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The men he was talking to turn their heads, and conversation dies down. All eyes are on us, but I only have eyes for Axel. His smile is wide, and my pace quickens along with my heart. Then I’m in his arms, and he pulls me tight toward him.

“You came.” His lips crash into mine, and the group erupts in wolf whistles and cheers. The sound barely registers as Axel’s kiss warms up every part of my heart.

“Get a room,” someone calls, and everyone laughs at the irony.

We break away, and his hand takes mine, and without him needing to say anything, I feel his support.

We walk to the group of men, and a woman has joined them. She’s peering at me, and I feel the curiosity in her stare.

“Do I know you?”

My stomach clenches, and Axel squeezes my hand. He assured me everyone here is good people and probably have no idea what’s been going on online.

I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”

She offers her hand and a warm smile. “I’m Daphne.”

I take her hand. “I’m Ruby.”

Her eyes go wide for a second, and recognition dawns in them.

I hold my breath, but she smiles warmly and gives me a knowing nod. “Respect, girlfriend.”

Axel puts a hand on her shoulder. “Not a word, Daphne.”

I’m confused by the exchange, and Daphne looks offended. “As if. This woman’s a legend. I’m not going to out her hiding spot.”

“Daphne’s a reporter,” Axel explains. “I didn’t know she’d be here tonight.”

My stomach drops, but Daphne holds her hands up. “I promise I won’t say a thing.” She tilts her head, looking at me thoughtfully. “Unless you want to do a response piece?”

“Daphne,” Axel warns.

“Just saying.” She leans in close to me. “If you need someone to run your PR, give me a call.” She slips me a card, and Axel practically growls at her, but she seems friendly rather than predatory.

“Are you causing trouble?” A tall man wearing a sheriff’s uniform homes in on Daphne.

She smirks at him. “Always.”

The sheriff bristles. “Who invited you anyway? This is veterans’ night, and last I heard, you’re not a veteran or attached to one.”

“Ouch.” Daphne puts a hand over her heart in mock hurt. “Hannah did, actually. She wants to speak to me about the mineral rights issue and if I can look through the Hope Matters’ records to see if it’s come up before.”

The sheriff harrumphs, but before he can say anything, Daphne smiles sweetly.

“Ruby, this is Owen, our acting sheriff and resident killjoy.”

I shake hands with Owen, but his gaze darts back to Daphne.

“Well, has it?”

She taps her finger on her lips. “Need me to do your job for you again, Sheriff? I’m doing my own digging on Ashton Holdings since you seem to be coming up blank.”

The sheriff’s frown deepens, and any trace of teasing disappears. “I don’t want you digging into any of this. It could be dangerous.”

Daphne looks surprised, but it’s gone in an instant, replaced by a smirk. “That’s sweet, Sheriff, but I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

She saunters off to a group of women.