“I didn’t get a chance to ask earlier, how’s your dad today?” Friendly, she reminded herself. Play nice, Piper, it’s not his fault he ticks all the boxes. Piper had run as soon as the class was done this morning, claiming another appointment. Okay, so it had been a lie, but the less time she spent in this man’s company the better it would be for both of them.

“Healing, thank you for asking. Before you tried to emasculate me I spent some time with him, and he’s in pain, but nothing that won’t heal.”

Piper could see he was worried but trying to hide it. She knew men. Joe, Jack, and Luke were good at trying to hide their emotions too.

“It’s hard to see a parent laid low when we always expect them to be the strong ones, and FYI I did not try and emasculate you, your lack of coordination did that all by yourself.”

His smile was small. “I like my exercise hot and sweaty and involving physical contact.”

And just like that her body started to simmer.

“Basketball, marital arts, that kind of thing,” he said, giving her a slow smile that told Piper he knew where her mind had gone.

“How’s Charlie?” Piper was determined not to show him how his words had affected her. “We were friends before she left for Dallas.”

“She’s good, thank you.”

His face was now expressionless. He didn’t want to talk about his family, and Piper guessed that was because he didn’t know them. Joe had told her last night he’d been gone for sixteen years and never returned until now.

“Send her into the café. I’d like to catch up before she leaves town.”

“Café?”

“Phil’s Place.”

“You work there?”

“We own it.”

“We being?”

“The Trainer family.”

She watched him take a bite of the scone that had just been placed before him, then close his eyes.

“They were right,” he said, looking at Miss Sarah, who was sorting stuff on shelves behind the counter. “This is the best scone I’ve ever tasted.”

“Now you are a sweet boy for saying so.”

Piper rolled her eyes again.

“What?”

“You and my cousins. Always flattering the ladies.”

“After a day I don’t think you know that about me. Besides, it’s the truth, this scone is good.”

She watched as he devoured the rest.

“I need to get back, so see you round, Dylan. Bye, Miss Marla, Miss Sarah, and Mandy.”

Everyone added their goodbyes, and Piper lifted a hand and left. Taking a deep breath of cool mountain air, she dug her hands into the pockets of her jacket. Winter was coming, and the temperatures were already dropping. Clicking her fingers at the large shaggy black dog leaning on the side of Tea Total, Piper started to cross the road.

“Let’s go, Buzz.”