“Another time,” I say as I dismount, even though I should be declining the invite with a firm but friendly refusal.

I’m attending Sip ’N’ Stitch to avoid my hermit tendencies. That does not mean I need to start flirting with a sexy man.

Maybe if I was a sex-’em-up-and-wave-goodbye kind of girl. A lot of times I wish I could be. Or my vagina wishes I could be. I’m certain I’ve heard her crying out a time or two …

Get some dick! Any dick will do!

But that’s a lie, and I know it. If I let anyone close, I’m bound to love them. That’s just the way it goes. I don’t seek people out because I’m fine on my own. But those who figure out a way into my life earn my love almost in spite of myself.

And Warner’s helpful ways and charming smile are strong indicators I could like him. Which means I could love him.

I did not come to Pine Falls to find love. I came here to figure out if I could survive without it.

This trip is for me and me alone.

Firmly resolved not to fall for the helpful biker, I turn to wave him good night, only to find him a step behind me.

“What are you doing?” The question comes out more abrupt than I meant it to. But abrupt is my default setting.

Warner doesn’t seem to mind as he gifts me with a cheeky grin. “You’re so determined to get to this Sip and Sew thing; no way can I leave without checking it out.”

“Sip ’N’ Stitch,” I correct. Then wait, staring at him.

“Sip ’N’ Stitch,” he amends, giving what I expect is supposed to be a humble nod. The affect is ruined by his twitching lips.

It would be easier to be annoyed with him if he wasn’t the perfect combination of sexy and adorable.

“All right. You can come in. But don’t embarrass me, Biker Boy. This is my only shot to make a first impression, and I’m already late.”

“Sure thing, Mystery Girl.”

Warner steps forward, placing his hand on my lower back as if he plans on guiding me into the bar. But the position strikes me as too much like the couple that I just saw leave, and I don’t need to give anyone, including myself, ideas. I speed my steps up until his hand falls away.

“How am I Mystery Girl if you know my name?” I pass through the door, holding it open long enough for him to catch the edge.

“A name is barely anything. There’s a lot more I plan on learning.”

“Well, I’m not holding lessons.”

“I’ll learn on the job.”

“Glad to know you think spending time with me is work.”