenly.
    â€œI ’preciate the help, Shawn.” The gravelly tenor of her father’s voice sounded tired.