26
“Hey, how’s it going?”
Wrapped up in thoughts of her horseback ride with Ethan a few days ago, dissecting it, like every time she’d spent with him, Zoë just about jumped at the sound of the voice, whipping her head to see Myles standing in line behind her in the grocery store. He was wearing his RCMP uniform, complete with hat, making him even more handsome. She placed the items she held on the belt, and then turned fully to answer him.
“I’m great, thanks. And you?”
“Oh, can’t complain.” He smiled. “Well, I could, but nobody cares to hear it, so what’s the point?”
After delivering a smile in response, she bent to retrieve more items from her cart to plunk on the belt. Again, she found Myles charming but remembered his harsh treatment of Rory, and Zandra’s consequent hatred of him. It was best to stay out of that mess and, therefore, keep Myles at arm’s length.
“That’s a lot of groceries,” he commented, obviously intent on keeping their conversation going. “Then again you’re cooking for quite a few men.”
“Eleven,” she confirmed with a nod of her head.
“I sure hope someone will be able to help you get all that into the house when you get back to the ranch.”
“I’m sure someone will, but if not, I can handle it on my own.”
“You do seem to be in great shape,” he commented. “Do you work out?”
It wasn’t a line, his tone suggested nothing but friendly interest, and she decided to converse with him instead of shooting him down. Her budding friendship with Zandra did cause some wariness of Myles, but he was the law in Bison Bluffs, and truly only trying to get to know her, the town’s newest resident. Really, it was his job to do so, and there was no need to be rude to him.
“Not so much anymore,” she admitted.
“Well, if you’re interested, there’s a gym in town. It’s on fourth and Wellington, right beside the bank on the corner.” He shrugged as he placed the few things he held down on the rack beside him that held last-minute impulse buys like candy bars and gum. As he pulled items from her cart to hand to her, he continued speaking. “Jim Corden runs the place, and the membership rates are very reasonable.”
“A guy named Jim runs the local gym?” She couldn’t contain the humour that spilled into her voice.
“Go figure,” he returned with a grin.
“Well, thanks, I probably will check it out at some point.”
“All the guys end up there at some point,” he continued. “I go as often as I can but my hours are erratic so I run every day.”
His trim physique left no doubt he did indeed run as often as he said. Again, he wasn’t being flirty, just friendly, and she began to appreciate his attempt to pass the time in the store in such a gregarious manner. When the cart was empty, he set down the plastic divider and then his purchases. Eyeing them, she raised a brow.
“Please tell me that’s not your lunch.”
“It is,” he admitted.
The energy bar and small carton of milk had her shaking her head. “Your parents own a diner and you eat that for lunch?”
“If I ate at the diner everyday no amount of running would help me,” he quipped.
She laughed at that and then turned her attention to the waiting cashier, apologizing for not paying attention. The cashier was friendly, making her wonder if the entire town was, and, after paying for her purchases, she loaded the filled bags into the cart.
“Hang on,” Myles called to her as he paid the cashier, “I’ll help you load those in your vehicle.”
“Thank you, but that’s really not necessary.”
“What kind of man would I be if I watched you struggle with all that?”
She wouldn’t struggle with any of it, and believed he knew as much. She also knew his offer was born of good manners, obviously raised to treat women like ladies. It would do little good to inform him she didn’t need help, and so she nodded.
“Thank you, then.”
After he finished loading the bags into the cab of her truck, Myles smiled deeply. “There you go.”
“Thanks again.”
“My pleasure.” He waited until she closed the backdoor and then tilted his head questioningly. “So, how are you enjoying Bison Bluffs? Have you had a chance to see the town yet?”
“Not really,” she admitted, “I’ve been kind of busy.” She didn’t add she’d been busier with Ethan than actual work, but it was the truth. Before her expression gave her thoughts away, she posed a query. “Actually, I have a question for you. Is there a bookstore in town?”
“Yep, you’re in luck. My sister Anya owns a used bookstore. She carries some new titles but most of them are used. It’s called Twice Loved Books and it’s on Third Street, just down from the diner, actually.”
“That’s great, thanks, I’ll check it out. Wow, so you’re the law in town, your parents own the diner, and your sister owns the bookstore. Your family has made quite a mark here.”
“Yep, pillars of the community, salt of the earth, and all that.” He chuckled as he waved a hand. “Whatever, we’re just doing our thing.”
Smiling again, she gestured to the truck. “I gotta get going, but it’s been nice chatting with you.”
“You too,” he returned with his own broad smile. “Take care, Zoë. I’m sure we’ll see one another soon enough.”
With that, he turned and walked away in the direction of his cruiser. As she got into her truck, she had to admit she liked Myles. As with Zandra, she didn’t mind indulging in small talk with Myles, something she’d always detested. Unsure if it was the friendly atmosphere in town, or if she’d relaxed greatly since her arrival, she found she liked Bison Bluffs more as the days went on. It was an ideal place to live. Shaking her head, she dismissed the idea as folly, considering she couldn’t stay. As her mind drifted to how long it might take to hear word on when she could leave town, she started the truck.