“Sure, Evan. I don’t think Marshall would mind,” Colette said. Her teeth dug into her bottom lip. It seemed like a reasonable request, and she didn’t think Marshall would have kept them from going. She was practically his second in command these days. Unofficially, but still. “Let’s not bug, Marshall. Just go and I’ll deal with him.”
“Are you sure? I hope he won’t think we’ve abandoned him,” Evan hesitated.
Colette laughed. “Yes, I can handle him.” Her mouth curved into a smile.
With a chuckle and a quick nod, Evan backed up. He turned and ran right into Marshall, who was just entering the stable.
“Oh, hey, Marshall, uh…” Evan’s words died in his mouth.
“What’s going on?” Marshall asked, cocking a brow and resting his warm green gaze on Colette. Heat bloomed in her cheeks as she wondered how much he had heard.
“Our guys asked for the night off to visit the rodeo in Brantford with Evan and his crew. I gave them permission,” she explained with a nervous chuckle. She studied Marshall, checking for any signs that he was displeased. “Is that okay?” She licked her lips nervously, waiting for Marshall to answer. He was impossible to read.
His tongue swiped along the inside of his cheek as he considered. His eyes narrowed. “Evan, will you please excuse us?”
Evan’s eyes widened as his gaze flicked from Colette to Marshall.
“What should I tell the guys? We’re ready to go, but we can wait here if you want,” Evan suggested, placing his hat back on his head and tucking his hands sheepishly in his pockets.
He dragged the foot of his boot along the concrete floor.
“Take the guys and get out of here. Go to the rodeo,” Marshall said, waving him away. Marshall pressed his lips together. “They deserve some fun.”
Colette instantly knew he was holding back.
Evan hazarded a gaze in Colette’s direction, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“You sure?” he asked, eyeing her uncertainly.
Colette nodded silently. “Everything’s fine. All good.” Her mouth tight, she gave a nervous laugh at Marshall, awaiting his response. A group of men, including Lachlan, Chip, and Ernie, trickled into the hall behind Marshall, eagerly awaiting an answer from Evan. Their lips sealed tight as soon as they sensed the tension floating between Marshall and Colette.
“Evan, I’ve given them the night off. Don’t make me say it again,” he warned, his eyes locked on Colette.
Nerves fluttered in her chest. Was he annoyed with her?
Evan slowly retreated from the room with a quick nod.
Pulling off his hat and brushing a hand through his hair, he gathered the men waiting there and corralled them toward the exit.
“Best we get going, boys. Looks like these two need to have words,” Evan said, snorting a laugh and running to follow the ranch hands. A wave of hoots and hollers came from the crowd, and they quickly disappeared outside.
“My office,” Marshall ordered.
Colette swallowed, her stomach dropping as she obeyed. She had briefly considered arguing with him, but didn’t want toupset the horses by disagreeing in front of them. They were sensitive, after all.
Colette’s gaze darted to Marshall as she turned to walk toward the office. The slow gait of his boots against the concrete gave her goosebumps as he followed her in and turned the lock. She crossed her arms and straightened her shoulders, ready for battle.
After all, she had done nothing wrong.
A night of fun was well-deserved for their men, who worked hard.
Even Marshall agreed they had earned it.
Everyone had been through a lot in the last few months. Nothing wrong with helping to improve morale.
“I told them they could go once all their jobs were completed. They were so excited to hit up the Brantford rodeo,” she began, as he slowly ambled toward her. She shivered. Why must he walk like that?
“I would like some clarification on what I overheard over there,” Marshall said, his tone laced with annoyance.
