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  AN UNEXPECTED DATE

  BY

  SUSAN HATLER

  An Unexpected Date

  Copyright © 2012 by Susan Hatler

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  License Notes

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

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  Cover Design by Elaina Lee, For The Muse Designs

  www.forthemusedesign.com

  PRAISE

  “An Unexpected Date is a wonderful and perfect release to a stressful or crazy day.”

  — Cafè of Dreams Book Reviews

  “Susan has a knack for light hearted dialogue and describing the zing in the connection between Holly and Dave....Be on the look out for this delightful morsel.”

  — Tifferz Book Review

  “Susan Hatler writes stories filled with light-hearted humor and sweet, adorable moments guaranteed to warm your heart and leave you with a contented smile.”

  — Kimberly Van Meter, Contemporary Romance Author

  “Love at First Date left me completely satisfied...There is humor and there is sizzle. Perfect, right?”

  — Getting Your Read On

  “Susan Hatler’s “My Last Blind Date” is a totally fun and absolutely delightful short story. Treat yourself to this charming little tale–the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for yourself or anyone who loves romance.”

  — Patti Berg, USA Today Bestselling Author

  An Unexpected Date

  by

  Susan Hatler

  Frustrated beyond belief, I slumped my chin onto my fist, and studied the crowd at the Falling Leaves Festival as each person passed by my Treasured Creations booth without a second glance. Whoever said love didn’t pay the bills sure knew what they were talking about.

  I loved living in Whitefish, Montana, loved my beading business, and even loved my tiny one-bedroom apartment. But, once again, I found myself short on rent. I’d have to make a serious sale today or end up facing my landlord, Barry “Hit That” Benson, the bow hunter. Call me crazy, but it didn’t seem wise to upset a man who could secure his family’s entire season of food with one arrow.

  But then again, facing “Hit That” would be better than having to talk to my mother again. Last night, we’d had the same old phone conversation.

  “Holly, when are you going to stop goofing around in that little resort town, move back to the city, and get a real job?”

  “Mom, I’ve told you—”

  “You told me you wanted a husband and family. If that’s true, then where are my grandkids? You’ll never find a man in the boonies and you’ve been there since your college graduation! It’s time to grow up and move back to civilization.”

  The calls came frequently, but even my mother’s desperate pleading couldn’t make me give up on my dreams. I mean, hello? I had a view of Big Mountain from my kitchen window. I could bead jewelry, picture frames, or anything else my creative side brought to life beside that picturesque landscape. Well, if I continued to bring in enough dough, that is.

  Voices clamored throughout the park, children squealed, and a soft breeze blew my bangs back snapping my attention into the present. Instinctively, I gazed up at the tree-lined summit. Despite what my mom thought, despite how hard it was to earn a living here, this was where I belonged. Living in a city had far more job opportunities, movie theatres, and theme parks, true—but it didn’t soothe my soul like this special little town with its three hundred and sixty degree view of nature’s amazing creations.

  A young couple skipped by with their daughter, laughing and smiling as they made their way to the lemonade stand. The familiar sense of longing swept through me. With only a month until my thirtieth birthday, it was hard to believe I was still single. According to my mom, I’d already be married with a family if it weren’t for the low supply of eligible bachelors in this small mountain town. But, wouldn’t the right man also need these mountains and its surrounding outdoor jewels in order to feel complete? Wouldn’t he wake up, excited to experience whichever outdoor adventure the season had to offer? With me? No, leaving this town could very well mean leaving the man I was just on the cusp of finding. I couldn’t give up on what I wanted. I’d gone to the college I wanted. I’d started Treasured Creations like I’d wanted. And I wouldn’t leave this place. Ever.

  As a figure approached my booth, I sat up and straightened my business cards. Then I inched the most expensive necklaces forward for good luck. “Hit That” would have his rent in full even if I had to rearrange jewelry all day long.

  “Hello,” a husky male voice said.

  I snapped my head up, startled. The guy in front of me wore a flannel shirt that complimented his deep blue eyes. Eyes that were the exact color of agates I’d used in several necklaces. As I stood, my legs wobbled, and I tried to get a professional grip.

  “Hi,” I said, wondering where he was from. No way could he be local or I would’ve noticed him before. “Are you enjoying the festival?”

  “Very much.” He glanced over at the lemonade family who’d just purchased rainbow colored ice cream cones and laughed merrily when their little girl got some on her nose. For a second, the same longing I’d felt earlier seemed to reflect in his eyes.

  “Isn’t she adorable?” I smiled, thinking about how fun it would be to have children of my own. “I wish ice cream made me that happy.”

  He leaned toward me, and smiled. “Maybe you just haven’t tried the right flavor.”

  “Honestly, I hadn’t been looking.” He bent down and studied Goosebumps tickled up my spine, along with a rush of heat to my face, as I found my own secret meaning in his comment. Then I straightened, remembering this gorgeous man was here to buy women’s jewelry. He didn’t have a wedding ring, but he obviously had a special someone. Lucky girl. “Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”

  some of the sterling silver and amethyst pieces in earnest. “But when I saw your booth, I knew I had to come over.”

  My heart squeezed. This guy had decided spontaneously to scope out a gift for his girlfriend? Quite the opposite of my ex-boyfriends who—even for a holiday or birthday—always held off until the very last minute to buy a gift.

  “Where are you from?” I asked, even though it had more to do with curiosity than making rent.

  “Seattle.” He lifted a silver and topaz bracelet—one of my favorite pieces—and examined it. “Well, I used to live there. Seems like eons ago, but my buddies and I would come out to Whitefish every spring break to ski. The place has grown a bit.” He glanced at me, then held my stare. “Gotten better, I’d say.”

  A shiver ran through me.

  “Never thought I’d be able to work from home and move here.” He twisted the bracelet and the sun reflected off the orange gem. “Lucky me, though. I bought a place on the mountain, near the ski resort.”

  My stomach did a forward flip. He wasn’t a touris
t, he actually lived here, and . . . oh yeah, he’s taken.

  He picked up one of my cards and put it in his pocket. “Probably more information than you needed to know . . .”

  Oh, I wanted to know everything about him. I just didn’t want to want to know it.

  “Congratulations on your new place. I’m sure you’ll love it here.” I took a deep breath, inhaling the musty smell of fallen leaves and his sandalwood cologne. I took a step back, giving him some space. “Well, let me know if you have questions on any of the pieces.”

  He gave me a sideways glance. “Which would you want your boyfriend to buy for you?”

  I stiffened. “Me? I don’t have a boyfriend . . .” Then, my cheeks went up in flames. “Oh, um. You were just asking my opinion, weren’t you? From a girl’s point of view.”

  He chuckled softly. “Sorry, I’m not being very clear. It’s been awhile since—”

  “No, it’s fine. That’s my job. Of course, I can help you pick one.” Lovely. Why didn’t I just broadcast my unexpected crush in neon lights across my booth? Keeping my head down, I searched my display, the beads rolling through my fingertips. He needed help choosing for his girlfriend and my dismal checking account balance told me I should lead him toward the more expensive items.

  I looked up and our eyes met. Held. There was just something about this guy. Something that made me want to give him my honest opinion. So, I bypassed all of the higher priced selections and gestured toward his hands. “You’re actually holding my favorite one.”

  “Really?” He swirled his thumbs over the precious stones.

  Watching the tender way he touched the stones, I couldn’t think of anyone I’d want the bracelet to go to more. “Yes, definitely.”

  “All right, then.”

  I smiled. Not just at the sale, but at how my treasured creations were inspired. “I beaded that one last week. I’d just put the first stone on when a movement outside my window caught my eye. This black bear cub sauntered up to the berry bush at the edge of my yard, yanked a branch toward his mouth, and chomped on those berries right there in front of me.”

  “Wow.” His eyes crinkled as if he were really trying to picture it. “That’s incredible.”

  “Even more amazing was that the bear saw me watching him.” I reached for a small white box and put a square of cotton inside it. “He didn’t run or seem scared—he just stared at me until he’d plucked every plump berry from that bush. Probably fattening up for winter hibernation.”

  “You’ve convinced me I made the right choice.” After checking the price tag, he handed over the bracelet and the exact change.

  It would only cover the rent if I lived off ramen noodles for the rest of the week, but the exchange with him felt priceless. I was sorry to see it end.

  “Thank you,” I said, laying the bracelet in the box and sliding it across the table to him. “Hope she likes it.”

  He picked up the box and then slipped it into his pocket. “I’m sure my mom will love it. She’s called me every day since I moved, begging me to move back to the city. Never going to happen, but at least now I can send her a peace offering.”

  Every nerve in my body went on red alert. Had he just said . . .

  “I’m Dave.” He reached his hand across the table.

  I took his hand and an electric current zipped through me. “Holly.”

  He glanced down at our entwined hands, making me wonder if he’d felt the same tingly sensation I had. “Thanks for sharing that bear story, Holly. I’d love to hear more. Would you like to go to dinner with me?”

  Elated, I gave him a playful look. “Only if we can have ice cream after.”

  He laughed. “Any flavor you want.”

  “Deal.” I grinned, knowing I had the exact flavor I’d been looking for.

  Whoever said love didn’t pay the bills may have been right, but it still pays off in the end. I loved my town. I loved my work. And I couldn’t wait to see what this next adventure with Dave would bring.

  THE END

  About the author:

  SUSAN HATLER is an international bestselling author who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too. You can visit her website at www.susanhatler.com

  Other books by Susan Hatler:

  Love at First Date (Better Date than Never series, Book#1)

  Ellen may not believe in storybook love, but it’s about to rewrite her life . . .

  Ellen’s figured out that finding the right guy is all about compatibility. That’s why she signs up for Detailed Dating—the local online dating scene in Sacramento. They ask men the hard questions, compare their answers with hers, then she filters through the profiles of each provided “match.” After numerous email exchanges, she narrows it down to two promising candidates she’s excited to meet in person.

  When Ellen’s best friend asks her for a favor, dog-sitting leads to disaster and Ellen ends up at the local vet where she meets a man she can’t get out of her mind. Henry isn’t a logical choice, but she finds herself paying for dog obedience class to spend more time with him.

  Ellen knows that in order to have a lasting relationship, she should take the safe route and go for one of the pre-screened guys. But, how can she think with her head when her heart keeps begging her to give Henry a chance?

  Truth or Date (Better Date than Never series, Book #2)

  Gina Hall is done with men who won’t commit. Ten years waiting for her ex to propose wasted her time. Never again. When her friend Kristen starts a game of Truth or Dare, she dares Gina to go on a date with Ethan, who’s amazing and total marriage material.

  As Gina plans the going away party for office playboy Chris Bradley, she spontaneously initiates a game of Truth or Dare with him. When his turn comes around, he dares Gina to pose as his girlfriend to help get a flirty colleague off his back. Gina finds playing couple with Chris way too much fun.

  Even though Gina and Chris are pretending, their relationship begins to feel painfully real. Fearing she might be falling for another fly-by man, Gina must focus on Ethan so she doesn’t make the same dating mistakes all over again.

  My Last Blind Date (Better Date than Never series, Book #3)

  It’s Valentine’s Day and Rachel Price has a choice: Stay home and watch TV with her loveable doggy or let her best friend, Ellen, set her up on a blind date. What to do….

  Ellen says the guy is a “10,” but the last guy she set her up with was a “–5.” Rachel’s been flirting with coworker Noah Peterson and she’s hoping he’s noticed. Then, she finds out Noah has big plans. Even worse, he advises Rachel to go on the blind date!

  Should she play it safe and spend the Hallmark holiday with her loyal pooch, Chester, or risk another dating disaster by trying yet again for love?

  Shaken

  In high school, it’s tough enough reading Steinbeck and Shakespeare…now Kylie has to read minds.

  High school junior, Kylie Bates, can suddenly read minds. When she touches people’s hands, she’s able to see their deepest thoughts. As if that’s not freaky enough, her dad sends her to help hottie detective, Sam Williams, track down a missing girl. Way too much pressure, especially for a girl who can’t watch Scream without getting nightmares.

  Then, finding the missing girl leads to much more than Kylie’s prepared for. Like discovering that her dad has been lying to her. That she has a family she never knew about. That the girls have powers similar to hers. Oh yeah, and that someone is out to get her.

  When the detective’s teenage wanna-be-cop cousin, Trip Williams, approaches Kylie at school insisting she help him solve the case, she discovers Trip might be the only one she can trust, and the only one to help her unravel the secrets behind her mysterious gift.

  If you enjoy Susan Hatler’s books, you’ll also love Veronica Blade:

&nb
sp; From Fame to Shame

  When good-girl Maddie switches places with her famous bad-girl twin Jackie, she has some pretty high stilettos to fill.

  Despite the danger of tabloid drama if their identity swap is discovered, Maddie has to save her sister's butt. When Jackie’s ex-boyfriend shows up with a rekindled spark for “Jackie,” his deep gray eyes and sweet kisses make Maddie's heart thumpety thump. But dating the guy who dumped her sister is a no-no. Too bad Dallas isn’t used to girls saying no. What will happen when he discovers Maddie’s deception?

  Blind Date, Checkmate

  Should a woman who’s unable to forget her first love give “happily ever after” one more try?

  Shelby Winters’ one great love went sour. If she can’t feel that way again, why bother?

  When her best friend sets Shelby up on a blind date with Logan, the one who broke her heart, he pursues her relentlessly, forcing her to make a choice: give her heart what it’s always desired and risk total devastation or shut Logan out and lose her only shot at happiness.

  To Shelby, it’s a lose-lose situation. Or is it?

  Something Witchy This Way Comes

  Brainiac Tessa McClean’s newly discovered magical powers give her an escape from her self-absorbed parents. But the thrill of being a witch fades when she learns of a rival coven and begins to suspect her own coven’s motives. Evidence tells Tessa to trust one side, but instinct drives her toward the other.

  When the school’s scrumptious delinquent, Hayden Anders, offers Tessa self-defense lessons in exchange for tutoring, his timing couldn’t be better. Although hanging out with him is a necessary evil in Tessa’s fight to stay alive, resisting a bad-boy she secretly yearns for might be more than she can manage.