Julie sipped her coffee. “If you spend time there and still feel you’d be happy doing ranch work, more power to you. Taking that direction in life would cost you a lot less than returning to school. Just be sure it’s really what you want and that you’re not going off the deep end simply because you’re unhappy as a deputy.”

Using a coffee stick, Erin stirred the whipped cream into her drink. “I’ll think it over before I make a decision.” She sighed and grinned. “Thanks for listening and keeping an open mind. I know it must sound a little crazy. So enough about me and my job debacle. What’s happening with you?”

Julie heard Erin’s stomach growl and got up to get them each a cinnamon roll. “Not much besides work,” she replied from behind the display case.

“Where are you with Blackie? The last time we talked, you sounded as if you were ready for a relationship and he looked pretty appealing.”

Carrying a tray laden with baked goods and two plates, Julie walked back to the table. “I’m still waffling.” She set the food to one side of the floral arrangement and then chuckled at the look of distaste on Erin’s face. “Come on. Forget dieting and live a little. You did say that you burned off a lot of calories working out there. Toil like a rancher, eat like a rancher. One or two goodies won’t put weight on you.”

Erin took a plate, plucked two napkins from the dispenser, and selected a roll. “You’re right. And I’m famished. I may go wild and have three.” She met and held Julie’s gaze with a glint of curiosity in her blue eyes. “And you just changed the subject. What about Blackie?”

Julie filled a plate for herself. “Honestly? I like the man. A lot. And I’m definitely attracted to him. For me, that’s saying something, because I haven’t felt as much as a twinge of desire for another man since the divorce.”

Still chewing a bite of cinnamon roll, Erin dabbed the napkin at the corners of her lips and swallowed. “If you’re attracted to him, why not explore the possibilities?”

Julie chased a mouthful of glazed donut with a swallow of coffee. “Actually, I’m having him over for dinner tomorrow night. Not a date kind of thing. It’s my way of thanking him for holding on to Grandma’s ring.” Julie raised her eyebrows and shrugged again. “Maybe I’ll explore the possibilities then.”

* * *

The remainder of Kennedy’s week was tough. While recovering from the fight, he managed to keep up with his studies, but he wasn’t his usual, energetic self. By Saturday, he felt a little better, and with the sense of normalcy, he began to worry about the little blonde at the burger joint. She’d been pretty shaken up on Wednesday night, and he wondered how she was doing. Since he had no classes on the weekend, he decided to return to the hamburger place after he finished his ranch chores and had studied for a while.