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convenient.”
    â€œSays the woman who claims her papers are in transit.” He pushed to his feet, bringing him a good five inches taller than her even with her three-inch heels. “What kind of—” He cut himself off, clamped his mouth shut.
    They were standing too close to each other. Boxed in by the wall, table and Trent, she could feel his body heat and a hint of his breath on her cheek. Oddly, he smelled good, sort of woodsy, even though she knew he’d been working outside in the sun.
    When he wouldn’t move, she slipped around him. “You were saying?” she said, sneaking a peek in the bright yellow kitchen, surprised to see an open laptop sitting on a table.
    â€œNothing.”
    â€œPlease.” She turned to find him meticulously wiping his hands with the towel. “By all means, finish what you were about to say.”
    He looked up, his gaze narrowing.
    Okay, that might’ve come out a bit haughty.
    With his sights locked on her, he said, “I was wondering what kind of idiot packs important legal papers with their belongings instead of keeping the documents locked up or with them.”
    Heat surged up her neck and into her face. Someone who’d left in a hurry. Someone who’d been foolish enough to overstay where she hadn’t belonged in the first place.
    â€œI deserved that,” Shelby said quietly. “I’m sorry.”
    His gaze lowered before he looked away. “We’ll get this straightened out, but I’m warning you, it won’t be the outcome you want.”
    She bit her lip. He seemed awfully sure, she thought, again taking in the furniture, most of it quite nice. The truth was, she didn’t really have the deed in her possession, only her grandfather’s will. Of course she’d call the attorney who’d drawn the will up. Something she would’ve already done if she hadn’t been in such a rush to get away from her ex-fiancé and his family.
    â€œYou should try The Boarding House Inn in town. Better hurry, though, it’s getting late and there isn’t another inn for miles.”
    Shelby studied his expressionless face. Naturally he was trying to get rid of her. “Hmm, I could ask around about you.”
    â€œGood idea. Most folks know me, or at least they know my family. They’ll confirm what I’ve told you.”
    Her mouth went dry. Her heart sank. This wasn’t looking good at all. Maybe he was bluffing.
    â€œHey, how about that cold drink I promised? I’ve got orange juice, water, beer...”
    Annoyed that he must’ve noticed her difficulty swallowing, she shook her head. “How far is it to town?”
    â€œSixteen miles.”
    â€œAnd you don’t care if I inquire about you,” she said, watching him closely.
    â€œNope. Ask anyone.”
    A knock at the door had them both turning their heads.
    Through the screen she saw it was the older woman who’d been sitting in the rocker. She was holding a covered dish.
    Trent looked at it and groaned. “Really, Violet?”
    Shelby didn’t know why he sounded grumpy. It smelled like cornbread and something else, maybe molasses. Whatever it was, the aroma was divine.
    The woman glared at him. “You gonna let me in?” She was tiny, not even five feet, her voice surprisingly rough.
    When Trent didn’t respond, Shelby looked at him. Why the hesitancy? The woman was obviously his neighbor...
    Unless...
    Shelby hurried to open the door. “Of course, this is perfect timing,” she said, then glanced at Trent, who sighed with disgust. She smiled sweetly. “You did say I could ask anyone.”

2
    A NYONE BUT V IOLET
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    Damn, no telling what the old busybody would say. She’d stir the pot just to see what bubbled over. She did it to him all the time.
    Shelby held the door open wide.
    Trent didn’t try to hide his irritation. “I see you’re making yourself right at