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It had been three whole days since the fire and thankfully no other kitchen appliances had blown up on her. Not that she’d used many of them since the fire. She’d chosen takeout over cooking for the past few nights. For safety reasons, obviously.
But it was kind of sad that after being in town almost a week, she’d only had contact with the food delivery man and a couple of firefighters.
Well, today, that was going to change. She was going to buy actual food. To cook and everything. She’d also decided to replace the toaster. She didn’t want to – there was no way she’d be able to trust one ever again – but she missed her morning toast. So, she was going to bite the bullet and buy a new one. But she’d be keeping a beady eye on it.
After driving around Woodvalley Pines for a while, Libby finally came across a grocery store. It was no Walmart, but it would have to do.
Eyes were on her from the moment her shopping cart hit the aisles.
Got to love a small town.
Mentally congratulating herself for putting on makeup, she was also pretty pleased she’d thrown on one of her nicer flowery sundresses. She was no model by any means but at least she felt confident enough to handle the whispers.
Let them look.
With her head held high, she marched herself over to the small homeware section located in the far corner of the store.
When she got there, though, she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed with their measly selection. There were only two types of toasters. Two? And from what she could tell, the only difference between them was that one was silver and the other white.
She stared at the boxes on the shelf for a long time, as if more choices were going to magically appear any minute.
“Let me guess ... you’re trying to decide which one is less flammable?” a deep voice rumbled next to her.
Libby turned her head so quickly, her hair managed to whip her face. Goddamnit. Pulling hair out of her mouth was not how she’d imagined her next encounter with Zach.
“Uh, hi.” Tucking her hair safely behind her ear, she tried her best at a smile. “I guess you could say I’m having trust issues.”
He flashed her a sexy lopsided grin that was making it really hard to concentrate. “You want my professional opinion?”
“Please.”
“Neither.”
“Neither?” But what about her morning toast? She could feel her brows pull together as she thought about driving further out to find a Walmart.
He simply shrugged. “They’re cheap and not the best quality. I have an extra one at home you can have. I’ll bring it by later.”
What?
“Um. First of all, who has spare toasters? I know for a fact this time – that isn’t a thing. Secondly, why the hell would you do that? You don’t even know me. For all you know, I could be one of those psycho women from that Women Who Kill show.”
Just like that, he was back to laughing at her. Perfect. “No offense, but I’m not sure many psycho killers have a penchant for matching pink Disney pajamas.”
“Or do they?” she teased, surprising even herself.
At least he was laughing with her instead of at her this time. And what a laugh. Like a deep, sexy symphony. When he finally stopped, his blinding smile remained in place and he was aiming it directly at her.
Sweet baby Jesus.
“The spare toaster was a housewarming gift. I’m fairly certain you’re not a killer. And ... I want to. Think of it as a welcome to Woodvalley gift.”
He’s not hitting on me. He’s just being friendly.
Her body didn’t seem to care what her head was saying. It had gone rogue. Things were tingling that shouldn’t be tingling and she was pretty sure a pink flush was creeping up her neck.
“Okay.” Who was she to turn down a free toaster? Especially one approved by a professional.
“Okay? Just like that?” She watched his eyes narrow on her.
