Only His by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online Page B

toddler-size kitchen was going to be a problem.
    â€œNeed some help?”
    She glanced over her shoulder and saw a tall man moving toward her. He had a slight limp, but powerful shoulders and arms. His sandy hair was just long enough and his dark blue eyes brightened with amusement.
    â€œThat box is nearly as big as you.”
    Her instinct was to tell him she was fine. It was her policy to avoid conversations with strange men. She would say with all men, but that wasn’t an option in her line of work. So she’d learned to be friendly without ever letting anyone cross the line. However, she’d been in Fool’s Gold long enough to know that life was all about community. Over the past few years she’d learned to trust other people and, most importantly, herself.
    The man paused by her SUV. “Will Falk,” he said.
    â€œJo Trellis.” She studied his worn jeans and chambray shirt. “You’re with Janack Construction.”
    â€œThat’s me.” He reached for the box and drew it out easily.
    Remembering how she’d struggled to get it into her SUV, she tried not to be bitter. Men naturally had more upper body strength than women.
    â€œWhere do you want this?” he asked.
    She led the way in through the back, passing from the storage room to the main part of the bar. She pointed to the corner she’d cleared.
    â€œOver there.”
    Will set down the box, then straightened. “Kid toys in a bar?”
    â€œA lot of my customers are having babies.”
    â€œThey bring them to a bar?” He sounded shocked.
    She allowed herself to smile. “I get a big lunch and afternoon crowd. They’re here to socialize rather than get drunk. I’ll put the toys away before the evening customers arrive. Don’t worry. No one in Fool’s Gold is corrupting infants.”
    But Will wasn’t listening. Instead he was turning in a slow circle, taking in the mauve walls, the big TVs tuned to a marathon of America’s Next Top Model, and the comfortable chairs with backs and hooks for purses up by the bar.
    â€œWhat is this place?” he asked.
    â€œIt’s a bar.”
    â€œI’ve been in plenty of bars.”
    â€œYou men have a room in back. It’s very traditional. Dark colors, a pool table and plenty of sports.”
    He still looked lost.
    â€œFool’s Gold has a large female population,” she explained. “Most of the businesses cater to women, including mine.”
    â€œI see,” he said slowly.
    She laughed. “If you’re going to be here awhile, you’ll need to get used to it.”
    She walked back to her car. He followed.
    â€œDon’t get me wrong,” he told her. “I like women. I’ve never known a bar that catered to them, but I’m good with that.”
    She thought about warning him that just because there were a lot of women around didn’t mean he wouldfind it easy to interest one of them. Most of her customers came to hang out with their friends and talk about their problems. They weren’t all that worried about meeting guys. But he could figure that out on his own.
    Will helped her carry in the rest of the boxes. Just when she was about to thank him and suggest he leave, he started opening cartons with a pocketknife.
    â€œYou’re in management, aren’t you?” she asked.
    He laughed. “Kicking and screaming I was dragged there. Why?”
    â€œYou’re taking charge.”
    â€œWant to tell me no?”
    â€œI appreciate the help,” she admitted, aware she wouldn’t have had time to unpack everything before her lunch crowd arrived.
    â€œHappy to give it.” He pulled out a brightly colored plastic refrigerator. “Cute.”
    â€œI thought it would be fun.”
    The tiny stove came next.
    â€œHow long have you lived here?” he asked.
    â€œA few years now. It’s a good town. Friendly people.” People who had