Chapter 7.1

We’re getting to know each other,” he said cryptically. “Speaking of ladies,” he added, “I’m supposed to tell you that Miz Ima Don’t-Make-Fun- of-My-Name Trotter will be taking a casserole to Pops this afternoon, so you’re not to worry about him sitting home all alone and starving to death.”

“My, my,” Dixie said. “You really are getting to know the ladies, aren’t you?”

He trailed his fingers down her back, then poked them in her ribs. She flinched, jerked away and shrieked with laughter.

“Now I know where Tate gets his ticklishness from.” “Watch it, buster.”

Laughing, he let her go. “I’ll have you know that I’m also getting to know the men, too.” He shook his head as if in sorrow. “I’m sorry to say, they don’t like me as well as the ladies do.”

“Is that so?” She held a spatula out to ward him off as she circled around him to get back to the grill.

“Yes, indeed. How was it the man from the hardware store, Frank, I think he said his name was, put it? Something about…oh, yes. My butt’s n