Ask Me to Stay (Honky Tonk Angels #4) by Ciana Stone

appropriate attire for the diner.
    “Or the bar.”
    “San Antonio isn’t that far away and does have some nice restaurants, from what I understand. Wes mentioned there are occasionally good Broadway shows at – what was it – the Majestic Theater?
    “Oh yes, the Majestic. I managed to save enough to see three shows there while I was in college.”
    “So, you’re a Broadway fan?”
    “I am, but don’t tell anyone. We’re not exactly living in a cultural mecca here.”
    Cooper chuckled. “No, not exactly. Still, it’s nice to meet a fellow enthusiast. We should have coffee again soon – or maybe dinner, and discuss our favorites.”
    He saw the way her smile faded and the look of nervousness that overcame her.
    Wow, what had just happened?
    “Well, I better hurry along. It’s nice seeing you, Cooper. Have a good day.”
    “And you, Hannah. Hope to see you again soon.”
    “Yes. Bye now.”
    He watched her hurry off, then turned to look at the dress in the window. On a whim, he entered the shop.
    *****
    Jayce had just finished filling up his truck when Callie pulled up and parked behind him. He walked back to her car as she got out.
    “Morning.”
    “Good morning.” She opened the fuel door of the car.
    “Where’s Lily?”
    “At the bakery.” She paused to grab the gas nozzle and insert it into the car. “I needed to run errands and stopped in for a coffee and Lily had a fit to go to Stella. I guess she’s gotten to know her since KC has been babysitting. Anyway, Stella said to leave Lily with her while I ran and filled up the car. What about you?”
    “Waiting on a load of materials to be delivered and thought I’d grab a cup of coffee and some sweet rolls. Want to join?”
    “Sure. I’ll meet you back there in a minute.”
    Jayce headed over to the bakery and parked in front of it. A minute later, Callie parked behind him and got out of her car. Together, they walked into the bakery. There sat Lily in a highchair behind the counter, her face dusted with powdered sugar and both fists full of donut.
    “My eat eat Mommy.”
    “I see that Sweet Pea.” Callie looked to Stella. “Has she given you any trouble?”
    “Are you kidding? She’s a peach, this one. Morning Jayce.”
    “Morning Stella. You happen to have any fritters today?”
    “Why yes I do.”
    “Could I get four to go? And two coffees?”
    “Coming right up. Callie, you want anything?”
    “No, I’m good. How about I take Lily off your hands and get her cleaned up.”
    “If you insist, but she’s really no bother.”
    “You’re so kind, Stella. Thank you.” Callie walked around behind the counter and emptied Lily’s hands of crumbled donut. “Let’s get you cleaned up, bug-a-boo.”
    It was going to take more than napkins to get all the sticky off Lily’s hands and face. Callie took her to the restroom, cleaned her up and when they returned, Jayce was waiting.
    “You want to ride over to the park and let her play while we have our coffee?” he asked.
    “Yes, that’d be great.”
    “Okay.” He looked at Stella. “Thanks, Mrs. Stella. Tell Billy I said hello. Oh, and tell him Dad’s going to drop by later today to bring some fish. He and Hank Brown went out to Willie Dean’s lake last weekend and caught some nice sized bass. He thought you and Billy might want some.”
    “Oh, you know Billy’s loves his fish. Tell Jason thank you. And have a good day, Jayce.”
    “You too, Mrs. Stella.”
    Jayce escorted Callie to her car, then climbed into his truck. He waved at Nellie Mae and Netta when he spotted them standing on the sidewalk.
    *****
     
    “Well now, would you look at that?” Nellie Mae nudged her best friend, Netta, then pointed across the street.
    “Interesting,” Netta commented. “Very interesting. Gossip is that Mr. Oil Barron has been making eyes at Cody Sweet for the last month. The way I heard it, he sat at the bar for an entire evening last month, the two of them talking every free moment she