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“I’m really looking forward to watching you. Can Daisy and I join in?”

“Funny you should ask. I was about to ask if you’d be interested. Mind you, it probably won’t be what you’re used to.”

“Well obviously what I’m used to hasn’t worked very well. Daisy is still skittish, and being with that beastly woman had only made her worse. I hate to say, but in spite off your best efforts I’m still feeling guilty.”

“The important thing is, you won’t be so close-minded in future, and helping Daisy get over her fears won’t take near as long as you think.”

“I can’t imagine it, but if you say so.”

“I know so, and I’m suddenly hungry, and I know exactly where to take you. I just hope you won’t be too uncomfortable.”

“Why would I be?”

“The place I’m taking doesn’t offer padded chairs and your butt is still pretty red,” he replied, lowering his voice and shooting her a wink.

“Andy, you are incorrigible.”

“Yeah, well, that’s one of the reasons you love me, and don’t try to deny it.”

“Guilty as charged, and someone’s calling me,” she remarked, hearing the familiar chime from her phone still in her jeans pocket.

“Answer it. I’m jumping in the shower. Join me when you’re done.”

“I’ll be right there.”

As he left the bed, she leaned over the side of the mattress and managed to lift it out.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s Kenny. I’m rushing, but tomorrow I need to meet you an hour later at three o’clock. But it’s a better time. Thelunch crowd will be gone and it’s too early for dinner. The place should be fairly empty.”

“Uh…”

“Make it work, it’s important! I’ll see you there, and don’t tell anyone. I mean it, not another living soul,” he said impatiently. “Give me your word.”

“Uh…”

“Don’t fuck with me, Helen. Give me your word.”

“Okay, I promise, but what is—?

But before she could finish he ended the call.

CHAPTER NINE

When Helen joined Andy in the shower, they joked around as the water splashed over them, but as they climbed into his truck and started down the road he noticed a worried frown cross her brow.

“Are you okay, darlin?”

“Um…aren’t we going into town?”

“Nope, I’m takin’ you to the restaurant at the campgrounds.”

“Really?”

“Don’t you like it there?”

“Yes, of course, it’s fabulous. I’m just surprised.”