“At least he’s doing his job.”
She turned in her seat and watched Avery and Judd cross the lot and disappear through Dewey’s doors, close enough that she could have called out to her.
“I want her for this, Cole.”
“I know.” His voice was low. “But we do it right.”
She turned back and nodded. “Okay.”
The following morning, she padded into the kitchen in her robe to find Cole standing at the window with a coffee cup, looking out at the yard. When he turned and grinned at her she felt the color rise in her face immediately.
“Stop,” she said.
“I’m not doing anything.”
“You’re looking at me.”
“So, I can’t look at you now? You shouldn’t blush, especially after last—”
“Don’t you dare.” That made him laugh, which didn’t help.
“Okay. I’ll behave. For now.”
She shook her head and crossed to the coffee machine, dropped in a K-cup, and hit brew. She didn’t sleep much. Avery had taken up most of the night in her head, circling. Though she had to admit Cole had managed to clear her out for a while, and she smiled at the thought before she could stop herself.
“What’s that smile about?”
“Nothing.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“I was thinking about not sleeping because of Avery.” She reached for her cup. “Except for the part where you took my mind off her.”
Cole chuckled. “Happy to help.”
“I was happy you did.” She rose onto her toes and kissed him.
He set his cup in the sink and reached for his coat. “I need to check on the horses and see if the guys need anything. Won’t be long.” He pulled on his hat and gloves, opened the back door, and paused to look back at her. He winked, then pulled it shut behind him.
She watched him cross the yard through the window, his head tipped down against the spitting rain, until he disappeared into the barn. Then she finished her coffee and went to get dressed.
****
Cole pulled the barn door open and stepped inside. “Damn, it’s cold.”
“Hey, boss.” Rio came toward him down the aisle.
“Morning. Everyone staying warm?”
“Yes, sir. Keeping them all inside today. Shouldwarm back up tomorrow.”
“Good. I just want to check on the babies and then I’ll be inside. Call me if anyone needs anything.”
“Will do.”
Rio headed out and Cole walked the aisle alone, the barn quiet around him except for the soft sounds of the horses. His phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, glanced at the number. Familiar somehow, but not in his contacts. He answered.
“Harrison.”
