Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 57350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Bianca cocked her head, calm and composed. “We wouldn’t put in an RV park. We’d bring in self-contained trailers. We don’t need water or sewer for that. We’d bring our own.”
“We don’t want a bunch of people running around town and causing traffic,” Rockefeller shot back, “and there’s no way you can guarantee this would be wrapped up in three weeks.”
He was thin, wearing a blue sport coat over tan Dockers, and several of his people sat behind him in a mix of suits and flannels. There were about ten of them.
“Anybody else?” Jem asked.
Mrs. Poppins stood up beside Bianca, her posture proud. “The Lady Elks are fully in support of the movie, and we would like to be extras.”
A ripple of amusement moved through the room.
“How much do we get paid?” someone called.
Bianca smiled. “If the city council approves the movie, we’ll negotiate a contract covering payment to the city and any extras. Keep in mind that anyone who’s an extra will definitely be filmed, but it doesn’t mean you’ll make the final cut. I can’t guarantee that.”
“Oh, we understand, dear,” Mrs. Poppins said. She craned her neck. “Hey, Adam, did you decide they could use the bar for a scene or two?”
Bianca turned, her eyes twinkling, a small smile tipping her pink lips. “Yeah, Adam. What do you say?”
Adam stood. His mother had raised him better than to speak to ladies while seated. “I guess that’ll be a contract we negotiate as well,” he murmured. Another wave of peachy-pink washed across Bianca’s cheeks, making her look fucking adorable, and a protective instinct tightened in his chest.
“Excellent,” Mrs. Hudson said brightly. She turned back to the council. “Time to vote.”
“Wait.” Pike Thatcher stood, his Stetson in his hands. He and his brother worked the ranch next to Adam’s now that they’d both retired from the rodeo at the ripe old age of thirty. “I don’t want to get on the wrong side of the Lady Elks, but I’ve seen what movie crews can do to small towns. I vote no on this one. The weather hasn’t been cooperating, and we’re all swamped with downed fences and wandering cattle.” He sat, tugging on his flannel.
“I agree.” Boyd Kessler stood, his wranglers worn from washings. He was in his early forties with dark brown hair and mellow blue eyes. He owned a smaller ranch and also worked in construction around town. “We’ve got too much going on to deal with Hollywood people, right now. Maybe next year. I’m sorry.” He also sat, not looking at Mrs. Hudson.
Jem brought the gavel down. “All right, let’s vote.”
All four members voted affirmative. That was it.
The council moved on to old business Adam didn’t bother following, and soon the meeting was adjourned. Chairs scraped, voices rose, and people began to file out. Dawn moved forward, spoke quietly with Mrs. Hudson, then met Bianca and brought her over.
“Hey, Bianca has agreed to join us for dinner,” Dawn said.
Adam glanced at Hawk. “We’re going to dinner?”
“Yeah,” Hawk said, grinning. “The four of us.” He tilted his head. “Right, Adam?”
Adam didn’t answer right away. He was too busy watching Bianca smile like she’d just stepped into a situation she hadn’t expected, and finding that he didn’t mind that one bit.
CHAPTER 3
The Dirt Spoon Diner had blue vinyl booths, uneven wooden floors, and the most delicious scent of apple pie. Warm air wrapped around Bianca as she followed Dawn inside, heavy with cinnamon and sugar. The place was worn in a comfortable way with scuffed planks, humming lights, and the low murmur of conversation.
Dawn slid into a booth at the far back with Hawk following her in, and Bianca scooted in across from her, the vinyl squeaking softly. Adam settled beside Bianca, the booth dipping under his weight.
Their knees brushed under the table. Heat flickered in her chest and rolled low in her belly. She shifted, not away, just enough to reassure herself she still had control. Adam’s presence was solid and unassuming, which somehow made it worse. She focused on the scarred tabletop, tracing an old groove with her fingertip.
How had she been maneuvered into a late dinner with Dawn Freeze? The woman had sparkling blue eyes and an effortless warmth that drew people in without pressure. Bianca already felt caught in her orbit, as if this dinner were less a decision than a current she’d stepped into. Hawk was different. Quiet. Watchful. His gaze swept the diner before they sat, measuring the room with practiced ease. A beat later, Bianca noticed Adam doing the same.
Definitely ex-military. One of her mother’s husbands had been a retired general, and Bianca recognized the stillness and hint of awareness that never shut off.
“We’re so glad you could make it to dinner.” Dawn grinned. “Mrs. Hudson wanted to ask you over, but I figured you’d want to see some of the town.”