Free Taming the Montana Millionaire by Teresa Southwick

worst time that anyone could imagine. She knew from experience that compassion was always appreciated.
    Linda tucked a strand of shoulder-length hair behind her ear. “I just hired Erin to replace Shirley.”
    â€œWelcome to The Hitching Post family,” Haley said. So this was the new girl she was going to help train. “Meet Ben Walters, my friend and one of our best customers.”
    â€œI like my burger medium well.” His voice was friendly-gruff.
    â€œJust write ‘hockey puck’ on the ticket and the cook will know who it’s for,” Linda teased.
    â€œThanks for the tip,” Erin said.
    â€œI haven’t given you one yet.” Ben studied her intently. “Gotta see how the service is first.”
    â€œDon’t be mean, Ben,” Linda said.
    â€œNot mean. It’s the God’s honest truth.”
    â€œThat’s good,” Erin said. “I’d rather have the truth than live with a lie.”
    Haley noticed a spark of intensity in the words, but chalked it up to nerves starting a new job. “Have you ever waitressed before, Erin?”
    â€œI’m so grateful for this opportunity. Linda is taking a chance on me and I’ll work hard not to let her down,” she said, not really answering. “How long have you lived in Thunder Canyon, Haley?”
    Haley noticed the one-hundred-eighty-degree turn away from herself, but didn’t point it out. Instead she responded truthfully. “All my life. I grew up here.”
    â€œWow, you must know everyone in town.” Erin toyed with the end of her ponytail.
    â€œI know a lot of people,” Haley said.
    â€œWe were just talking about one of them when you walked up,” Ben said. “That Marlon Cates is a piece of work.”
    â€œI haven’t met him. Do you know him well?” Erin asked her, that edge of intensity slipping into her tone again.
    If kissing him meant she knew him well, Haley did. But that wasn’t something she was willing to share with her friends, let alone a stranger. “He was a year ahead of me in high school.”
    â€œStay away from that one,” Ben warned.
    â€œWhy?” Erin asked.
    â€œHe’s not so bad,” Linda chimed in. “Just a high-energy person.”
    â€œYou call it high energy,” Ben said frowning. “I call it bad news.”
    â€œWhy?” Erin asked.
    Haley didn’t miss the girl’s acute interest in Marlon and wondered about it, trying to ignore the sting of unwanted jealousy.
    Another good reason for firing Marlon. He brought out the worst in her.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter,” Haley said. “He lives in Los Angeles and isn’t staying in town long.”
    â€œI didn’t mean to interrupt your lunch, Ben.” Linda smiled. “Just wanted you both to meet the new girl.”
    â€œI look forward to working with you,” Haley said honestly.
    â€œSame here. Nice to meet you both.”
    As they walked away, Haley studied the newcomer’s trim back and slender figure. She sure asked a lot of questions, but maybe it was an attempt at female bonding. Finding common ground for friendship.
    The suspicious thoughts made her feel just the slightest bit hypocritical. After all, talk was the foundation of friendship. Talk was a way to communicate feelings. Haley had encouraged Roy to talk about what he was going through in an attempt to help.
    Funny thing about talk. She’d just unburdened herself and didn’t feel the least bit better for it. She was still bummed about firing her charming volunteer. She’d enjoyed spending time with him in spite of herself. But a lie of omission was still a lie.
    The truth was that Marlon Cates hadn’t changed at all. Ben was right about him being trouble. He was capable ofbreaking her heart without breaking his stride. Firing him was for the best. Her best.
    Because she was starting to look forward to seeing him every day.