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H onor’s hands shook as she balanced the packages in her arms. Her stomach pitched into yet another nosedive for the tenth time since she left the post office.

Sully couldn’t be here.

It had to be a van just like his. Manufacturers didn’t only put out only one of each model, after all. The world was full of people who drove the same vehicle.

Her mind kept returning to the face she thought she saw behind the windshield. It was just a trick of the eye. Something she saw simply because she was expecting it. A shadow that vaguely resembled her ex.

But the gripping fear in her gut that made her bolt out of the post office wasn’t so easily brushed aside.

Neither was Gray, apparently.

He walked beside her, his firm, muscled body straight and tall.

“You don’t have to walk me. It’s not far.”

He threw her a calm look. “I told you, I’ve been meaning to take up a hobby.”

“And you picked making jewelry?”

He stopped walking and held out his arms. “Hand me those packages.”

While Honor wasn’t one to play the damsel in distress, she turned to him with a sigh of relief and dumped the stack into his arms. They weren’t heavy, but they were awkward in her arms.

The idea of seeing her ex in Willowbrook made her panic so much that she never thought about locking the packages in her van before rushing to her sister’s shop.

When they continued down the sidewalk toward the bookstore, she shook out her arms. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” He didn’t seem to be lying about it not being a problem to carry all those jewelry orders—his muscled arms appeared to be more than capable of carrying a lot more.

Her fingers tingled where his had brushed them during the exchange, leaving her with a different kind of energy snapping along her nerves.

She slanted a look at him out of the corner of her eye. Gray. A fitting name for a man with eyes the same color. An image of a gray-eyed infant popped into her mind, and she wondered if the name was just a coincidence or the parents suspected he may have eyes of that color.

Gray was steady and solid…and threw her completely off-balance.

When they entered the bookstore, Felicity looked up from the table where she was arranging a display of books about jewelry.

Her stare moved from Honor straight to Gray, eyes narrowing and a little smile playing around her lips.

She could almost hear her sister’s question. What do we have here?

Honor widened her eyes in silent warning.

Felicity smirked but blessedly said nothing. Instead, she gestured to the back of the shop where she had a long table set up. Several women and a few young kids were already seated around it, chattering animatedly.

Felicity bustled toward Gray. “Can I take these packages from you?”

“I got it. Just show me where to set them down.” His rich voice flowed like water over Honor, washing away a bit more of the tension that lingered after seeing that van.

Felicity beamed up at him and tilted her head toward the front counter. “This way.”

He shot Honor another quirk of his lips before following her sister. Honor watched them for a moment.

What. A. Beefcake.

Gray was the kind of guy who took up space without even trying. Tall and broad-shouldered, he looked like he spent a lifetime doing hard work. The kind that stacked his body in thick muscle.

He also carried himself with quiet authority, like he was ready to take on anything, including getting her back on track after the incident at the post office.

She stood rooted, watching him move with precise control. Those long legs and the carved backside were hugged by worn denim, and black cotton kissed his muscled spine.

No wasted effort in that man. Just raw strength that made her stomach twist again for a totally different reason.

His body wasn’t the only thing that fascinated her. The way he watched everything with sharp gray eyes told her that he picked up on things most men wouldn’t. Like how upset she was after seeing her ex’s van.

Realizing that she had guests waiting for her, she hurried to grab the rolling case filled with beads for her class. She was glad now that Felicity offered to bring it to the shop for her. She was so rattled at the post office, she would have walked away and left the case in her van.

As she set out wood bowls and filled them with various beads, scattering other jewelry-making supplies around the table, she chatted with the guests.

They even had a good turnout. She was really surprised. For such a small town, there was a lot of interest in her workshop.

Her sister recommended a biweekly workshop to generate more money, but Honor had only responded with “we’ll see,” since she didn’t know how well the event would be received. Now she thought biweekly just might work.

When Gray passed behind her, she caught a whiff of his masculine scent. The smell of fresh, growing things and leather clung to the man.

He moved to a spot at the end of the table and pulled out the chair. Honor watched him for a moment, her tongue thick and dry at just how shockingly gorgeous the man was.

With a quick smile for one of the kids reaching for the bowl of colorful plastic beads, she hurried to Gray’s side.

“You actually plan to stick around?”

He lowered himself to the seat. “Told ya I was ready for a hobby.” He settled both forearms, roped with muscle, on the table.

A little shiver rolled down her spine. “Well…okay then.” Why was she breathless? “Let’s get started.”

Minutes later, she had all the guests set up with the craft of their choice, ranging from beginning projects to some for the more advanced skillset. She helped each person kick off, demonstrating the skill of doing beadwork before letting them take over on their own.

Moving to Gray once more, she saw he’d selected an earring craft.

She leaned in to get a better look at what he was doing. The delicate silver wire used for stringing the beads looked like he’d snap it in his big, callused hands.

“This is more advanced. How much experience do you have doing this?” She fixed her stare on those long, beautiful fingers. They looked very experienced.

His gaze held hers captive. “I learn quick.”

Oh god. I bet you do.

As she looked on, Gray pulled a bowl of tiger-eye beads toward him and began sifting through them. He plucked out several and set them on the placemat she’d passed out to everybody.

When he picked up a dark green bead, he held it up to the light. “What about this?”

She had to admit she liked the pairing. But after he chose a lighter green one, she jumped in with a different suggestion—an iridescent one that would bring all the colors together.

He examined her choice next to the brown and green, then shook his head. “What about blue instead of brown? The person I’m giving these to likes blue.”

Honor’s stomach squeezed. Of course, she was being silly, thinking that Gray was showing interest in her. He was only being a quintessential small-town guy, carrying packages and making sure she safely arrived at the bookstore.

She eyed the blue bead speckled with spots of green and nodded. “Your girlfriend will love it.”

He didn’t look up from the bowl when he said, “I don’t have a girlfriend. These are for my sister. She’s having a bad day.”

“Oh.”

“She found out her ex is getting married.”

Could this man be any hotter? A guy making a pair of earrings to cheer up his sister was the sweetest thing Honor ever heard. And she couldn’t deny the trickle of relief she felt at hearing that he didn’t have a girlfriend.

The class was going smoothly. More than smoothly, actually. Several people held up their creations and soon many were wearing their art.

Honor revolved through the group, but she really found herself drawn to Gray for longer spells. As she approached, a bead got away from him and rolled across the table. She caught it before it fell on the floor and dropped it into his palm.

With that direct gaze locked on her, he deftly slipped the bead onto the wire he held with a lot more precision than she expected from such a large man.

Suddenly, he stopped. “Could you help?”

She leaned close, taking the items from his hand, brushing his warm skin with her fingers. Her stomach started fluttering again with tension mounting inside her.

Her body liked being so close to Gray.

“You’re much better at this,” he said, watching her thread the bead onto the wire.

She paused, turning her face toward him. He was close. Very close.

Her attention flicked down to his hard lips, recalling how they quirked in amusement but wondering how he looked when he smiled.

“You sure you really needed help with that?”

There it was. That quirk of his lips. “Maybe I just wanted to get your attention.”

Her stomach clenched at his words. She knew she should pull away, put distance between them. But she was far too aware of how warm his arm was brushing against hers and the way his fingers flexed around the wire in her hand.

He was close enough that if she leaned in just a fraction more…

She straightened, breaking the moment. “Well”—her voice was breathless—“your sister will love them.”

He gave her a small smile as if they shared something private but she didn’t know it yet.

“I hope she does. But if not, at least I impressed my instructor.”

She shook her head, fighting the warmth creeping up her neck and threatening to light up her cheeks.

Trouble. Gray was trouble.

And for the first time, she wasn’t sure that she minded.

* * * * *

The last of the crafters straggled from the back of the store to the checkout, the bracelets they’d made around their wrists and books on the subject of jewelry design in hand.

Gray leaned on one of the wooden bookshelves, arms crossed over his chest, trying to look casual when he felt anything but. Watching Honor pack up her supplies, he straightened and sauntered to the back to help her.

He told himself he was being polite. But truthfully, he liked being around her. That was the problem.

There was also the unforgettable issue of her possibly spotting her ex in town.

To Gray, that meant one of two things. Either the guy was here to win her back…or he was here to cause her trouble.

Behind him came some low chatter between the shop owner and her customers, along with a few electronic beeps as books were paid for.

His attention was locked on Honor, though.

She worked quickly, stashing away beads in the appropriate containers and then stacking the wooden bowls. Her fingers moved with precision just like when she helped the people taking her class.

He closed his fist, holding in the light, electric sensation where her fingers brushed against his. As she tucked a thick wave of hair behind her ear, he clenched his fist tighter, battling the urge inside him to perform the action for her.

This wasn’t at all his normal modus operandi. He didn’t go after women. Sometimes, he took what they offered when his needs got the better of him. But lingering at a bookstore after taking a jewelry-making class just to be around a woman a little longer? Not usual.

Curiosity flickered n her eyes when she glanced at him. “You’re still here.” Her tone was light, flirty.

He gave her a crooked smile. “Figured I’d help you carry your things to your vehicle. I assume you’re parked at the post office.”

She dipped her head. The flush climbing her cheeks might be a result of his attention—or what happened at the post office. “Chivalry isn’t dead, huh?”

“Not as long as I’m around.”

She exhaled a quiet laugh and handed him a stack of bowls. “I’m not going to say no to free labor.”

Twitching her head for him to follow, she led the way to the spot where her rolling case of supplies sat. He helped by carrying items back and forth while she packed them away.

When Honor’s sister drifted up, she set her hands on her hips and tilted her head like a small bird, surveying them both. “Got it all under control, I see.”

Honor straightened and threw a sideways glance at Gray. “Is it all right if I leave my supplies here until tomorrow?”

“Leave them here forever if you want. There’s space in the back room.”

“That’s a great idea and saves me the hassle of lugging it all back and forth if I’m going to be holding workshops regularly.”

Her sister nodded distractedly and eyed Gray. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Gray.”

“Gray…”

“Malone.”

Her lips formed an O , and appreciation gleamed in eyes that were a close shade of blue to Honor’s. He wasn’t surprised she’d heard his name before. His family was well-known.

“I’m Felicity.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m going to walk Honor to her vehicle.”

Her sister bobbed her head in an enthusiastic nod. “That’s great of you.”

Honor and her sister locked gazes in some silent battle he couldn’t understand. But seconds later, Honor broke the stare and turned to Gray. “I’m ready.”

With a nod of farewell to Felicity, he extended an arm, motioning Honor ahead of him. When they approached the counter, he paused. “Should we get those packages you never mailed?”

“I’ll do it tomorrow. It’s been a long day, and I’m not sure I can handle another wait in line.” Her brows pinched. “You didn’t mail your things either.”

He patted his back pocket where the letters to the families of the men killed on the USS Valor Heights were stowed, letters he had to send the old-fashioned way instead of through email because he wasn’t able to locate the families’ contact information.

Honor seemed satisfied with his nonverbal response and didn’t ask more about the letters, which he was glad for.

As they walked out onto the sidewalk, he was surprised to see some evening shadows gathering. The cooler air wrapped around them as they strolled in the direction of the post office.

“Appreciated the class, by the way.”

She threw him a smile, a soft tilt of her lips that showcased the perfect full curve of them.

“I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did.”

“Didn’t think you’d be good at it, you mean.” Her tone teased him, coaxing a smile to his lips. The expression felt unfamiliar. After the long winter, and spring too, smiling felt like a new season.

He huffed out a laugh. “That too.”

They continued on the short walk. As the post office came into view, he suddenly wished the journey took longer so he could keep talking to her.

He eyed the lot. “Which one’s yours?” He could already guess. Between three vehicles—a rusty old SUV, a pickup truck and the VW van—he already knew which vehicle suited Honor best.

“The truck,” she said with all the seriousness of a preacher on a Sunday.

He studied her. “You’re joking.”

She stopped walking and looked down at her flowy top, skirt and her toenails painted three different shades of the rainbow. “What do you think?”

He laughed again. That was twice now. He could almost hear what his sister would say about that, if she ever found out.

When they reached the van, Honor didn’t immediately get in. Instead, she leaned against the side. He did the same, soaking in the warmth of the day from the metal.

“You have the earrings you made?” Her focus shifted from his face to his torso, then raked down his body.

He smirked at how she was looking at him but caught himself eyeing her up the same way. Her nose and the crest of her cheeks were spattered with light freckles. The golden skin of her bare arms had a few too. And the way that little white bow on her blouse cinched her waist made his gut clench for reasons unknown.

He patted his front pocket where the tissue-wrapped earrings were. “Right here.”

“Wouldn’t want you to forget the gift for your sister. You spent so much time picking out the best beads.”

“Guess I’ve got a knack for detail.” He searched her eyes, noting they were more than a single color of blue, several swirling together to create so much depth.

Something passed between them—warm. Charged. Honor felt it too and shifted her stance. He figured now was as good a time as any to say what had been on his mind.

“I have a business proposition for you.”

Her soft eyebrows lifted. “Oh?”

“I’d like to talk to you about it over dinner.” He kept his voice even, but damn if his pulse wasn’t picking up. “Interested?”

She pushed away from the van. “Sure, I’ll bite.” The teasing lilt was back in her tone.

“I’ll pick you up. My truck’s over there so you know what to look for.” He pointed across the street, and she turned to see.

When she turned back to him, she nodded. “Give me your number. I’ll put it in my phone and text you my address.”

He recited the number, and she entered it into her contacts. Then she climbed in her van and drove away. He watched her go, phone in his hand, wondering what the hell he just got himself into.

As soon as he reached the Black Heart, he found Willow in the kitchen. His long-legged sister in cutoff denim shorts was not what he wanted to see, especially knowing she was working with the horses and there were plenty of men around at all times to see her in those shorts.

He stifled a groan and grabbed a bottled water from the fridge. “Good day?”

“So far.” She sipped her own glass of iced tea with a lemon bobbing among the ice cubes. “You?”

“Yeah.” Surprisingly, what started as a dull day of errands turned into something much…better.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the tissue package. “Made you these.”

She blinked at him. “What are they?”

“Take a look.” He wasn’t one for giving gifts. Never had many people to give them to—he and his siblings didn’t operate that way. But seeing the look on Willow’s face as she unwrapped the tissue to reveal the tiny silver-and-bead earrings warmed him.

“Oh my god, Gray.” She brushed her fingertips over the beads. “You made these? How?”

“There was a class at the bookstore.”

Her eyes bulged. “You took a jewelry class at the bookstore?”

“Kind of fell into it.”

Suddenly, she threw her long arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “I love them so much! Thank you, Gray.”

He gave her an awkward squeeze in return and then released her. “Where’s the best place to take someone for dinner?”

She jerked her head up from the earrings in her hand. “Boy someone or girl someone?”

“Girl.”

Willow got the kind of look that women did when they were let in on a secret. “Ooh. Then you want to go to the nicest restaurant in town. Prairie Ember.” She pounced on him, grabbing him by the forearm. “What are you going to wear? I’ll help you pick something out of your closet. Are you nervous?”

He grunted a small laugh. “I wasn’t until now. Isn’t Carson taking Layne to Prairie Ember tonight?” Now he was overthinking everything.

She eyed him up and down. “You’re going to need a tie. This isn’t an occasion for barn chore clothes. And no—they had to make it an early lunch date. I talked to them when they got back to the ranch.”

“A tie?” He let out a groan about formal dress even though he was relieved he wouldn’t run into his family at the restaurant. Carson would never let him live it down if he saw Gray with a date—and dressed up too.

This was what he got for leaving his room. But deep down inside came a flicker of excitement.