She tipped her glass and swallowed another mouthful of beer.
“Mmm, well, thanks for coming. I needed a break. The place was clean, but I wanted to put my own touch on it. Now I’m tired,” Colette said as she looked around, assessing the space. “Hope my music wasn’t too loud. It’s my first time out in the country like this and it’s so quiet and dark outside at night.” Colette rubbed her bottom lip, and Marshall tapped his foot to distract himself.
“It takes some getting used to,” he said. “Now I find it hard to sleep in the city. It’s always turned on. The lights, I mean.” Marshall coughed.
Colette twirled a strand of dark hair around her finger and gathered herself in her arms, hugging herself.
“The darkness here is so relentless. It’s a little scary,” she said with a small, breathy laugh. “I know, I’m so silly.”
“You’re not silly. Maybe I’ll have to send Pablo over to keep you company. He’s a nuisance at the main house anyway. Way too needy,” he said, spinning his beer in slow circles on the table.
“Who’s Pablo?”
“He’s Pablo Picasso. The barn cat that hates the outdoors and therefore stays in the ranch house. Makes no sense. My sister is a vet tech, and she brought him in one day and the rascal never left.”
Colette bit her lip.
“I’ve never had a pet. My dad was allergic. I don’t know if I’d want one,” she said hesitantly. Her brows gathered in worry, clearly afraid to upset Marshall. He waved away her comment.
“I’m not sure you’d want a cat like Pablo anyway. I barely tolerate him. And don’t get me started on my dog,” he said with a snort. “Hank is the worst farm dog you’ve ever seen.” Satisfied, she had perked up; Marshall considered his efforts to cheer her hadn’t been wasted. He pressed his hands on the table and stood.
“I’ll make it a point to introduce myself to Pablo and Hank,” she said, her mouth curving into a smile. “I don’t want to be rude.”
His mouth couldn’t resist mirroring her warm expression. At the risk of ruining a perfect truce, Marshall decided to end the conversation while he was ahead. He climbed down from the barstool.
“Well, I’d best be going. Again, I’m sorry for being an ogre. I’m a great guy, I swear,” he said with a soft chuckle.
She snorted. “Yes, you’ve said that. I will say, most great guys don’t have to tell you how awesome they are. They just are.”
His brow furrowed, but he erased any sign of a glare.
What did she mean by that? No, her eyes were sparkling with a hint of mischief. She was having fun with him, which meant they were still on good terms.
Colette followed him as he meandered over to the door, and a delicious scent of vanilla and cherries wrapped itself around him. Oh God, he was being tested tonight.
“One more thing,” he began. “Maybe close your curtains? I wouldn’t want any of the men that work on the ranch getting an eyeful, if you know what I mean.”
Taken aback, Colette’s face scrunched up and she peered at him questioningly.
“There’s no one around here,” she said. “I’m not too worried.”
“The boarding house isn’t that far and any guy could just stroll up and see your… cherries.” His eyes drifted to her pajamas, then back up. Quickly.
She raised an eyebrow in challenge.
“Oh, really. I did come to the country for a change, maybe someone will like what they see.” The side of her mouth turned up and her eyes danced mischievously.
Marshall frowned and used his hands to grope for the door handle behind him.
What did she mean by that?
“Colette, close your curtains,” he said in a gravelly voice. Damn it, he sounded grumpy again. “Oh, and if you want, I’ll take you on a tour of the ranch tomorrow. It’ll give you a better idea of what you’re working for. I’d suggest you wear pants. You know, jeans. Something more ranch appropriate.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and tilted a brow at him with a shake of her head.
“I’ll try to remember to close my curtains and wear pants, but it’s a lot,” she said, reaching around him and pulling the door open. “Thanks for the beer. I’ll see you in the morning.” She waved as she watched him retreat down the path towards the main house.
He grumbled and shoved his hands in his pockets. A peace beer and then he acted all bossy again? What was wrong with him?
