At the door he reached around her, pushed it open, and stepped back. He heard her sharp intake of breath as she walked into the kitchen.
“This is beautiful.”
She turned, and he pointed down the hall. “Bathroom’s this way.” He led her through the laundry room and showed her the door. “I’ll get the truck. Meet me on the porch.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He touched the brim of his hat and headed back outside, jogging down the steps to collect Odin’s reins.
Rio was crossing the yard. “Hey, boss.”
“Rio. Can you cool him down for me?”
“Sure, I—” Rio stopped, looking past him.
Cole glanced back to see Aftyn coming down the porch steps. He turned back to Rio. “Her car broke down. I found her in the field with Masher.”
“What?”
“She climbed the fence looking for help.”
“Did he see her?”
Cole smirked. “He was chasing her when I rode up.”
Rio pressed his lips together, fighting it, then lost. “I know it’s not funny, but damn.”
“If you two are done,” Aftyn said, “I’d like to get back to my car.”
Rio touched his hat. “Ma’am, I apologize. But didn’t you see the no trespassing signs?”
“I did.” She folded her arms and looked at both of them.
Cole caught Rio’s eye, shrugged, and turned to her. “Truck’s ready when you are.”
“Ready.”
Rio touched his hat. “See you later, boss. Come on, Odin.” He led the horse into the barn.
Cole walked to the truck and opened the passenger door. She climbed in without looking at him. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling.
They pulled up behind her car and got out. Cole moved to the front. “Pop the hood.”
He leaned over the engine while she stood beside him. He caught the faint trace of her perfume.
He straightened and shook his head. “It’s not going anywhere.”
“How can you tell?”
“Driving it overheated can do serious damage. Blown head gasket, warped heads, seized pistons. You’ve probably got engine failure.” He glanced at the car. “And given the age of this one, you’d be better off putting the money toward something newer.”
“Easy for you to say.”
“I can call Sampson Towing. He’ll haul it to his garage.”
“How much will that cost?”
“Not sure. Do you have towing on your insurance?”
