“You’re worse than the women at the salon.” Everyone in Cherish Springs knew the hair salon was the place for gossip.
“Oh, maybe I should tell Trin and let her pass it along to the ladies.” His laughter got louder. “Her or Sydney.”
“I will kick your ass.” I warned. “As you said, I’m not as far away now.”
“I wasn’t worried about you when you were a little runt, and I’m still not worried.” He joked. “I’ve got an ass kicking waiting for you whenever you want to try your hand.”
“We’ll see. I’m not as small as I was when we were kids.” He’d always been taller, but I was broader.
“If you say so.”
We ribbed each other for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. I hung up with a smile on my face. I’d needed that call. The feeling of family.
I sat up and unpacked before looking through the papers Bria gave me. There was a schedule two pages in. I looked it over and was glad to see that I didn’t have anything until late in the afternoon. That would give me plenty of time to ride around and get ready. It would also give me time to seek out Bria. She’d said I could bring her any questions. Too bad she didn’t specify what kind of questions. I smiled. Starting tomorrow I had a whole list of questions for the cute little coordinator, and I couldn’t wait to get started.
*****
Walking over to Carl and Lucinda’s felt like being home. Just about every morning of my life we’d walked over to my grandparent’s house for most meals, but always breakfast.Momma D wouldn’t have it any other way. She loved having her family all around her, and feeding us was how she showed it.
I walked to the front door and knocked. As I stood there, I looked around, enjoying the crisp morning. I couldn’t wait to get out and ride after this. I really wanted to check out the land and see how big the ranch really was. I was hoping there was enough space I could really let Iron Rocket loose.
The door opened and the woman who occupied most of my dreams last night looked right at me. “What are you doing here?” I had made a list of questions for her, but I didn’t expect to see her this early.
“I always have breakfast here.” Bria didn’t exactly look happy that I was joining them.
“You didn’t mention that yesterday on our walk.” I smiled and walked in. Looked like fortune was on my side. “You look lovely this morning.”
“I didn’t mention it because it wasn’t relevant, and thank you.” A faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She turned and headed for the kitchen.
“How was your evening?” I dogged her heels keeping close to her as she moved.
“Fine.” She didn’t bother looking back. “I hope you spent your time reading through the papers I gave you.”
“I did, and I do have some questions for you.” This was my chance. “Perhaps we can take a walk later to discuss them.”
“That won’t be possible. I have a packed day.” She pulled out her phone. “You can ask during breakfast, or I can schedule you in tomorrow at eight-thirty five sharp.”
I looked over her shoulder to see the screen. Damn, she wasn’t lying either. Just about every hour of her day was booked with some color or another.
“You don’t get time off?” That seemed odd. There was no way that this ranch was so busy she needed to work twenty-four-seven.
“Of course I do.”
I tipped my head toward the phone. “It doesn’t look like it.”
She moved the phone so it was close to her chest, and I couldn’t see the screen anymore. “It’s time blocking. I prefer to stay organized.”
“Even when you’re off work?” Was this what Carl had meant when he said she was precise?
“Why would I meet with you when I’m off work?” She tilted her head and then blew out a breath. “Are you still trying to shoot your shot, as they say? I thought we talked about this.”
“You talked about this.” I pointed out. “I never agreed to anything.”
“This is a business, not a bar or a club. Stop trying to get laid and just do your job.” She hissed the last part.
“Wow, it’s amazing how you went from me shooting my shot to trying to get laid.” Although I didn’t mind the direction her mind was headed. “Again, I have to ask. Why is it that you don’t believe I might simply be interested in you?”
She paused for a minute and took a deep breath. “If that is truly the case, then I’m flattered, but it doesn’t change the fact that this is still a business and I work with the staff. As such, it would be inappropriate for anything to happen between us.”
