Luna shook her head and pulled Chi-Chi toward the café entrance. “Gotta lock up.” Luna felt her cell phone vibrate in her apron pocket. When she reached in and saw the caller ID, she stopped in her tracks. “Whoa.”

“Something good?” Chi-Chi asked with a playful grin.

“I . . . it’s . . . him.” Luna began to blush.

“Well, don’t be stupid, girl. Answer it.”

Luna took in a deep breath. “Well hello, Marshal Gaines. To what do I owe this pleasure?” Her eyes went wide at Chi-Chi, as if asking, “Did I do that all right?” Chi-Chi gave her an encouraging nod.

Gaines cleared his throat. “Hello, Luna-tic.” Luna could hear the smile in his voice. “How are you?”

“Very well, thank you. And yourself?” She was trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.

“Great. Listen, I know it’s short notice, but I am heading back to Charlotte, and I have to pass through Asheville. Any chance you guys are free for dinner?”

“Funny you should ask. Cul, Chi-Chi, and I were about to head out for a bite to eat after we take Wiley home. Where are you now?”

“Just outside of Weaverville. I wasn’t sure what time I would be nearby; otherwise, I would have phoned sooner.” He paused. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Of course not! We would be delighted.” Emphasizing the “we.” Her palms were getting sweaty.

“I’m about twenty minutes away. Should I meet you somewhere?”

“Sure.” Luna walked toward the mirror over her small utility sink. She wasn’t exactly spruced up, and gave Chi-Chi a look of horror. Chi-Chi waved her off and mouthed, “You look fine.”

“Copper Crown OK with you?” Luna asked, as she fussed with her hair.

“Sounds good. See you there.” Gaines clicked off the call, relieved that she was willing to meet. He had driven six hours before he had found the nerve to call her. After knowing Luna for almost a year, he still got all stupid. At least that was his own perception of things. Perhaps if they lived closer, their relationship, such as it was, would have blossomed faster. Sooner. On the other hand, they both had a lot going on in their lives. Slow and steady, he kept telling himself. At least he was able to kiss her good night now without getting a concussion. He never pushed it any further. Luna was going to have to be the one to take it to the next level.

* * *

Chi-Chi was beaming from ear to ear. “It appears the marshal has missed the ‘Luna-tic,’ ” she teased.

Luna was sputtering. “Look at me! I have smoky dust on me, my hair is a mess, and it looks like I slept in my clothes!”

Cullen walked into the café. “What’s keeping you guys?”

Chi-Chi smiled. “Your sister received a phone call from the good marshal. He is going to meet us for dinner.”