“No. He’s a native of Las Vegas. His life is all money, women, and casinos.”

“He gambled?”

“No. He owns casinos and has interest in others. He played the women, not the odds.”

The bitterness in her voice was obvious, and Duke was sorry he asked.

“I didn’t mean to pry, and as I told you before, I always say the wrong thing around women. I’m sorry. So tell me about your backpacking. Have you been lots of places? What’s your favorite place?”

Cathy’s eyes were suddenly alight. She leaned forward then, her elbows on the table, her chin resting in her hands.

“Alaska! I grew up there! Mother and I didn’t leave until after Dad died. But it’s so beautiful there if you don’t mind the snow. You were talking about growing up on your farm. We raised a garden, dried food, dried and salted meat for winter—that kind of thing. The land there is so fertile, but the growing season is short. We lived off the grid the first twelve years of my life. I learned a whole lot about surviving in the wild. It was only after we moved to what people call civilization that my troubles began.”

Duke’s eyes widened, trying to picture a little redhead in snow gear tromping around the Alaskan wilderness.

“That’s the most amazing thing anyone has ever told me about where and how they grew up,” he said.

Cathy smiled. It was getting easier and easier to be around this man.

Then Duke glanced at the time. “When I was putting away the eggs, I noticed there’s nothing in your refrigerator to make for your dinner…except the eggs. If you were able, I’d take you out to eat, but I think your comfort matters most. How about I go get some takeout and bring it here? My treat.”

“That would be much appreciated,” Cathy said. “But you’ve treated me enough. I have money to—”

“Nope. Just tell me what you’re hungry for. Granny’s has take-out for anything on the menu. We also have Broyles Dairy Freeze, with awesome chili dogs and fries, and a barbeque joint as well. Jack and Hope will tell you that I like everything, so what sounds good to you?”

“Chili dogs? I can’t remember the last time I had a chili dog. That sounds so good. I think maybe that, and fries.”

“They have really good malts and shakes, too,” Duke added.

“You’re tempting me now. Throw in that chocolate malt, and I’ll be toast for the rest of the day.”

Duke got up from the table like he’d been ejected from the chair.

“Awesome. One chili dog, or two?”

She laughed. “Only one, for sure.”

He sighed as the laugh washed through him. “I’m not locking the front door, and I won’t be long.”

He was gone before Cathy had time to say goodbye. It was still raining, and she could hear him out on the front porch putting his boots and rain gear back on as she began clearing away their coffee cups.