Page 2 of Smoky Mountain K-9

“I hate you so much right now.”

The smile on Brooke’s face told Mara she didn’t care. “You’ll thank me one day.”

“For setting me up on a blind date with a man you bought at a charity auction?”

Brooke’s head bobbed once. “Yep. You watch.” She wagged her paddle at Mara. “This will be the start of a new chapter in your life.”

“I like the chapter I’m in.” It was safe. Nothing could trample on her heart and make it bleed again.

“It’s overdone, and you need to start a new one.”

The emcee’s voice echoed over the crowd, drowning out anything Mara would have said. She flattened her lips together and stared at the stage. There was no arguing with Brooke when she got an idea in her head. It didn’t matter what Mara said at this stage. Brooke would still think she was right.

Well, fine. She’d just have to prove her wrong. She’d go on the date with Deputy Townsend, then tell Brooke she tried, but was happy with the status quo. He was sexy, but Mara was happy with her life the way it was. She didn’t need a man.

The rest of the auction flew by for Mara. She barely paid attention, lost in her thoughts. When the final bachelor sold and the gavel banged, Brooke grabbed Mara’s arm.

“Come on. Let’s go meet your date.”

Groaning, Mara followed her friend through the surging crowd toward the registration table, where women were lining up to pay for their dates.

“Do you see him?” Brooke stood on her toes, trying to peer over the crowd.

Mara shook her head. “No. There are too many people.” She wasn’t much taller than Brooke.

“Ladies, let’s form a thinner line.” The emcee walked up, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Our bachelors are going to come up alongside everyone, so you can meet.”

The crowd shifted, snaking out into the arena to accommodate her request. Mara glanced toward the stage and saw the line of men coming out from behind. It wasn’t hard to spot Deputy Townsend. Not only was he the most attractive one of the bunch, but he had his K-9 partner at his side. The dog was as beautiful as he was.

Brooke leaned to the side and waved her paddle, a wide smile on her face. “Deputy Townsend.”

Mara tried to shrink into the people around her as he walked up, a polite smile on his face.

“Hello.”

A shiver went through Mara at the sound of his deep voice, leaving gooseflesh on her arms. It was like butter, but had a bit of gravel to it.

“Hi,” Brooke chirped. “I’m Brooke McGinty.”

He held out a hand. “Carter Townsend. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for your generosity to the women’s crisis center.”

“Oh, you’re welcome. I was happy to do it.” Brooke smiled up at him as she shook his hand. She let go, then stepped back, waving Mara forward.

Mara stood there, arms crossed, and blinked at Brooke, still not happy.

“Deputy, this is my friend Mara Roth. She’s your date.”

Carter blinked, nonplussed. “Oh.” He frowned. “You bid on me for your friend?”

“Yes. I’m happily engaged.” Brooke raised her left hand and waggled her fingers, showing off her engagement ring. “But Mara needs to get back out into the dating pool. This seemed like a good opportunity. No pressure or expectations.”

He tipped his head, studying Mara. His liquid silver gaze burned into her, turning the gooseflesh to a heated flush.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Mara.” He extended a hand. “I’m sure we’ll have a pleasant time.”

Oh, God. He wants me to touch him?The feelings he evoked just standing there were bad enough. With a long blink, she steeled herself and took his hand. It was a brief handshake, but it was enough to send a tingle up her arm that electrified her entire body.

“It’s nice to meet you, deputy.”