Free Hope Falls: Hearts Afire (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Julie Prestsater Page B

friends.
    He knew she was a sandwich girl. Sue Ann had filled him in on that detail. She bragged about how the new girl couldn’t live without her cooking and was addicted to her sandwiches and fries. So he got to work making grilled cheese sandwiches with ham before she got there.
    Knowing her, she’d be at his door within minutes. The woman didn’t mess around. She didn’t dawdle. If she was going to do something, she was on it. It surprised him that someone had told her she couldn’t write a romance. Did they not know Katie? Tell her she couldn’t do something and she was sure to do it twice.
    Just as he was taking the sandwiches off the stove, there was a knock at his door. When he opened it, Katie was standing there all bundled up with her hair in braids. She was too fucking cute.
    “Got all dolled up for me, huh?” He reached out and picked up the end of her braid before quickly dropping it. The last time they got together, he shared more than he expected. One of the times before that he had kissed her. It was a friendly kiss, but a kiss nonetheless. He just couldn’t keep reaching out and touching her whenever he wanted.
    “You know me. You’re a regular old Miss America.” As she walked in, she started peeling off her warm layers—scarf, gloves, sweater. Underneath it all, she was wearing her pajamas which made him chuckle inside.
    “Don’t sell yourself short, Katie. Why not Miss Universe in her pjs? Did I wake you?”
    It didn’t surprise him that she had already circled his living room and was heading toward his kitchen and breakfast nook.
    “No, I’ve been up since early this morning writing. I had just gotten off the phone with my sister-in-law when you called.”
    “You didn’t run this morning?” he asked.
    She winced, a frown on her face. “To be honest,” she said. “I’ve been flaking when you’re on shift. It’s not as motivating to go on my own, so my ass thanks you for getting me up and moving.”
    “You can tell your ass you’re welcome.” He headed to the dining table and pointed to the place settings. “Lunch is ready. I didn’t have time to make fries, but I have some chips.”
    She looked down at the spread, smiling. “Oh my, Case. Thank you so much. That sandwich looks delicious. And my ass thanks you again for not feeding me fries.” Katie laughed at her own joke, as she always did. And he laughed because she did. It was a vicious cycle.
    They sat down across from each other and started eating. He was finished with only a few bites, while Katie took a few more. He loved that she didn’t try to act dainty and polished in front of him. He had been with his share of women who put on a front. Or who were really like that. It didn’t appeal to him. He had never met anyone like the woman sitting across from him, and she was quite appealing.
    “So where is this view you were bragging about?” she asked as she sat back and rubbed her belly. He had seen a lot in his thirty years, but a woman patting her belly after a meal was not one of them. He was stunned speechless by how ridiculously adorable she was. “What?” she asked, brows pulling down at his expression.
    He shook his head, a silly grin on his face. “Nothing.” He got to his feet and gestured to the sliding door that led to the balcony. “Let’s go outside.”
    She wiggled in her seat, rubbing her hands together as if she were getting ready for something exciting. He watched her as she stepped outside. Her mouth hung open and her eyes went wide. Slowly, she walked the perimeter of the deck, looking out at the scenery. He could see what she was thinking, feeling. He felt the same way every time he came out here. It was a large half-moon shaped area with an extraordinary view of Hope Falls. The only views that were better were the ones up in the mountains where the high-priced properties were. He was a saver and could afford to live up there, but he loved being in the heart of the town.
    “It’s