“He’s here,” Harper said breathlessly.

Scarlett nodded, straightening her shoulders, trying to control the pounding of her heart. The lunch crowd had left, thankfully. It had been chaos for a while, but they’d managed to serve everyone and didn’t run out of sweet potatoes.

Coralee stepped up, embracing her in a tight hug. “How’s it going today, dear? Harper tells me you’ve been super busy.”

“Yes, it’s been nonstop. The dinner shift might be even crazier.”

“That’s great news.”

“Yes, if we can just keep up. We’ve called in extra staff. Hopefully, they’ll all show up as planned.”

“Well, if you need an extra hand, I’m sure Rigby would be glad to help out.” She turned to Rigby whose eyes were slightly bulging.

Scarlett laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind. We may need some help with the dishes in the kitchen.”

He grinned, his blue eyes meeting hers. “Anything for you.”

A heatwave scorched over her as she cleared her throat. Rigby was wearing jeans and a smoky gray t-shirt stretched over his ripped muscles. She could see the outline of his six-pack. A quirky smile flittered over his lips when he caught her staring at him. “I hope I’m dressed appropriately. I wasn’t sure what to wear.”

Her face blared like a neon sigh. “Um, yeah, you look fine.”

Amusement lit his eyes as he chuckled. “Good to know.”

Scarlett gurgled, her throat squeezing. “I mean, what you’re wearing is perfectly fine.”

“I knew what you meant,” he said softly, holding her eyes.

The distance between them grew inestimably small as blood thrashed against her temples. Blast him for having this effect on me!

Thankfully, before Scarlett could make a complete fool of herself, Harper stepped in. “Let’s see, I was thinking we’d take the photos over here by the reception area.”

“Good idea.” Coralee pointed. “And be sure to get the magnolia arrangement in there.”

“I will. Thank you,” Harper said.

“If you kids will excuse me, I’d like to try a slice of that ten-thousand-dollar pie everyone keeps talking about,” Coralee said, winking.

Scarlett blushed again, and she could tell Rigby was getting a kick out of her discomfort.

“Okay, if the two of you will come over here,” Harper said, “and stand side-by-side, I’ll snap a few pictures.”

Panic prickled over Scarlett. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea for the two of us to be in a picture together,” she hedged.

Rigby chuckled. “Now, don’t go getting squeamish on me, Lettie,” he drawled. “The last time you tried to run away, you ended up in a tray of paint.”

“When did this happen?” Harper asked, her eyes going wide.

Scarlett shot Rigby a look that said drop dead, but he only laughed, his blue eyes sparkling like the sun on a crystal blue lake.

He grinned. “I’d love to tell you about it, Harper, but at the risk of getting my head bitten off I think I’ll remain quiet.”

Scarlett arched an eyebrow. “You do have a smidgen of sense in that blockhead.” Her breath hitched when he put an arm around her and his hard muscles press against her.

“Okay, we’re ready,” Rigby chimed.

She tried to move away, but he held her tight. “What’re you doing?”

“What does it look like? Taking a picture for the restaurant. That is what you wanted, right?”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said smoothly.

“The only reason I’m doing this is because Harper thinks it’ll give the restaurant publicity!”

He chuckled softly. “If it’s publicity you want, well, I can think of a few other ways to get attention. Another kiss … maybe.”

A heat wave scorched through her as she tensed.

“Relax,” he murmured softly in her ear. “I don’t bite … much.”

His warm breath tickled her skin sending shivers blitzing down her spine. He smelled clean and distinctly masculine with a hint of peppermint. If only she could free herself of this intoxicating attraction she felt whenever Rigby was near.

“Okay, smile,” Harper said, snapping the picture. “That’s great. Hold still, let’s get a couple more.”

“If only Maryanne Wheatley could see us now. Oh, the things she could write in The Clementine Connection.”

Scarlett’s eyes grew big. She should’ve given Rigby a good tongue lashing for the comment, but started laughing instead. “You’re probably right.” Rigby had teased her from the time they were kids. How easy it was to fall back into old patterns.

He turned to her, his expression going serious. “So, how about the shrimp boil? Would you go with me tonight?”

She wanted to, and that shocked the fire out of her, jolting her to the core. Had she lost all self-control?

“Please say yes,” he urged, his eyes pleading.

The years between them seemed to dissipate like dew in the wake of the morning sun. It was just her and Rigby again, the way it used to be, before all the complications. A thrill shot through her as the beginnings of a slow, intimate smile tugged at his lips, making her suspect he knew what she was thinking. She’d never know how close she came to giving in. Everything changed in an instant when she caught a glimpse of Vernon. She froze.

Concern flashed in Rigby’s eyes as he touched her arm. “What’s wrong?”

Scarlett’s mouth went drier than a day-old biscuit, she swallowed hard. Rigby followed her trail of vision, the muscles in his jaw twitching.

Vernon’s features went brittle, his lips pressed into a tight slash as he stepped up to them. Only when she saw the hurt brimming in Vernon’s eyes did Scarlett realize that Rigby still had a hand on her arm. She stepped back to put distance between them as Rigby’s hand dropped to his side. “Vernon,” she said a little breathlessly, “what’re you doing here?”

“Now I know why you haven’t been answering your phone,” he said.

It was funny how fast that one comment caused her to bristle. Scarlett’s shoulders felt tight as she looked him in the eye. “Rigby was kind enough to come in today and do a few publicity shots to help the restaurant.” She motioned. “Hence Harper and the camera.”

Vernon’s mouth relaxed as he nodded. “Of course.”

Having Rigby and Vernon in the same room was the stuff nightmares were made of, and judging by Vernon’s pinched expression he was feeling the same way. Rigby, on the other hand, seemed amused by the situation as he stepped up to Vernon, an easy smile on his lips. “Hey, Vernie. It’s good to see you.” He gave Vernon a hearty handshake and patted him on the shoulder.

Scarlett cringed when she saw Vernon’s indignant expression. “It’s Vernon now,” he said through stiff lips.

Rigby sidestepped the comment with a nod of his head. “How’ve ya’ been? It’s been a long time.”

Vernon put a proprietary hand on Scarlett’s arm. “Yes, it has. Lots of changes.”

Rigby’s jaw tightened, he locked eyes with Scarlett causing her pulse to shoot through the roof. “Evidently.”

Scarlett didn’t appreciate Vernon insinuating she was his possession, nor did she like the undertones of the conversation.

A tight smile stretched over Vernon’s lips as his eyes turned a black brown. “So, how long are you in Clementine?”

“A few weeks,” Rigby said.

“That’s right.” Vernon’s voice grew musing. “I believe it’s eight, isn’t that right? At least that’s what I read to be the terms of your suspension.”

Scarlett gasped as she looked at Rigby, whose face had gone rigid. She knew that look well. It was one Rigby got the instant before he went on the rampage. He straightened to his full height, which was an inch taller than Vernon. Vernon had no idea what he was dealing with. Rigby would squash him like a fly. She glared at Vernon, trying to convey that he needed to keep his stupid mouth shut, but he only smiled benignly. “Well, it’s good to have you back in town. I know the Ladies Club much appreciated your generous donation.”

Rigby’s muscles were taut, a panther ready to pounce as a smile spread over his lips. “You’ve come a long way since high school, Vernie. Scarlett tells me you’re a highly successful doctor … saving lots of lives. And according to her, that’s much more noble than passing a ball around a field. You should be proud.”

A hysterical laugh bubbled in Scarlett’s throat as she gulped it down before it could escape. Harper did laugh. Vernon’s face went red and he coughed like his throat was constricting.

Scarlett knew she had to do something fast or else the two men would end up in an all-out brawl, right here in the foyer of her restaurant. She flashed a sickly sweet smile. “As much as I’m enjoying this little get-reacquainted session, I have lots to get ready before the dinner shift.”

Vernon cleared his throat. “Of course. I was just coming by to tell you that I’ll pick you up at five-thirty to go to the shrimp boil.”

For some crazy reason, guilt rolled over her as she glanced at Rigby and saw the stricken look on his face. He masked it with a tight smile, eyes locking with Scarlett’s. “So, that’s how it’s gonna be, huh?” Time seemed to pause as they stood looking at each other. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my grandma. Good to see you, Vernie.”

Vernon’s jaw started working like he was going to correct Rigby, but then he nodded. “Yeah, good to see you too.”

They watched as Rigby strode away.

“What is going on between you and Rigby?” Vernon demanded when Rigby got out of earshot.

She lifted her chin. “I don’t appreciate the tone of your voice.”

“And I don’t appreciate you chumming up with him,” he countered, “his hand on your arm.”

She let out a long breath. “We were taking pictures for the restaurant.” She turned to Harper. “She asked Rigby to come in, not me.”

“It’s true,” Harper said. “I did ask him. It’s good publicity for the restaurant, and we need all the help we can get.”

Vernon rubbed a hand across his jaw. “I get that, but I don’t like this thing between you and Rigby.”

Scarlett laughed, throwing up her hands. “Thing? What thing?”

“I’m not stupid, Scarlett. I see what’s happening here.” His lips vanished into a hard line as he eyed her.

“What do you want me to say, Vernon? Rigby and I have a history together.”

“Do you think I don’t know that?” he seethed, drawing in a ragged breath to get control of himself.

She lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t make it more than it is, okay?” She touched his arm, searching his eyes. “I’m with you now. He’s my past and you’re my future.” She’d repeat that to herself a thousand times if necessary. She was with Vernon now, end of story. Vernon would never leave her. Never break her heart like Rigby did. Things were safe and predictable with Vernon, and that’s what she needed.

His shoulders relaxed, he sighed. “I know.” He gave her a slight smile. “I’m sorry. I lost my head there for a second.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Yeah, just a little. Don’t do that again, okay?”

Long pause. “Okay. So, will you go with me to the shrimp boil tonight like we planned?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She glanced at Harper who looked disappointed.

“I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone,” Harper muttered, shaking her head. “Someone’s gotta work around here.” She gave Scarlett a scathing look. “You were so close, but like I told you earlier, I’ve done said all I’m gonna say on the topic.” She let out a harrumph as she sauntered away.

Vernon’s brows drew together. “What was that about?”

She laughed lightly, even though she wanted to strangle Harper for being so obvious about Rigby. “Oh, Mason just got back in town and Harper’s just miffed because she has to take over the dinner shift tonight in my absence, instead of going with him to the shrimp boil.”

“Hmm … it sounded like it was more than that, but okay.” Vernon said.

“Would you like something to eat?” Scarlett said brightly, changing the subject.

“No, I’ve gotta get back to the office. I’m on my lunch break, and it’s almost over.” He kissed her cheek. “See you tonight.”

She smiled. “Okay, it’s a date.”

* * *

Rigby took a bite of sweet potato pie, not tasting a thing.

“It’s good, huh?” Coralee said.

“Yeah, fabulous.” Just before Vernie came in, Scarlett was considering going with him to the shrimp boil. She wanted to go—he could see it in her eyes, then Vernie came in and ruined everything. And if that weren’t bad enough, Vernie had the nerve to throw the suspension in his face. Rigby wanted to wipe the floor with the guy, but he refrained. He’d not yet gone to his first anger management class, and was already doing better. Progress. Vernie was a pompous jerk. He couldn’t understand what Scarlett saw in him.

Coralee studied him. “You okay?”

He sighed. “Yeah … I’m fine.” Then he forced a smile to prove it, but he could tell Coralee wasn’t convinced.

She stood, placing her napkin on the table. “I’m going to the restroom. Be back in a jiffy.”

He nodded. A minute later, his head shot up when Harper sat down across from him. She leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Hey.”

“Hey,” he repeated, wondering what this was about.

“You’ve tried to go about things head on. It’s time to take the round-about way.”

He frowned. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

She wrinkled her forehead. “Really? After the spitting contest I just saw, I’d say you know exactly what I’m talking about. You need to go to the shrimp boil tonight … with another woman.”

He made a face. “I don’t like playing games.”

Harper tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Yeah, I get that, but you need to do something to make Scarlett realize how she feels about you.”

The words caused hope to spring in his chest. “You think Scarlett still has feelings for me?”

“Well … duh. She’s just confused right now.” She gave him a hard look. “You hurt her bad.”

His eyes narrowed. “What’re you talking about? She’s the one who broke up with me.”

“Yeah, and then you paired up with Sadonna Roberts a minute later.”

“That’s not how it happened at all. I begged Scarlett to come with me.”

She let out a huff. “I’m not gonna sit here arguing with you.” She glanced over her shoulder. “If you want Scarlett back, you’re gonna have to up the ante.”

He sat back, considering her words. It could work … maybe. “Okay, will you go with me to the shrimp boil?”

She tipped her head, batting her eyelashes. “Ooh,” she cooed, “a chance to go to the shrimp boil with Rocket Breeland? Let me think about it.” Her voice grew practical. “Um, no. Scarlett would see right through that. Besides, my boyfriend’s back in town. He wouldn’t like it, and I have to work tonight.” She paused, thinking. “You could go with Pepper McClain. She seemed over-the-moon for you last night at the auction.”

“Yeah, that’s the problem,” he said dryly. Even after Rigby bid on Scarlett’s pie, Pepper had given him her number. Pepper was on the lookout for husband number two, and he didn’t wanna get in that line of fire. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Harper eyed him. “Do you want Scarlett back or not? You’ve got to keep your eye on the ball, man.”

“I know all about that,” Rigby countered.

She cocked an eyebrow. “Do you? Well, I guess that remains to be seen.” She jumped up in a hurry to leave.

“Wait a minute. Why’re you helping me?”

“I’m not. I’m helping Scarlett,” she snipped as she rushed away.