Maybe that's what bravery looks like. Not big dramatic gestures, but small choices. Saying yes to opportunities even when they scare you.
Or maybe I'm just rationalizing because I want to see if his eyes are really that blue, or if the clinic lighting was playing tricks on me.
I type out a reply to the county liaison.
Dr. O'Connor is available to consult on the Ridgeway K9 facility project. Please send scheduling details at your earliest convenience.
Professional. Appropriate. Nothing remotely personal about it.
I hit send before I can change my mind.
Sophie finishes with her customer and drifts back over, reading my expression with the ease of long friendship. "You said yes."
"I said yes to a work opportunity."
"Uh-huh."
"It has nothing to do with any pilots."
"Of course not."
"It's good money and interesting work and, like you said, exactly my area of expertise."
"All excellent reasons."
"Stop smiling like that."
"Like what?" Sophie's grin could power the entire town. "I'm just happy for your career advancement. Very professional of me."
Carla snorts from behind the counter.
I gather my things—bag, jacket, the latte I've barely touched—and head for the door. "I'm leaving now."
"Have fun on base!"
"It's not fun. It's work."
"Work can be fun. Especially when there are cute pilots involved."
"There are no—" I stop, because arguing with Sophie is a battle I stopped fighting years ago. "Goodbye, Sophie."
"Text me after your first meeting!"
"I will not."
"You definitely will."
The bell chimes as I push through the door, stepping out onto Main Street. The afternoon sun is warm on my face, the Rockies gleaming in the distance. A perfect Colorado day in a perfect small town where everyone knows about my business before I do.
My phone buzzes. Sophie, already texting.
Sophie: For the record, Maggie says he asked about you THREE times. Professional interest my ass.
I shove the phone in my pocket without responding.
But I don't delete the message either.
Chapter 4
