Can’t Hurry Love by Nadine Millard (little red riding hood ebook TXT) 📗

match. It’ll good for him to get back out there after Rose’s death.”

A few years ago, Cal Winters’ wife, Rose, had gotten sick, leaving him alone with their two little girls. Brooke had been a great help to him, as well as their parents, Joe and Sally.

Beth had been surprised to hear that Cal had signed up. That was, until Brooke informed them that she’d done it for him and informed him after the fact. And told him that he’d been assigned a date who’d be stood up if he didn’t attend.

They had no doubt he’d show up. For one thing, he’d never refuse knowing that a lady would be hurt by his absence. And for another, nobody, not even someone as big and strong as Cal Winters was brave enough to say no to Brooke.

“It’ll be good for all of us,” Beth said with confidence. “I still think you should have signed up yourself.”

Paige had refused point blank, which wasn’t all that surprising given how shy she was.

“Like I said, someone needs to make sure everything is running smoothly.”

“Hmm. And avoid socialising with strangers.” Beth raised a brow.

“That too.” Paige laughed. She checked her watch while Beth once again fidgeted with the cocktail menus.

“There’s not much left to do here,” Paige said. “Why don’t you get back to Big Sky and get yourself ready?”

Beth had taken the day off from the bakery to help out, but it looked like Paige was right. Everything was under control, and it would be such a luxury to spend ages getting ready…

“Ok, you twisted my arm.” She winked. “If you— Paige?”

Paige’s face had suddenly turned red, her green eyes narrowing. “What is he doing here? He didn’t sign up.”

Beth looked around to see Mason Decker walk through the doors. She hadn’t seen him since their dinner date, but she felt no awkwardness when he walked in.

They’d both known there was nothing between them. And frankly, Beth had been so preoccupied with her conversation with Josh after the date with Mason that she hadn’t even realised they hadn’t talked since.

“Maybe he’s here to ask you out again,” Paige said, still sending some seriously angry side-eye Mason’s way.

Beth snorted. “Hardly. It wasn’t exactly a match made in heaven. We didn’t have a lot to talk about.”

Actually, now that Beth thought about it, Mason had spent a lot of time asking her about Paige. And there had been that weird moment between the two of them as Beth had come into the lounge that night.

“He asked about you, you know,” she said casually, watching Paige closely.

Her friend’s eyes snapped to her. “He did? What did he say?” She didn’t exactly look happy about it.

“Oh, not much.” Beth shrugged. “Just asked about the library and your work there.” She paused before continuing in the same causal tone. “And if you were seeing anybody. Stuff like that.”

Paige’s mouth dropped open, and Beth was sure she saw a glimmer of interest in her green eyes. But then the scowl returned.

“He wants to buy the library,” she spat now, shocking Beth. “I didn’t say anything because we were concentrating on this, but he told me that he’s interested in developing the land, whatever the heck that means. And then Brooke told me Damon was asking her about it at the wedding!”

Damon had approached Brooke at the wedding, now that Beth thought about it. Right before she’d run away from Josh…

Ugh. She was hopeless. Even with the shocking news that Mason wanted to destroy the library, still her mind wandered to Josh Larson!

Paige looked so upset though, that Beth was able to push the doctor from her mind.

“Can he do that?” she asked, reaching out and gripping Paige’s hand.

“I don’t know,” Paige answered miserably. “The library is always in trouble. You know that. But — it’s so important, Beth! And I love it. I love working there, and volunteering. I just — I don’t know how I can stop it if he really wants it. He doesn’t exactly seem like the type of man who’s used to losing.”

Beth frowned across at Mason, chatting with Chase, whose band would play tonight.

“We’ll figure something out. Don’t worry about it.” Beth turned back to Paige with a reassuring smile. “Just look at what you did here in only a couple of weeks, for something you’re not even that interested in! Imagine what you’ll be able to do when you set your mind to saving the library.”

Paige looked slightly mollified, and Beth was able to leave her reasonably happy so she could get back to the ranch and get ready for that evening.

Her phone beeped just as she pulled her truck into the garage adjoining the big house. Looking down, she saw a reminder about tonight’s party along with her registration number and instructions to look out for her match.

Number 107.

She hoped it would be lucky.

He couldn’t believe he’d let Beck talk him into this. Josh looked around the room that was starting to fill up with people. It looked like Paige Sallins and Beth had really pulled off something great here.

Beck had called into the surgery earlier with Zoe to see Dr. Beech, and while Zoe and her grandpa caught up, Beck chatted with Josh.

Somehow, he’d talked Josh into coming down to check the place out.

“Come on, man,” Beck had said. “It’s a beer with the guys. Nobody is asking you to get married.”

Beck clearly had no problem with being married.

Josh observed him steal a kiss from his new bride, watched Zoe’s blush as she smiled up at her husband.

Had he and Elaine ever looked that way at each other? Ever been that easily affectionate with each other? The truth was that no, they hadn’t. Not even as newlyweds.

Josh nodded and smiled as greetings were called from people swarming around the room. Beck had caught him at a weak moment. That Chicago number had popped up again, and he was about to answer it when Beck and Zoe had arrived,