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“And you added in Bathsheba? Couldn’t stick with something like Ruth or Naomi or Mary?”

She could very nearly see Eli shrug. “Mom said I should keep it Biblical.”

“Oh dear, Lord.”

“Dad thought it was funny.”

“You are wasting your humor on that farm.”

Eli chuckled. “I am, but the cows like it, so I guess that’s what counts. Do you want the room?”

“Yes, and if a second one by a miracle opens up, I want that one, too.”

“Got you down. Who are you bringing to this auspicious bed and breakfast, now?”

“Oh, no one like that. I’m bringing Jewel.”

“Jewel West?”

“Yeah. She needs a break, and since it’s so last minute, I had hoped you might have an opening.” Azalea rustled through the papers on her desk before checking the clock. “Turns out it was good to hope.”

“Yeah. Why are you bringing the music teacher?”

“We’re friends.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes,” Azalea answered, firmly. “I’m just trying to be a good friend.”

“Okay.” Although, it didn’t sound like Eli believed her.

Azalea glanced out her window when headlights caught her attention. She tensed as she looked at the dark truck parking out front of her house. She stood up and walked to the living room, but there was nowhere to hide. Her office was street side, and anyone out there could see the light on inside and her moving if they were quick enough to look.

The knock on her door was firm but not over the top. Azalea hovered her hand over the porch light as she debated what to do. The phone still in her other hand, she brought it up to her ear.

“Eli, stay on the line a minute for me, would you?”

“Sure.”

Azalea hit the light and opened her front door. Sure enough, Brady leaned against the door frame with the storm door propped open.

“We didn’t get a chance to talk after your game.”

“That was on purpose.” Azalea clenched her jaw, being far more blunt than she normally would. “What are you doing here, Brady?”

“I wanted to talk.”

“About?”

“You know what about.”

“I already told you no. You need to leave.”

He shook his head, and when his gaze rose from her breasts to her eyes, she knew he was more than a little intoxicated. Azalea stood her ground. She would not let him in, nor would she give in to anything he wanted. Stiffening her shoulders, she kept her phone in her hand. Eli would do what was needed if something were to happen.

Before she could even figure out her next line to get him away, Jewel’s small SUV pulled up behind Brady’s truck. He turned around at the sound of the engine. Jewel stepped out of her car, rain pelting down on her as she cocked her head at Brady.

“And you are here, why?” Jewel said, disdain lacing every single word.