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Archer does as I say, taking a spot between the Town Hall and the Once Upon an Inn, then shifts the car into park.
“One question left for you,” I say, acutely aware that I still have six to ask. “And just in time, too.”
He turns to face me directly, his eyes shining. “Did you have a crush on me, Juliet?”
Archer
I see the truth flicker in Juliet’s eyes.
“Out with it,” I say when she keeps silent.
“I hate to break it to you, cowboy,” she says, “but we arrived here before you asked your question.”
Why do I love hearing her call me cowboy?
“You ain’t answering on a technicality?”
“Yup.” She opens the door and leaps from the truck.
I chuckle, but I’m not giving up that easily.
Turning off my truck, I walk around the front and go to her side. We’re right in front of Town Hall. I know she’s got to be related to someone who works on Main, but I can’t decide if that someone works at the library, Beet & Barrel Café, or Berk’s Hardware. I’m too distracted by this woman who’s had a crush on me for years without me knowing.
“Go on, Juliet,” I say, flashing my best smile—the one Granny says wins me more chocolate chip cookies than any of her other grandkids. “Humor me.”
“Uh-uh.” She shakes her head and twirls the end of her braid around her forefinger. “Rules are rules.”
“What if I give you more questions?”
“I still have six. But time’s up for us both. I can’t ask anymore either.”
“Not even when we see each other again?”
“You think we’ll be seeing each other again?”
I fold my arms and lean against the truck door, my back to Town Hall. “I do.” I’m being presumptuous, but the look in her eyes tells me she likes it. “Truth is, I know it.”
“And why is that?”
“Because as soon as I figure out your last name and which one of these here shops you apparently live in”—She laughs—“I’ll know where to pick you up for our date.”
“Our date?” She quirks a brow. “I don’t recall you asking me out.”
“Oh, that’s coming.”
She folds her arms, too, her hip propped out as she leans on one leg. “I don’t think you’re up for it.”
“Up for what, asking you out?”
“No. For what comes before and after the asking out.”
I narrow my eyes. “Which is?”
“Dealing with my dad.”
“Dads? They’re easy.”
I’ve dealt with my fair share—cowboy dads, too. I’ve had one point a shotgun at me, one who sent his dog after me, even one who locked me in a pen with a bull. Whatever Juliet’s dad throws at me, I’m sure I can take it.
