Sparks & Cabin Fever Read Online Free PDF Page A

back as I can remember.”
    â€œMy parents and I used to camp a lot, too. I got my love of nature from them,” Stefani said. “Hiking, fishing, you name it and we did it.”
    He took another swallow of beer. “Those were the good old days.”
    She nodded. “They sure were. I haven't been camping in years, but I do go fishing quite a bit.”
    â€œI'm looking forward to fishing again. It's been a while.”
    She smiled. “So, what brings you to Garden Grove? We don't usually get too many newcomers.”
    â€œMy company purchased the former Ware Factory. I have to meet with the contractors next week to see how much work needs to be done.” He shifted his weight on the barstool. “We've bought up the abandoned properties next to it and hope to expand the plant.”
    â€œSo, you're going to reopen the factory?” Stefani asked hopefully. “It would be nice to have the factory running again. It was devastating when Ware went under.”
    â€œIf everything goes according to plan we'll have more than enough available jobs in every capacity to employ anyone in town who's looking for work, from teenagers to seniors.” He took another swallow of beer. “It'll draw new businesses to town, too. And maybe reopen some of those that have closed.”
    â€œI'd love to have those old businesses back. Just so Garden Grove doesn't get so big that it loses its small town charm,” Stefani replied.
    â€œI don't think the citizens of Garden Grove would allow that.” His eyebrows knitted together. “Not everybody, including me, wants a mega mall or strip malls every couple of blocks. I love the small town atmosphere with the mom and pop shops.”
    â€œGood.” She looked down at her empty wineglass. “Are you here only temporarily? I mean until you get the factory up and running?” Stefani wished she could think of something to ask that would determine if he was single. She had to think of a subtle way to bring up the topic. To hell with Harper calling dibs on him. He had a mind of his own, and right now she was enjoying getting to know him and hoped to know him much better before the night was over—unless, of course, he was married.
    â€œSo far I like what I see here. I've never been much for big cities even though I was born and raised in one. I like a simpler lifestyle with grass under my feet and fresh air to breathe.” He finished off his beer. His eyes drifted to her empty wineglass. “Can I buy you a drink?”
    Before Stefani could answer, Harper came out of nowhere and sashayed up to the bar. She was dressed in a short denim skirt, a low-cut light blue blouse which showed ample cleavage, and navy heels. Deacon's eyes were immediately drawn to her like a magnet. Stefani's heart fell. She hadn't been enough to keep Deacon interested once Harper entered the picture. Even though Deacon claimed he loved the outdoors, when he was indoors, Harper would be his preferred partner.
    â€œI'm sorry I'm late,” she said throwing her arms around Stefani's neck. “Forgive me?” She turned her head and noticed Deacon sitting next to Stefani. She immediately stepped back from Stefani and with hands on hips beamed at Deacon. “I'm surprised to see you here,” she said with a phony accent.
    Stefani's eyes narrowed. What a liar! She shot Harper a steely look. Harper lifted an eyebrow slightly. The only reason Harper asked her out tonight was to pretend they were having a girls’ night out and then act surprised if she ran into Deacon. She'd obviously planned to come in late then feign surprise at seeing him. Stefani fumed, but she had no one to blame but herself for allowing Harper to use her to serve her own purposes. What did it matter? Deacon hadn't shown anything more than a friendly interest in her. She'd made it out to be more than it clearly was only because that was what she so badly wanted. Deacon had shared