Cian's smile widened and his nose twitched with amusement at her.

"I'll try not t' be hurt," he said, his voice soft and yet clear. "I'm Cian, work down 't Cottonwood Cove, so not really here more'n a couple of times a week," he told her. "Can't say 's I've come across y' before, s' what's got y' t' this part o' the country?"