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She rolled her eyes. “I already told you what I’m dealing with.”

“True. But you didn’t tell me how youfeel.”

Grace gave him a flabbergasted look, and he laughed. “Kidding. But really.” He reached over and placed his hand over the top of hers. “I can be a sounding board if you need me to. I’ve got some vehicle troubles of my own to figure out. Maybe you could tell me where you take your truck.”

“It’s literally the only mechanic’s shop in town—unless you decide to drive all the way out to Colorado Springs.”

“Is the guy any good?”

She shrugged. “I have nothing to compare it with. How am I supposed to know?”

“Okay. New subject. How is Brielle doing?”

Grace shot him a strange look. “Why are you curious about her?”

“Wasn’t she the one your father caught sneaking out and doing things that she shouldn’t?”

“Yes,” she drawled. “But I don’t know what that has anything to do with—”

“Wasn’t she the one who brought your dress the other night for the dance?”

Grace’s expression made it clear she knew exactly where he was going with this.

“Maybe she could give you some pointers on how to bend the rules, if only for a few weeks.”

She withdrew her hand from beneath his and crossed her arms. “I’m not going to date you, Riley. And if you mention it again, I’m going to be required to report it to Shane.”

He edged closer to her and his voice dropped to a whisper. “I think you would have already done that by now if you were going to do it.”

“Fine. I’m still not going to date you.” Her voice was lighter than it had been in previous discussions that were similar to this one.

In fact, if he was correct, he was pretty sure he saw the corner of her lips twitch into a faint smile. It was short-lived, but there was a huge possibility her defenses were weakening.

Riley shifted his attention to Dolly, who seemed to be having an incredible time chasing that ball. “Where is the mechanic in town?”

“On Main Street. You can’t really miss it.”

“Would you mind driving me when you get your truck back? I could use a ride home.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

Well, there was one opportunity where he’d be able to spend some time with her without the possibility of someone walking in on them. “Do you have an idea of when your truck will be fixed?”

Grace nodded again. “It’s gonna be ready by tomorrow.”

“Thanks.”

“For what?”

He smiled at her. “For being willing to help.”

“It’s what I’m here for.” Her voice bordered on being lifeless, and he hated seeing her this way.

“Hey, you know what I’d like to do when we’re in town?”

“What?” she said dryly.

“I heard they have the most amazing fudge at a candy shop in town.”