Free Hotter than Texas (Pecan Creek) by Tina Leonard Page A

smarts.”
    “Good,” Charlotte said, “we’ll bond in due time. Maybe.”
    Lucy’s gaze slid to the Viking. “Sure thought you wanted to hire me to help you sell those pies you make.”
    “Really,” Charlotte said flatly. “You’d be surprised at the profit potential of pies versus man warmers.”
    “Nice percentage, huh?”
    “Ridiculously.” Charlotte walked her to the door. “Do not be late. I cannot abide tardiness.”
    Lucy walked onto the porch. “Duly noted. Good night, Charlotte.”
    “Mrs. Dawson to you, Miss Cassavechia.”
    She closed the door, leaving Lucy on the porch. “Well, la-di-da,” Lucy said, “but you need me more than I need you, Mrs. Dawson.” She headed back to The Grease Pit, thinking that if Sugar’s FOB didn’t work out, at least they’d have man warmers to pad the bottom line.

Chapter Six
    Three days later after he’d kissed Sugar, Jake went to see Sugar. He had business to discuss with her, but mostly, he wanted to see her again. Something about her made him smile, and he wasn’t sure why.
    Maybe it was the sass.
    Parking his truck, he spied Sugar walking Paris in the pecan grove. He waved at Sugar. “Hello, ladies!”
    She shifted the basket she carried and waved back. Paris galloped toward him, wearing a doggie smile and a new leather collar.
    “Hey, girl.” He ruffled Paris’s fur and smiled at Sugar as she approached. “She’s putting on weight.”
    “The vet says she’s gained five pounds. She has all her shots now, and has been checked for heartworms. Miraculously, she’s worm-free. She just needs TLC.” She petted the big, soft dog, who gazed up at her with liquid chocolate eyes. “To what do we owe the honor of your presence?”
    “Can’t a guy come see his four favorite ladies without needing a reason?”
    Sugar shrugged. “Three of us don’t trust you. Paris is nice to everyone.”
    “Tell her, Paris. I’m harmless.”
    The dog gazed up at both of them with adoration. “You’ve interrupted our walk. You’ll have to follow along if you decide to get on with the nature of your visit.” She began walking back into the grove with her basket full of pecans. After a moment’s indecision, Paris followed her.
    “Story of my life,” Jake said. “All the ladies love me and leave me.”
    “No pity points will be donated here,” Sugar said over her shoulder.
    Jake strode to catch up. “What if I told you I came by just to see you?”
    “I’d urge you to not waste my time.”
    Jake laughed. “All right. I want to talk to you about Maggie.”
    Sugar stopped, turned to look at him. It felt really fine to have her full attention on him. Jake was conscious of a heady desire to make her smile, just so he could bask in it.
    Pretty selfish of him, but there it was.
    “What about Maggie?” Sugar demanded.
    He took a deep breath. “Vivian has decided that Maggie can be the town mayor for the Christmas parade.”
    Sugar blinked. “Just for the parade?”
    “It’s an honorary position. Newcomer-of-the-year kind of honorary stuff, I think.”
    Sugar put a hand on her hip. “Cut to the chase, Jake. What does Vivian really want?”
    Jake sighed. “While I admit your caution does you credit, this time there’s no hook in Vivian’s offer.”
    “I don’t believe you.”
    “It’s true.” Jake held up his palms in a gesture of search me . “I think Vivian just had a change of heart.”
    Sugar started walking again. “Whatever.”
    He laughed and followed. “You sound like Lucy.”
    “Look, Jake.” Sugar wheeled on him. “Whatever story Vivian’s talking with you is just to stay on your good side. But your mother is not a friendly person, and I don’t believe for one moment that your mother is doing something nice for mine out of the blue.”
    “Normally, I’d agree with you. This time, Vivian seemed anxious to make amends.”
    Sugar shrugged and walked away.
    He caught up with her easily, eager to press his point. “Sugar, listen, PC