But now she was happy she didn’t have to do the should we/shouldn’t we dance. Her mind was too locked up to think sexy thoughts, no matter how adorable the veterinarian was.

Marco pulled into an open spot in front of the store. “So, more bookstore renovating tomorrow?”

She nodded, her brain humming like a live wire but her small talk system going on autopilot. “Yes, and taking care of some work stuff. I have to squeeze the bookstore in between my job and lining up things for the B and B.”

“Sounds like a lot.”

She shrugged. “I don’t mind being busy.”

Marco turned off the truck and climbed out. He opened her door and offered his hand to help her out, ever the gentleman. She took it and gave him a brief smile.

“Well,” he said, still holding her hand. “I know you’re really busy, but if you can find time in that crazy schedule, I’d like to do this again. I had a really great time tonight.”

The smile he was giving her was genuine and sexy, and he was just so nice. A solidly great guy. She knew women who dismissed nice or used the term as an insult because they wanted a bad boy or a guy with an edge. But Kincaid had never thought of nice as a bad thing. She’d been with her share of bad boys, and they were often just a big pain in the butt or, worse, outright assholes. Marco was the kind of guy who would treat her with respect, who loved animals, who would be a great dad one day. He was smart and handsome and kind. If she wanted to give a guy a chance beyond a hookup, Marco would be the perfect candidate.

She let honesty slip past her lips. “I had a really great time tonight, too.”

He lifted his other hand and cupped the side of her face. When she didn’t protest, he leaned down and kissed her gently.

The kiss was warm and soft, a sweet I-like-you kiss. She let it linger for a second and then put her hand to his chest, giving him the silent signal not to take it further. He eased back instantly and gave her a look filled with promise. “I’ll give you a call.”

She nodded as he stepped back. “Do that. Drive safe.”

“Good night, Kincaid.”

She stepped onto the curb and watched him climb into the truck. He gave her a little wave and then drove off down the empty street. Once his taillights were out of sight, the last hour and all the things she’d been feeling came crashing down on her. Her knees wobbled, and she sank to the ground, sitting on the curb and putting her head in her hands.

The sob that burst out of her couldn’t be stopped. The well of emotion came out in a gasp and made her shoulders shake. She couldn’t even articulate what she was feeling. She was just feeling all of it at once. As if her mental piñata had been whacked, and now all the contents were spilling out all over the place.