incredible.”
“Even more amazing was that the bear saw me watching him.” I reached for a small white box and put a square of cotton inside it. “He didn’t run or seem scared—he just stared at me until he’d plucked every plump berry from that bush. Probably fattening up for winter hibernation.”
“You’ve convinced me I made the right choice.” After checking the price tag, he handed over the bracelet and the exact change.
It would only cover the rent if I lived off ramen noodles for the rest of the week, but the exchange with him felt priceless. I was sorry to see it end.
“Thank you,” I said, laying the bracelet in the box and sliding it across the table to him. “Hope she likes it.”
He picked up the box and then slipped it into his pocket. “I’m sure my mom will love it. She’s called me every day since I moved, begging me to move back to the city. Never going to happen, but at least now I can send her a peace offering.”
Every nerve in my body went on red alert. Had he just said . . .
“I’m Dave.” He reached his hand across the table.
I took his hand and an electric current zipped through me. “Holly.”
He glanced down at our entwined hands, making me wonder if he’d felt the same tingly sensation I had. “Thanks for sharing that bear story, Holly. I’d love to hear more. Would you like to go to dinner with me?”
Elated, I gave him a playful look. “Only if we can have ice cream after.”
He laughed. “Any flavor you want.”
“Deal.” I grinned, knowing I had the exact flavor I’d been looking for.
Whoever said love didn’t pay the bills may have been right, but it still pays off in the end. I loved my town. I loved my work. And I couldn’t wait to see what this next adventure with Dave would bring.
THE END
About the author :
SUSAN HATLER is an international bestselling author who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too. You can visit her website at www.susanhatler.com
Other books by Susan Hatler:
Love at First Date (Better Date than Never series, Book#1)
Ellen may not believe in storybook love, but it’s about to rewrite her life . . .
Ellen’s figured out that finding the right guy is all about compatibility. That’s why she signs up for Detailed Dating—the local online dating scene in Sacramento. They ask men the hard questions, compare their answers with hers, then she filters through the profiles of each provided “match.” After numerous email exchanges, she narrows it down to two promising candidates she’s excited to meet in person.
When Ellen’s best friend asks her for a favor, dog-sitting leads to disaster and Ellen ends up at the local vet where she meets a man she can’t get out of her mind. Henry isn’t a logical choice, but she finds herself paying for dog obedience class to spend more time with him.
Ellen knows that in order to have a lasting relationship, she should take the safe route and go for one of the pre-screened guys. But, how can she think with her head when her heart keeps begging her to give Henry a chance?
Truth or Date (Better Date than Never series, Book #2)
Gina Hall is done with men who won’t commit. Ten years waiting for her ex to propose wasted her time. Never again. When her friend Kristen starts a game of Truth or Dare, she dares Gina to go on a date with Ethan, who’s amazing and total marriage material.
As Gina plans the going away party for office playboy Chris Bradley, she spontaneously initiates a game of Truth or Dare with him. When his turn comes around, he dares Gina to pose as his girlfriend to help get a flirty colleague off his back. Gina finds playing couple with Chris way too much fun.
Even though Gina and