Just Say Maybe: A Thistle Bend Novel Read Free Page B

jumped into her throat.
    Bryce?
    How had he found her there?
    “Hello, ladies.” He quickly scanned the office then focused on a business card he held in his hand. “I’m looking for H. G. Birdsong.” He glanced at the closed door that led to Holly’s conference room, where her part-time administrative assistant had a desk. “Does he happen to be in?”
    Holly recognized his voice as it poured over her like melted caramel. Rich and sweet and tempting.
    Definitely Bryce.
    Lindsey faced Holly, her back to him, eyebrows raised, lips forming an O.
    Holly fought to keep her expression neutral. She tugged in a breath and stood, hoping like heck that the last time she absently combed her fingers through her hair she’d left it looking halfway decent. “I’m H. G. Birdsong.”
    Lindsey turned to catch Bryce’s reaction. As much as Holly appreciated her visit and the limeade, she wished there was no one to witness this awkward moment. Clearly he hadn’t come to see her because he liked her. He hadn’t even known he would find her there.
    Bryce set his gaze on her, tipped his head, and narrowed his eyes. “Holly?”
    She nodded slowly.
    “You’re a real estate lawyer?”
    “Yep.”
    “Sorry.” He examined the business card again. “I just assumed H.G. was a man.”
    “I had my name printed like that on purpose. Locals know me and trust my work, but lots of tourists and newcomers buy property here. As sad as it is, the idea of working with a female lawyer doesn’t appeal to some of them, but if I can get them into my office…”
    “Your apparent intellect and charm win them over?” He winked.
    Heat rose in Holly’s cheeks as she struggled to resist his flattery. “Something like that.”
    He held her gaze for a long moment.
    She looked away and glanced at Lindsey, who was watching curiously. “Lindsey Simms, this is Bryce…”
    “Bennett.” Bryce stepped over to Lindsey and shook her hand.
    “Nice to meet you,” Lindsey said. She glanced over her shoulder and gave Holly a wide-eyed look.
    Holly smiled.
    Told you he was smokin’ hot!
    “Likewise.” Bryce dipped his chin.
    “I met Bryce up on Wild Rose Ridge yesterday,” Holly said, as if Lindsey didn’t already know.
    “Totally by accident,” he joked. “The same way I found you here when I came looking for H. G. Birdsong.”
    It wasn’t lost on Holly that he hadn’t been interested in finding her simply by clicking on her contact information and calling or texting.
    Lindsey checked her watch. “Oh, man, lunch hour is darn near over. I really need to go.” She picked up her limeade from the low table between the chairs and headed toward the door, stepping behind Bryce. “That way you two can get down to business.” She faced Holly, winked, and dashed out the door.
    Holly took a bolstering breath. “So, you’re looking for a real estate lawyer?” She worked to keep her tone all business but…
    Is he moving to Thistle Bend?
    The flutter in her stomach told her she hoped so more than she’d like to admit.
    Bryce stepped next to the chairs in front of Holly’s desk, fully focused on her. “Sorry it took me a second to recognize you. I wasn’t expecting…I mean, your hair is loose and you’re not dressed in hiking gear.”
    “It took me a little while to place you, too,” Holly said, although she’d been pretty certain who he was the moment he’d stepped into the doorway. She gave him a wisp of a smile. “Your entrance wasn’t nearly as grand this time.”
    He put his hand over his mouth and dragged it down his scruffy chin, revealing a sheepish grin and a flash of gleaming white teeth. “A guy only gets one chance to make a first impression. I had to make the most of it.”
    “Want to sit?” she asked. Her nerves knotted as if she’d just asked him on a date—after he’d pretty much rejected her already. “That is, if you’re okay doing business with a female attorney.”
    He sat in the nearest chair, and propped his