She narrowed her eyes over the rim of her mug.
“That is not the same thing.”
Something moved at the corner of his mouth.
“There’s none in the house,” he said.
“Thank you. That is the answer I was looking for.”
A quiet beat settled between them.
She set the mug down, then picked it back up again.
“So what’s the plan?” she asked. “Do I pretend last night didn’t happen and… integrate into farm life?”
He leaned back against the counter, arms folding loosely.
“You’re here for Caitlin,” he said. “So stay out of her way until it’s time.”
Her smile softened.
“She has no idea I’m here.”
“I figured that.”
“She texted me asking how things are at the gallery.”
That got a small reaction.
“Yeah?”
“I’m standing in her town, drinking your coffee, lying to her about being at the gallery.”
Grant let out a quiet huff.
“Sounds about right.”
Izzy smiled down at her mug.
“I can’t wait to see her face.”
Something in his expression shifted.
Subtle.
Warmer.
“Yeah,” he said. “She’ll like that.”
Izzy took another sip, then looked toward the window.
“So,” she said lightly, “what’s first? Do I get a farm orientation, or do I try not to embarrass myself in front of your horses?”
He pushed off the counter.
“We’ll start with not embarrassing yourself.”
She smiled. “Bold of you to assume that’s an option.”
