Almost Summer by Susan Mallery

Author:Susan Mallery
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781426835926
Publisher: Harlequin

Chapter Five

The Fool’s Gold Spring Festival lived up to its reputation, Alistair realized as he and Paige strolled through the crowded streets. There were booths selling everything from jewelry to meditation CDs. Food was everywhere. Although it was only ten in the morning, tourists munched on hot dogs and cotton candy. Paige had promised him the best funnel cake this side of the Rockies. He wasn’t sure what to expect as, from what he’d seen, the treat was neither funnel-shaped, nor especially cakelike. But he was willing to trust his hostess.

“We have to get in position for the parade,” she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the center square.

“There’s a parade?”

“Of course. It’s fairly unorganized. Kids on bikes and people sitting in the back of convertibles. One of the fire trucks gets decorated with ribbons and flowers.” She grinned. “My friend Charlie is a firefighter. She hates events like this. As she puts it, every holiday is a chance for people to be stupid. But she loves telling kids about fire safety and enjoys showing them the equipment.”

Alistair frowned. “So she’s both happy and frustrated?”

“Charlie is a bit of a contradiction.”

“It appears so.”

“Did I mention the goats?” she asked.

He stared at her, wanting to get lost in her hazel eyes. He had to force himself to pay attention to the conversation. “No. I would have recalled goats. Are they part of the festival?”

“They’re in the parade. My friend Heidi owns them. She’s the one you flashed. She makes cheese and soap.”

“Is that what’s in my shower?”

“It is. Goat soap. It’s very mild and useful for several skin conditions.”

“I did not know that.” Information he might be able to use when he traveled. Another way to help his patients.

“You do now.” She tugged him along. “Hurry or all the best spots will be taken.”

He allowed her to pull him behind her. Her long hair fluttered in the slight breeze. She’d traded in jeans for a summery dress that left her shoulders and legs bare. Temptation, he thought, wondering how wrong it would be for him to give in to the steady pulsing desire.

Since Sara’s death, there had been women. Casual relationships that had more to do with biology than emotion. He’d assumed that he wouldn’t find anyone to engage his heart again. Losing his family had been devastating.

But with Paige, the stirring went deeper than simple lust. While he would admit to wanting her in his bed, he had fantasies that had nothing to do with her body and everything to do with her mind…and her heart.

He liked talking to her. She was endlessly curious. She appeared to be accepting, without judgment, and she was always ready to laugh. When she’d looked at the pictures of some of his patients on his phone, she’d reminded him that he was fortunate to change lives with what he did. She’d reminded him to be grateful for his training and skill.

They came to a stop by several shops. The crowd was only a few people deep in this part of town.

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