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ideas on Dustin’s nightclub, Buck was the man.
    “Well, I’m meeting a client tomorrow night to discuss a grand opening for his business. I’m hoping he likes my plan and will sign a contract.”
    “Grand opening? For what kind of business?”
    “He owns a country nightclub near my house.”
    Buck puffed his cigar several times. “I have an idea for your PR business.”
    Advice from Buck was sure to be worth its weight in gold. She gave him her undivided attention. “I’m listening.”
    He flicked the ashes into the ashtray. “How about a two-for-one deal?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “My recording company is doing a greatest hits CD and they want me to start promotions by the end of October. If you get this guy’s contract, how would you feel about me making my first appearance at your grand opening?”
    A butterfly feeling tickled the inside of MaKayla’s belly. This could mean the difference of falling flat on her face or reaching for the stars.
    It would only give her about six weeks to plan the biggest party Dalton had ever seen. But aside from the eight hours a day she had to spend at the bank during the week, she’d have nights and weekends to work on the promotions.
    She could do this. She had to do this. As her father would say, sleep would come when she died .
    “Yes!” Her lips spilled out the answer before her mind had time to process his request. No way could she pass up this offer. This would surely seal the deal tomorrow night, not to mention giving Dustin a good impression about her work ethics. “I’d love to.”
    “Good.” He handed her a business card. “I’ll be in touch.”
    “Thank you, Buck!” MaKayla wrapped her arms around his neck.
    She couldn’t wait to tell Dustin the news. She’d landed her ace-in-the-hole to get both No Bulls and M & M Public Relations off the ground.
    ****
    Dustin glanced at the gold lettering on the business card MaKayla had handed him yesterday. Was it possible that he had kissed Paul Adams’ widow after dinner last night? If it were true, how was he supposed to break this news to her? By the way, I’m the reason your husband’s dead. No way would a dozen French roses smooth over this news.
    She was no longer the woman he met during a robbery, or the publicist he planned to hire. She was a woman he was beginning to care for.
    Dana! She’d know what to say. The last thing he wanted was to send the wrong words flying out of his mouth and slap MaKayla across the face with them. He needed words that would ease the blow, and at the same time express how sorry he was the accident had occurred.
    He sat behind his desk and gripped the cordless phone with a shaky hand. It was a good thing his sister was on speed dial because he couldn’t remember his own phone number at the moment. C alm down. His guilt had to be making too much out of the information on the business card.
    The police had told his family the accident wasn’t anyone’s fault. Paul Adams had slid through the red light because of the wet street that evening. MaKayla had nothing to blame him for. She was a reasonable woman. She wouldn’t go ballistic on him as long as he confessed.
    He had to be able to assure her that his dream-making decision was based solely on mutual needs, and not out of guilt or pity because of their shared past. And he also had to avow that his kisses were inspired from pure attraction, and nothing more.
    This sucked. He had to get in touch with his sister.
    Dana would help him get his head straight.

Chapter Six
    Still dressed in the same clothes from the night before, Dustin sat behind his office desk. He’d fallen asleep in his recliner waiting for his sister, who had never returned the message he’d left on her cellular. He pressed number two on his speed dial.
    “Hello?” Dana screamed in his ear.
    “Dana.” Even with his yelling he hoped she’d hear him through all the background laughter and loud music coming from her end.
    “Where are you,