They drove in comfortable silence for several minutes before Whit glanced over at Lila. “Hey, what do you say you let me take you out for dinner in Jackson on Friday night.”
Lila’s face brightened, but then she sighed. “Oh, Whit, I’m sorry. I’ve already committed to going to a book signing with the girls. It’s for Roxie Steele, the romance author I told you about. She’s just finished her latest novel, and her publisher is offering early copies at the signing in town. The event is being hosted by Bluebird Books, our little bookstore.”
Whit smiled. “Sounds fun.”
Lila couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Sounds...interesting.”
Whit, looking incredibly handsome in a snug white T-shirt that accentuated his chest, raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, interesting?”
“Well,” Lila said with a smirk, “I’m not sure anyone will show up. Roxie Steele writes…shall we say, rather saucy material.”
“Ah,” Whit replied, understanding dawning.
On Friday, the day of the book signing, the new town community center was surprisingly crowded. Lila and her friends arrived, expecting a modest turnout, only to be greeted by a line that snaked around the block.
Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Tables were set up with stacks of Roxie Steele’s latest novel,Desire in the Dust, and a banner reading, “Welcome, Roxie Steele!” hung from the ceiling.
The owner of Bluebird Books, Jason Griffith, wore a delighted look as he manned a makeshift table set up with a cash register.
As Lila, Capri, Reva, and Charlie Grace made their way through the crowd, Lila spotted familiar faces. There was Mrs. Jenkins, the town librarian, clutching a copy of the book with a look of guilty pleasure. Old Mr. Thompson, the retired history teacher, stood in line with a bemused expression, likely wondering how he ended up at a romance book signing.
In the corner, the Knit Wits were gathered, their needles clicking furiously as they sat on folding chairs, chatting, and laughing. Dorothy, the unofficial leader of the group, waved them over. “Girls! You won’t believe how spicy this book is. I had to fan myself just reading the first chapter.”
Lila chuckled, shaking her head. “Dorothy, I never would have pegged you for a fan of... let’s call it, steamy literature.”
Dorothy winked. “Honey, life needs a little spice, don’t you think? Keeps things interesting.”
Reva leaned in, whispering, “Did you see Mildred? She’s here, too. I never thought I’d see the day.”
Sure enough, Mildred, the town’s most conservative resident, stood in line, her face a mix of curiosity and scandalized intrigue. “Oh, my goodness,” Lila whispered back. “This is too good.”
Capri elbowed her and laughed. “Looks like the lady has fans of the male persuasion as well.”
Fleet Southcott and Albie Barton stood in line clutching their copies. Earl Dunlop was right behind them with his book open and reading.
Just as Lila was about to join in the laughter, she felt an elbow in her side. Reva leaned in, her eyes wide with alarm, and pointed across the room. “Lila, look over there. It’s her.”
Lila followed her friend’s gaze and froze. Standing near the entrance, looking entirely too confident for Lila’s liking, was a young woman who had to be Candy Faye Hutchison. The girlfriend was back in town, and she was dressed to impress.
She wore a fitted gray tank top that showcased her toned arms and highlighted her elegant collarbone. Paired with this was a stylish denim skirt that hugged her curves just right, ending just above her knees to show off her long legs. Completing her look, she wore a pair of polished, and obviously expensive, brown cowboy boots that added a touch of Texas flair to her ensemble.
Her reddish-brown hair with blonde highlights was styled in a short, trendy cut that framed her face perfectly. Her makeup was flawless, with a subtle smoky eye that made her hazel eyes pop, and a soft, rosy blush accentuating her high cheekbones. A pair of small, elegant earrings added a touch of sophistication to her look. She exuded confidence and poise, her expression making it clear she was here for a purpose.
Lila’s heart sank. “What is she doing back?” she muttered under her breath.
Reva frowned, her eyes narrowing. “She must be here for Whit. I can’t think of any other reason she’d come back.”
Just then, Candy Faye caught sight of them and sauntered over, a smug smile on her face. “Well, well, if it isn’t the famous Lila Bellamy.” She held out a hand to shake. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Lila forced a tight smile, trying to keep her composure. “Candy Faye.” She shook, then dropped her hand as quickly as possible. “What brings you back to Thunder Mountain?”
“Oh, you know,” Candy Faye drawled, her Texas accent as thick as ever. “Just passing through, thought I’d stop by and see how an old friend was doing.”
The implication was clear.
Lila’s eyes flashed with annoyance. “I wasn’t aware you had any friends in Thunder Mountain.”
Her implication was equally clear.
