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She should leave it at that, but she was too starved for company to listen to logical thinking.

What are you doing?

Just answering emails. You?

Planning a little girl’s birthday party.

Sounds about as exciting as answering emails. Only a second later another text came in. Would a fun-lovin’ country girl want to go on a picnic at Cooper Springs?

The last thing she needed to do if she wanted to win the bet was be alone with Jesse. But when she answered, it wasn’t to decline.

With swimsuits?

Only if you insist.

I insist.

Party pooper. I’ll pick you up at noon. Bring the muffins.

I’m not sharing my muffins.

Then I won’t share my tacos.

Tito’s?

Where else would I get tacos in Wilder?

Fine, I’ll share my muffins. Two shredded pork with extra spicy salsa.

Oh, you can bet that I’ll bring the extra spice, darlin’.

It seemed that the seduction was about to begin.

Why that made Liberty smile, she didn’t know.

Three hours later, she was sitting cross-legged on the blanket she’d brought to Cooper Springs enjoying the best tacos in Texas and tapping notes on her phone. She’d come up with some ideas for Pip’s party on the way to Cooper Springs and she wanted to jot them down before she forgot them.

Jesse was stretched out next to her with his eyes closed. It was hard to keep her focus when so much naked skin was on display. The only thing he wore was a pair of shark-print swim trunks that rode so low on his six-pack stomach she could see the white skin bordering his tan line. A thin line of reddish hair ran from the dark shadow of his belly button under the waistband of his trunks. Trunks that didn’t leave much to the imagination. She could see the outline of his—

“Are you eyeballing my taco?”

Her gaze flashed up to his face. His eyes were closed, but he must have seen her gawking at his body. She quickly came up with an excuse. “I’m just concerned you’re going to get burned. Did you put on sunscreen?”

“Yes, ma’am, but I’m also one of those rare redheads who doesn’t burn easily.”

Her gaze returned to his chest and the question popped out before she could stop it. “Do you work out shirtless?” He still didn’t open his eyes, but a smirk tickled the corners of his mouth. She tried to cover her blooper. “I’m just asking because your chest is tanned and . . .”

“And so muscular it hurts your eyes?”

She rolled her eyes and went back to making her list. “Never mind.”

He sat up, hooking his arms over his bent knees. “I work out at a gym when I can, but usually with a shirt on. I only go without a shirt when I’m doing yard work.”

“Yard work? You have a yard?”

“No. But Corbin’s trailer does and it’s filled with weeds. Or it used to be.”

She started at him. “Corbin’s trailer? You’re staying out at Corbin’s uncle’s place?”