Chapter Twenty-Two
Jordan woke to sunlight and an empty spot where Luis had been. Damn, she’d fallen asleep while they’d been talking.
A piece of paper lay on the pillow next to hers.
Buenos dias, querida. My apologies for falling asleep. I’m either finishing up barn chores, in the shower, or in the kitchen making us breakfast. Come on down. If you’re not there by eight, I’ll knock on your door. XO, Luis
Scrambling out of bed, she hopped down the steps and located the clock on the microwave. Seven-ten. Not too bad.
She had no way to communicate with him since her phone was in her backpack and she’d left that in his casita. Might as well jump in the shower and dress for the day before walking down to his place.
Chances were good she’d meet somebody along the way. So what? The trailer was her home. Nothing strange about needing to pop down there to fetch a few things.
As she quickly showered, she tried to remember what they’d been talking about before she’d fallen asleep. Not the pain in the ass discussion. She’d steered him away from that.
Oh, yeah, childhood memories. She’d asked him about his first impressions of Laughing Creek at the tender age of four.
He'd been scared, but Spence Bridger was the hero of that story. His open-hearted delight in Mila, Luis and Zay had replaced their fears with excitement for a brand new adventure.
She’d told him about the tiny hut she’d built from scrap wood when she was six. Tucked into the woods adjoining her family’s property, the hut had been her secret hideaway from everyone, even Cole.
Turned out Luis had built something similar at the same age. Reminiscing about their private hidey-holes must have made them both drowsy.
When had he left for barn duty? Could have been as early as five. He might have finished making breakfast by now, but at least she’d get down to the casita before he had to come fetch her.
Pulling on a favorite blue T-shirt with horses on the front, she chose a pair of jeans with some bling on the pockets and down the outside seam of each leg. She’d be meeting M.R. Morrison today.
She tossed yesterday’s clothes in the bathroom hamper built into the wall. Luis claimed she was brilliant for designing this living space, but all it took was common sense.
Might as well grab her stuff and take it with her. No telling when she’d have time later.
Packing it quickly, she gave her hair one more pass with the brush before tossing it in with her other toiletries. She’d put on makeup before she left the casita.
She started out the door with the duffle and paused. She’d left the bed unmade, something she never did. It was a point of pride.
But it would take at least five minutes because the space was so tight. Luis had said he’d fix breakfast. He might even be stalling in hopes she’d show up.
Screw it. Nobody would see it besides her. She hurried down the steps and walked quickly past her truck. Should she look in on Fudge?
Not right now. She was all ready for the trip to town. Chances were good she’d have a few minutes to go see him before they left for the autograph party.
Nobody was in sight as she set out for the casita. She glanced toward the pasture where the horses had gathered around the slow feeder. Not much hay was left.
Since the horses weren’t spending much time in their stalls, Luis’s barn duty might have consisted of hauling hay out to the pasture and checking the water tank.
Five years ago she’d learned he had an ingrained habit of rising at dawn. Folks raised on a ranch usually did. She still had to set an alarm, as evidenced by how late she’d slept this morning without one.
As she approached the casita, Rio came out the front door and crossed the patio. He gave her a wave as he opened the gate. “Hey, Jordan! Luis told me to keep an eye out for you. He’s in there making breakfast.”
His greeting was matter-of-fact and casual, dispelling any potential awkwardness. “That’s good. I was afraid I might be too late.”
“No, ma’am, you’re right on time. Nice outfit.” He had Luis’s smile.
“Thanks. I figure M.R. Morrison deserves a little bling.”
“That’s for sure. I’ve been looking forward to this for months. We all have.” He held the gate for her. “I’m glad you’re here for it.”
“Me, too.” He was an interesting blend of his mom and dad. She’d bet he’d inherited those electric blue eyes from Spence. The thick curly hair and the smile came from the Maldonado side. “See you soon.”
