“I was—I even had my wedding dress bought. And then Chuck—I caught him fooling around with this high-school girl. Now I can’t have my wedding. But maybe that’s all right, because you’re the one I really wanted. Please, Conner, honey, can’t we just pick up where we left off? You’ll be alone here when Travis gets married. You’re going to need a wife. I can cook, I could make this old house look like a dream, and—”

Conner stifled a groan. “Ronda May, you’re going to make some man a wonderful wife. It just isn’t going to be me. I’ve moved on. I’ve found a woman I want to be with.”

“Her? That little flat-chested mouse? Why, she’s—”

“Yes, her. And putting her down is no way to get on my good side. Tonight was supposed to be special for us, and your little stunt spoiled everything—but then, I’m guessing that’s what you wanted.”

Ronda May burst into fresh tears. “You don’t understand,” she sobbed. “I got fired tonight. I lost my job because of you.”

“Because of me?”

“You told the hostess to get you a different server. When I came out of the restroom, the manager was waiting in the hall. She fired me on the spot. I didn’t even get a chance to explain.” She broke into uncontrolled sobbing. “This is all . . . your . . . fault!”

Conner had already guessed what she was planning. He would gather her into his arms, comfort her, and promise to make things better. But she would be too broken up to leave. She would cling to him, begging him not to send her away while she was too upset to drive.

The fact that they were alone in the house made the situation even more dicey. If she chose to get him in trouble with Megan—and he wouldn’t put it past her—it would be her word against his.

Damn it, where is Travis when I need rescuing?

“How about some coffee?” Still standing, he moved toward the kitchen. “It’ll warm you up. No—stay there. I’ll bring it to you. It’ll only take a few minutes.”

“Thanks . . . I guess,” she said. “But what I really need is for you to hold me.”

“Not a good idea.” Conner measured coffee and water into the electric coffee maker. “But I do feel bad about your losing your job. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

“Thanks a bunch.” Her voice dripped sarcasm.

“If you like, I could call the restaurant tomorrow and speak to the manager. Maybe I could talk her into hiring you back.”

“Don’t bother. She’s a bitch. Hey, maybe you could hire me to help out here, just for the season. I could sell trees, help the kids toast marshmallows, whatever.”