One Good Man. Charlotte Douglas

      He grinned. “I did, didn’t I? But you were worth every penny.”

      She wasn’t about to ask him to elaborate. “I’m glad the food met with your approval.”

      His expression sobered. “Some folks in town won’t approve of your being here. You took a risk, catering for me. And I’m grateful.”

      The old Jeff, the ostracized teenager who had on rare occasions dropped his don’t-give-a-damn attitude to reveal his loneliness, peeked through the tough Marine demeanor, then disappeared so quickly, she thought she’d imagined his outcast look.

      “I don’t let other folks influence my decisions.” She wished she could say the same for her hormones.

      “I’ll return your coolers and equipment tomorrow,” he offered.

      “Don’t bother.” She practically tripped over her tongue in her haste to reply. “Grant can pick up everything next time he checks your livestock. That’ll save you a trip.”

      Jeff considered her, as if trying to discern her motives, and she looked toward the building site to avoid his scrutiny.

      “I don’t want to keep you from your work, so I’ll get Brittany and we’ll be going.”

      Before he could reply, she sprinted toward the footpath in the woods. Brittany had mentioned a creek, and Jodie seriously contemplated a dip in its icy waters to cool her blood and clear her head.