“Hey, boy. Smart enough to stay inside today.” Cole sank onto the bench by the door and wrestled off his dust-covered boots, then leaned his head back against the wall, sweat trickling down his temple. “Damn, I can’t wait for fall.”
He pushed to his feet with a groan and shuffled to the laundry room, stripped off his dirt-crusted clothes, and dropped them into the hamper. Ollie shadowed him to the bedroom and sat outside the bathroom door while Cole cranked the shower and stepped in, letting the warm water work through his aching shoulders. He’d meant to call Aftyn today. Like everything else,the hours had evaporated in the heat.
After this he’d find something in the fridge and drop into his recliner. Once he hit those cushions he’d be there until morning. Wouldn’t be the first time.
He made a quick call to The Hartland, but even with Grant putting in a word, nothing was available. A party had taken most of the restaurant. He’d let Aftyn know and they’d figure something else out.
****
“Aunt Ping, I hate asking for help,” Aftyn murmured.
“No shit. Do you think I offered because I felt like it? You need a vehicle. Plain and simple. How do you expect to get home without wheels?”
Aftyn sank deeper into the armchair and exhaled a long sigh. Arguing with Ping was like shouting at the wind. But it wasn’t pride holding her back. Since meeting Cole, her heart had stretched in directions she hadn’t expected, anchoring her to this small town in ways she hadn’t planned for. Even after she confronted Avery, she wanted to stay. Cole had said no strings, but his easy smile and steady kindness were binding her just the same.
“I know,” she whispered, staring at the dark sky outside.
Ping’s tone softened slightly. “Is there somewhere I can wire you the money?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll ask Connie tomorrow.”
“Are you attracted to him? Cole?”
Heat bloomed in Aftyn’s cheeks. “Yes. I know I shouldn’t be, but he’s been wonderful. This whole town has. For the first time in a long time, I feel athome somewhere.”
“Then decide. Stay or come back. There’s nothing for you here, no job, no place of your own. If Clifton’s calling you, build your life there. I’m sure they need nurses.”
“They do. I thought about applying after I broke down, but I didn’t want to take a job and then leave.”
“You’ve got time,” Ping said gently. “I’ll back whatever you choose. After everything you’ve been through, it’s time to find your happiness.”
Aftyn felt something settle in her chest. “You’re right. I should have listened to you sooner.”
Ping laughed. “Yes, you should have. Just admit it. I was right.”
Aftyn grinned. “You were right. I’ll talk to Connie in the morning and let you know where to send it. I hate taking it though.”
“You can pay me back whenever you’re ready. No rush.”
“I will. I promise.”
“I know you will. Love you, honey.”
“Love you too.” Aftyn set the phone on the armrest and clicked on the TV, letting the flickering light fill the dim room. The day’s tension drained away, and somewhere between one breath and the next she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, pale sunlight filtered through the diner’s front windows as Aftyn pushed through the glass door. She was disappointed about postponing dinner with Cole, but they’d both been exhausted and agreed to wait until the following weekend. She tied on her apron and moved behind the counter where Connie was already darting between booths and stools so fast Aftyn half expectedto see sparks off the tile floor.
She started down the counter with the coffee carafe, filling mugs for the line of broad-shouldered farmers and sun-creased ranchers settling onto stools. The smell of fresh brew and sizzling bacon filled the air, but a quiet ache pulsed in her chest at the thought of Cole. She wiped down tables, refilled syrup bottles, kept herself moving.
Then he walked in. Tall and broad, shoulders nearly brushing the doorframe, boots thudding softly on the linoleum. She lifted the carafe and he nodded, eyes warm. She set a clean mug before him and poured until steam curled up between them.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice low enough to send a chill down her spine.
“Good morning. How was your Sunday?”
He leaned forward, elbows on the counter. “Damn busy. Couple sections of fence down, so we all worked on it. Too tired to eat at home this morning.” He paused. “And I wanted to see you.”
Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “I’m glad you did. Do you know how my aunt could wire me some spending money?”
