Blair laughed, imagining his easy grin. “He’s handsome, sure. But will he actually get in touch?”
Celine looped her arm through Blair’s as they walked along the sidewalk, the mountain air sharp against their cheeks and their breath visible in the cold.
“He was so sweet walking me to my car.” Blair glanced up at the bright sky.
“Killian says he rides every morning. Keeps six or seven horses, works the ranch too.”
Blair’s eyes lit up. “I love to ride.”
“See?” Celine nudged her. “Slip that into conversation when he asks you out. He might just invite you to saddle up.”
“If I ever hear from him.”
“Give him time.” Celine pushed open the diner door and gestured inside.
“This coming from you? The way you were all over Killian.”
“I was not all over him.” Celine laughed. “But I am now. Every chance I get.”
“Does the poor man get any rest?”
“Not if I can help it.”
The brass bell above the door jingled as they stepped inside. Blair grinned when patrons waved or called out greetings from their vinyl booths. She really did love this town. They crossed the checkerboard floor and took a booth by the windowwhere sunlight streamed in warm and steady. Blair slid onto the red leather seat facing the door.
Connie, the owner, appeared with two glasses of ice water beaded with condensation, her salt and pepper hair piled in a messy bun. She set them down with a warm smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes.
“Hello, ladies. What can I get you today?”
“Hi, Connie. My usual,” Celine said.
“Me too. Thank you.” Blair’s stomach growled at the thought of the juicy burger and crispy fries already on their way.
“My pleasure, hon. I’ll get right on that.” Connie winked and bustled away, her floral apron swishing around her knees.
Blair draped her sweater beside her and glanced around at the cozy diner, its vintage signs and black-and-white photographs of the town’s history lining the walls. “Connie is the sweetest.”
“Definitely.” Celine nodded.
Blair sipped her water and looked up when the bell above the door tinkled. Hud stepped inside, his broad shoulders filling the doorframe, another man following close behind. They settled onto red swivel stools at the counter.
“Hud is here,” she whispered, her pulse quickening.
Celine twisted around in the booth, eyes darting to the counter and back to Blair with a knowing smirk.
“You don’t have to whisper,” Celine teased.
“Shut up.” Blair felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Damn, he is hot. Those faded jeans and that Kevlar vest and badge for some reason are so sexy.” Sheglanced at the man beside him. “Who’s that with him? Very handsome. That jawline.”
Celine looked again. “Eli Hawkins. Married.”
“Well, damn. She’s a lucky woman.”
“Very. I’ll tell you their story sometime. It was a hard road for them.”
“I want to hear every detail.” Blair straightened when Hud pushed off his stool and headed their way, weaving through the tables. His boots clicked against the tile and people kept stopping him, handshakes and friendly pats on the back slowing his progress. His aftershave reached her just before he did, warm and clean, and she felt a shiver move through her.
“Hi, Blair. Celine.” He touched the brim of his Stetson, and she nearly sighed out loud.
