“Coffee would be nice.”
“I’ll get that started. We can catch a movie while your clothes dry.”
“Okay.” She smiled as he pulled the door closed behind him.
In the kitchen he snapped a K-cup into the brewer and pressed the button. The machine hissed and rich coffee aroma spread through the air. He leaned back against the counter, arms folded, thinking about how close he’d come to kissing her. He knew she wasn’t sticking around. But maybe that was fine. Maybe they could just enjoy each other while she was here.
Aftyn’s footsteps pulled him back. She came into the kitchen with the oversized T-shirt hanging loose around her hips like a casual dress, sweatpants rolled around her ankles.
He grinned. “You could wear that as a dress.”
She laughed, stroking the fabric at her shoulder. “It’s so soft. I love wearing big clothes when I’m being lazy. I have to say though, the underwear is slidingdown.”
Cole chuckled. “Is that the plan for the rest of the day?”
“Unless you want to take me home?” She cocked an eyebrow.
Cole studied her for a beat, then shook his head. “I think I’ll keep you here.” He held her gaze. “You have no way to leave.”
Aftyn feigned horror. “I’ll ask one of the ranch hands.”
“He’ll be fired.”
She laughed. “You wouldn’t.”
“Want to bet?” Half serious, half invitation.
She moved to the coffee maker, measured out two spoonfuls of sugar, added a splash of cream, stirred, and inhaled before taking a sip. “So good.” She glanced at him. “Were you going to have a cup?”
“No. One or two in the morning is my limit.”
“I drink it all day.” She shrugged, leaning against the counter. “I got used to it during my residency. Some of those shifts were brutal.”
“Did you always want to be a surgical nurse?”
“No, I wanted the ICU. But one of the doctors thought I’d be great in surgery.” She smiled, though a glimmer of worry crossed her eyes. “Turns out he was right. I love it. I just hope I can find another position.”
“With your experience you could probably walk into any hospital and land something.”
“Maybe.” She sighed, running a hand through her damp hair. “Right now, I just want to find Avery.”
“I’ll help however I can. Now that I know what she looks like, I’ll get in touch if I spot her.”
The relief on her face was immediate. “I’d appreciate that. I’m hoping she’ll wander into thediner eventually.” She grinned.
Cole grinned. “I’d love to see the look on her face if she does.”
“Oh, you and me both. Or Judd.” She laughed, shaking her head.
“Let’s watch a movie.”
“Sure.” She cradled her mug as they moved to the living room, the scent of coffee following them. They settled on the sofa and Cole lightly touched her hair, making her look at him.
“Are you alright?”
She blew out a slow breath. “That bear terrified me.”
“A mama bear with cubs is about as dangerous as it gets. She’ll fight off male grizzlies twice her size to protect them.”
