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feel good. And if you want to write a romance with men that has a happy ending then, by all means, you should. There's plenty of people out in the world that need a happy ending. People will read it.

Guaranteed."

Alec looked deep into Buddy's kind eyes. "Thank you," he said.

"You don't need my permission," he said, pushing Alec's bag toward him. "But if that's what it takes to make you prolific then—you have my blessing. Go write the damned thing."

"I'm going to."

"And while I'm waiting to read it, I plan on checking out some of those lesser-known authors, like you suggested. Here comes our local librarian now."

Alec heard the door opening as Buddy spoke and he turned to see a young, dark-haired woman

enter. She was attractive, but dressed down, for the weather.

"Hey, Buddy," she said. "Just here to pick up some staples for tonight. Milk, bread, eggs, you know the drill."

"I was expecting you. Misty, this is Alec, the writer who's been staying up at the cabin. Misty Jarnigan, Alec—"

"Collier," Alec finished. "Pleased to meet you."

Misty smiled. "Soyou'reAlec. I've heard a lot about you."

"Word travels fast around here."

"My husband is Al… at the garage... Triple-A…Tyler."

Alec's eyes brightened and Misty didn't miss it at all. "Al and I have known Tyler for a long time," she said. "He speaks of you."

"Uh-oh. I'm afraid to ask."

"Can we talk?"

"Certainly." Alec grabbed his groceries. "Walk me out."

"Go ahead, Misty. I'll put your usual together," Buddy said, heading toward the eggs.

Misty held the door and they stepped outside. "So, are you going to the talent show later?" Alec asked.

"Tonight?" She sounded a little surprised. "No. Al and I have kids—two, Jenny, and Marvin. It's way too hard to get a baby-sitter this time of year, especially with the storm coming."

"There's another storm?"

Misty laughed. "Yeah, they're pretty much like ants at a picnic this time of year."

"I'm beginning to notice." Alec set the grocery bag down on top of the cargo compartment of the Titan.

"Tyler said you were a greenie."

"Beg your pardon?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Really. Just a term we locals use for tourists who… who aren't used to our way of life."

"I see," Alec said. "Guilty."

They stood, staring at each other saying nothing. It felt a little awkward, to Alec at least. "You had something you wanted to… discuss?"

Misty raised her hands to him. The first thing that came to mind was that she was going to frisk