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quack and ducks moo.
    â€œYeah? You’d do that?”
    The relief on his face pissed me off. “Sure. Two million dollars and the place is all yours.”
    â€œBut you only paid two-hundred grand,” Babel said incredulously.
    â€œYes. Well, the economy is bad, haven’t you heard? And besides, I think I should get extra for all the pain and suffering.”
    â€œSo, you’re not going to sell it back to me. Is that what you’re saying?”
    Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner. “That’s what I’m saying. I’m staying. You’ll just have to deal with it.”
    His voice became growly and gruff and super sexy. “This town can be dangerous for outsiders.” And super annoying.
    I looked up at him sharply. I could take his words as a threat, but also as a warning. “Do you know what happened to Chav? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
    His blue eyes swirled with intensity. I never knew such a cool color could burn with such heat. “This isn’t about Chavvie or Judah. This is about you.”
    There was a menace about Babel, one that brought goose bumps to the surface of my skin.
    The front door cracked open, and what looked to be about a size-twelve tennis shoe shoved through the opening. It was soon followed by the rest of Jo Jo. He wiped a red paisley handkerchief across his sweaty forehead and shoved it in his back pocket. It was my turned to be relieved.
    â€œHey, Sunny.” He acknowledged me first, then Babel. “Babe.”
    Babel tsked in disapproval. It made me think less of him. Beautiful body or not, he wasn’t on my top-ten list of favorite people at the moment.
    â€œHi, Jo Jo.” I jerked my thumb at Babel. “Ignore him.” Big talk, coming from me. I hadn’t been able to ignore the man since I met him.
    Jo Jo smiled, wide and friendly. I was glad that at least one person in this weird little town was happy to see me. “Are you ready to work?”
    â€œSure thing.” His eyes never left me. Secretly, I was thrilled that he seemed intent on freezing Babel out. “Where do you want me to start first?”
    I rummaged the keys to the U-Haul out of my purse and tossed them at Jo Jo. The kid caught them like a natural-born ball player. “Bring in all the stuff you can carry and I’ll help with the larger items.”
    â€œI’ll help with the stuff he can’t manage,” Babel said.
    I wasn’t quite sure what to make of his offer, considering just seconds earlier he was trying to get me to leave town, but I nodded. “Good enough.”
    Babel took off his flannel shirt and tied the sleeves around his waist. Under, he had a tight, faded blue tank. His biceps, triceps, and all the rest of the muscles in his arms bulged as he filled the mop bucket in the sink. My legs, especially my thighs, felt like the inside of a jelly donut. He rolled his head sideways and dropped his gaze on me.
    I could barely meet his eyes. Jerking my thumb to the door, I said. “I’m going out for a bit.” I needed distance from Babel Trimmel before I did something regrettable. Or pornographic.
    When Jo Jo came in with his first armful, I said to both of them, “I’m stepping out for a minute or two. You cool with that?”
    Jo Jo shrugged. “Where do you want me to put your stuff?”
    â€œUpstairs. What you can manage, anyhow.”
    â€œGood ’nuff.” And he took the stairs by two, bounding up, making me anxious about my lamp, along with a small circular table and a toaster he carried.
    I fought back a sigh. “You okay with me getting out for a while?” I asked Babel, since he hadn’t responded the first time.
    â€œYep,” he answered noncommittally as he scrubbed at the stain behind the counter.
    â€œGood ’nuff,” I said, mimicking Jo Jo.

Chapter 3
    A s I walked down Main Street, I drew expected stares. Apparently, not everyone in