No one had come into the store, which meant someone had gone out. Whoever it was had been in the store when she had come in.

Rachel started going through the store carefully. None of the things there were expensive, all the items second-hand. With an observant eye, Rachel began to itemize the missing items: a few cans of food and some clothes. Several of the books on the shelf were out of order, and she had straightened them just before she had left to go home yesterday.

Going back behind the desk, she called the pastor’s office. He answered on the first ring, and when she explained what she had found, he came immediately to the store.

“Were you able to see anyone?”

“No, I would have never known anyone was here if I hadn’t heard the bell over the door ring. I was out back, opening a window, when I thought someone had come in.”

Pastor Merrick frowned at her. “Why were you opening the window?”

“Because I was freezing. I was trying to let in some warm air.”

“The air conditioner still isn’t fixed in here? The repairman fixed the other unit for the church and house last week. I assumed he had fixed this one also.”

“No, it’s still freezing in here. I’ve been leaving the windows open in the back to let in warm air.”

“I’m sorry, Rachel. I’ll call him immediately,” he apologized.

“I should have mentioned it before now.” She should have told him she had mentioned it to Brooke several times.

“Do you want me to call Knox?”

Rachel thought of the items missing. Whoever had been in the store had been hungry and needing clothes. “No, that’s all right. I’m sure, whoever it was, they were just hungry. They were probably frightened off when I came in early,” Rachel speculated.

“If you’re sure…”

“Yes.” The door opened and Lily came in with a bright smile.

“All right, then. I’ll go call the repairman.”

“What has the both of you looking so serious this morning?” Lily questioned as she stashed her purse under the counter.

“How the repairman hasn’t fixed the air conditioner yet. I’m on my way to give him a call. I’ll talk to you both later.” The pastor excused himself.

“I hope he fixes it soon. It’s like Alaska in here,” Lily admitted.

“I’m freezing,” Rachel shivered.

She fixed Lily and herself both tea as the customers began coming in. The intruder and the customers kept her thoughts too busy to worry about her date with Cash tonight. She wanted to call it off, and she certainly had no intentions of going through with her promise of a blowjob, but her pride kept her from bowing out of the rest of the bet. Besides, she knew Cash would be able to track her down wherever she hid out.

“What are you doing tonight?” Rachel asked.

“Babysitting for Beth and Razer. They haven’t had a date night since she’s had the babies. How about you?”

“I’m going out on a date with Cash.”

Lily threw her a startled look as she arranged clothes on a rack. “I didn’t know you were seeing him.”

“I’m not; this is our first date.” Rachel blushed, aware of how this made her sound when everyone in the freaking town knew she had lost her virginity to him.

“Where are you going?” Lily asked with a worried frown.

“I figured we would go to a movie or dinner.” Rachel paused in hanging clothes at Lily’s reaction.

“That sounds like fun.” Lily’s overly enthusiastic voice had her raising a brow in question. “I mean, that’s better than sitting at home on a Friday night, isn’t it?”

“Depends,” Rachel replied.

“On what?”

“I’ve never really dated anyone, Lily. He’s used to being around sexy women who can keep up with him. I’m not even in the same league as the other women.” Rachel hated how unsure of herself she sounded.

Lily bit her lip. “No, you’re definitely not that,” she agreed.

Hurt, Rachel picked up their empty tea cups, packing them to the back room.

“Rachel?” Lily’s soft voice from the doorway had her turning back to her. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. What I meant is that you are a sweet, warm-hearted woman who wants a husband and kids. Family is very important to you, and he doesn’t get along with your brothers.”

“He got their approval to go out with me,” she confessed.

Lily burst out in laughter. “I wish I could have seen that.”

“Me, too.” Rachel laughed along with Lily.

The two women spent a busy afternoon, which passed much too quickly for Rachel’s nervous stomach.

“Have fun,” Lily said mischievously as she pulled her car out of the lot.

All the way home, Rachel thought about what she would wear, not coming to a decision until she was standing in front of her closet, choosing a black skirt and a sapphire-colored blouse with tiny buttons up the front. It looked both casual and dressy, but she still felt uncertain whether she was overdressed. She brushed out her hair, letting it fall down her back in a mass.

As she checked her watch, she saw that she had only a few minutes to spare. Hurriedly, she went out of her bedroom to see Cash was waiting by the doorway.

Rachel’s feet slowed as she approached him. She had never seen him looking so handsome in his dark jeans and casual button down shirt. His sensual mouth was curved in a seductive smile as his eyes traveled her body, over the curves of her hips to linger on the firm thrust of her breasts.

“You look pretty all dressed up. Ready?” Cash asked.

“Yes. Where are we going?” Blushing, Rachel picked up her purse.

“I thought we would check out King’s new restaurant.”

“That sounds good. I haven’t been there yet.” Suddenly, she was more at ease; she was eager to see King’s new place.

“Me, either.” Cash opened the truck door for her.

Rachel wasn’t used to seeing the courtly side of Cash, and it was making her nerves pick back up worse than ever. She stared out the window as he climbed behind the wheel and started the motor.

“Rachel?”

“Yes?”

“Relax.” He gave her a cocky grin as he pulled out onto the mountain road. “It isn’t like it’s your last meal.”

“It feels like it.”

Cash reached across the seat, taking her hand and rubbing his thumb over her calloused palms. Embarrassed, Rachel pulled her hand away.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught his frown.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Your hand. I just noticed something was different.”

Self-consciously, she rubbed her palms against her skirt. “I should wear gloves more often. I get caught up—”

“I don’t give a shit about a few calluses; it’s just that something’s different.”

“What?” Curiously, she looked over at him in the dim interior of the truck.

“They aren’t warm like they used to be. Whenever I touched them before, they were abnormally warm; now they’re cold.”

Rachel turned back to stare out the window again, avoiding his probing gaze.