Halfway There (Fool's Gold #9.75)

“I’ll fit them in as best I can.”


Ethan studied him for a second before nodding slowly. Their arrangement had been clear from the beginning. Ethan wanted a project completed, not a new employee. Ryan had needed time to figure out his next career move. So this had worked for both of them.

The job in Texas gave him a lot of what he wanted. Great pay, interesting work, a chance to advance in his field. Everyone he’d met on his interviews had been friendly, and there was a lot to be said for how pretty the girls were in the Lone Star State.

But he wasn’t sure. Maybe because the company was so large, or it was located so far from his family in eastern Washington State. Whatever the reason, he’d put off accepting the offer.

Now that he’d been in Fool’s Gold a couple of weeks, he found himself liking it more and more. It was a small town without being too small. Fayrene was part of the appeal, he admitted to himself. But she’d made it clear she was only looking for temporary. Which meant staying or going had to be his own decision—not based on his feelings for her.

“You take that job in Texas yet?” Ethan asked.

“No. I have six more weeks until I have to give them an answer.”

Ethan turned off his tablet, and they headed for the truck. “That’s a long time to wait for you.”

Ryan grinned. “I like to think I’ll be worth it.”

Ethan chuckled. “I’m sure you do.”

CHAPTER FIVE

“SEE,” FAYRENE SAID as she and Ryan went down the front stairs of city hall and out onto the street. “Wasn’t that satisfying?”

Ryan chuckled. “Strangely, yes. I didn’t expect it to be.”

“You have good aim.” While her eggs had drifted off course, Ryan had hit the bull’s-eye nearly every time.

Now that she’d made the decision it was okay to have a casual relationship with him while he was in town, she was able to relax and enjoy the tingles and zaps she felt in his company. When they reached the street and he took her hand in his, she hung on tight.

This was nice, she told herself. Four years was a long time to go without dating. She should do this more often. Hang out casually. All she needed was a series of interim guys. Although to be honest, she couldn’t imagine any of them being better than Ryan. Not just in the looks department, but in how he acted. She supposed there was a reason people said that character mattered.

“Where to now?” he asked.

She glanced at her watch. It was nearly noon. “We have time to get lunch and still find a good place to watch the parade. Because it’s Easter tomorrow, there are a lot of bunnies.”

“Live bunnies?”

“A few of those, but mostly people in bunny costumes. Dozens of them. Entire families dress up like rabbits. It’s pretty cool.”

“Seriously?”

“How could I make that up?” she asked. “You’re going to see the parade. And there’s the Bonnet Brigade.”

“I don’t think I want to know what that is.”

“Women in bonnets, of course. Some are handmade, a few are bought. They’re all lovely. And huge.”

“These aren’t regular hats?”

“Not exactly. You’ll have to see for yourself.”

“I can’t wait.”

They walked down Katie Lane to Fourth and reached the park. Food vendors were set up along the parade route. They debated the traditional burger or hot dog versus more exotic street food.

“This is what my sister’s been talking about,” Fayrene said as they waited in line for the first elephant ears of the season. “Having a food cart of some kind.”

“She’s a chef, right?”

She nodded. “She found a trailer on eBay and is thinking of putting in a bid. She would have to remodel it pretty quickly to be up and running for the summer.”

“Good for her. You come from a line of strong women.”

“The town inspires us.”

With their parents dying so unexpectedly, there hadn’t been much choice. Either they would get strong and survive or be sucked under by grief.

Ryan handed her an elephant ear. The confection was still warm and covered with powdered sugar. She juggled the paper plate and napkin, then led the way to a bench in the sun. Although it was sunny, the temperatures were still cool in the shade.

“We probably should have started with something more nutritious,” she said before taking a bite.

“So says the Jelly Belly queen.”

She grinned. “I’m not their queen. It’s more about worship.”

He chuckled. “Tell you what. We’ll have salad later.”

“You’re lying. Guys don’t eat salad on purpose.”

“Yeah, but saying it sounds good and, with luck, you’ll forget.”

“So you’re playing me.”

His humor faded. “I’d never do that, Fayrene.”

She wanted to believe him. So far Ryan had shown himself to be one of the good guys, and she didn’t want that to change. He was smart, handsome and single. Why wasn’t he married? Or at least in a committed relationship?