by Hebby Roman
“It helps having your sister around. Where is little Laney?” Cole reached for her hand. Struck by a strong need to ease her pain, he squeezed her fingers in gentle reassurance.
“Billings. She’s actually on her way here. About damn time too. Her boyfriend, let me rephrase—ex-boyfriend, was a real jerk. With her dealing with a break-up and not knowing where our parents are…it’s a lot. This has been a tough year.” She pulled her hand away. After a moment of silence, her expression showcased a forced smile. The vulnerability he’d just witnessed a fleeting glimpse into unchartered emotions. “We should get started.”
The quick dismissal spoke volumes. Though he wanted to ease her pain, Cole knew better than to push. “I’ll go check out the floor.”
He ventured into the living room, searching for weak spots as Kristen stayed in the kitchen to clean up. As he made his way back to share what he discovered, he glanced at a door leading to a large bedroom.
Peeking in the doorway, he realized the lived in space was so like Kristen. Organized chaos. Bed unmade and clothes strewn about, yet, a neatly stacked pile of books sat on the nightstand. This is exactly how he always pictured Kristen’s bedroom.
Feeling a little intrusive, he headed to the kitchen. The floor creaked beneath his weight announcing his entrance. “The subfloor may need to be replaced in here also. I need to go to my house and pick up some tools. Things are about to get interesting.”
Chapter Ten
Interesting?
Kristen wasn’t sure she could handle much more. Even agreeing to accompany Cole to his house for tools was a reckless adventure she wasn’t sure her heart could take. She stole a glance at the cowboy, then back to the passing landscape. Maybe if the darn thing didn’t threaten to beat out of her chest every time she looked at him, things would be different.
She replayed what transpired between them earlier. The moment his lips touched hers, she’d lost all control. Parts of her body still tingled from his touch, leaving her longing for more. Who knows what may have happened if they hadn’t been interrupted?
As if that wasn’t enough, he hadn’t judged a word she’d said during breakfast, inspiring a bushel of confusing emotions. Her chest tightened as a familiar tingling swept up the back of her neck and across her face. Perhaps packing up and disappearing wasn’t the normal family’s trait, but it was practically an everyday event in hers.
Explaining this to others was always incredibly difficult, but Cole had taken it in stride, not prying or questioning her in a way in which she felt she was to blame. Nor did he make a smart comment which she could easily brush aside. No. Cole surprised her with a gentle squeeze of her hand. The tender act completely caught her off guard. No wonder she was spiraling.
Kristen stole a glance at the cowboy again, then quickly looked down, as if the action could prevent him from reading what was on her mind. Nervously, she fiddled with the bottom edge of her shirt.
Rechanneling her thoughts, she focused on her kitchen. Once they repaired the flooring, maybe they could work on getting rid of the wall between the living room and kitchen. Removing that barrier would transform the entire house. Possibly the metamorphosis would make her want to stay.
Or not.
At the moment, the urge to disappear was stronger than ever. Why the hell had she felt the need to open up to him about her parents anyway? She never shared that piece of her life with anyone. Too painful.
Guilt swirled sickly in her stomach. She’d promised herself she would give this move her best effort. However, moving into the house had been a rash choice and made her feel trapped. Not to mention, returning to the small town had stirred up unpleasant memories of her childhood. Now she was locked into something she had no idea how to deal with.
Damn her parents. Had they not filled her childhood with so many moves, maybe just maybe, staying put wouldn’t feel so odd. Determined to make this work, she refused to let her nomadic past destroy her future.
As if on cue, Cole’s house came into view and a flash of jealousy filtered in. He turned into his driveway, and as they inched along the drive she examined the home with a steady gaze.
Decorated with holly and festive red bows the old farmhouse was incredibly inviting and she longed for the homey feeling it offered. How nice it would’ve been to grow up in a place like this.
Cole parked the pickup off to the side of the porch. Kristen jumped out of the passenger’s side, eager to see the layout of his kitchen again. She raced him to the porch.
“Whoa, what’s the hurry?” Cole caught up to her. Sinewy, muscled arms pulled her close, enclosing Kristen in a secure hold. He kissed her lightly on the forehead. Surrounded by the inviting spice of his scent her senses reeled as heat pooled in her abdomen, and she couldn’t help but marvel at how natural it felt. She searched his amber gaze as doubt crept in. This was Cole. The man who lived to torment her. She’d be a fool to let him in, giving the man full access to her heart.
“I wanted to see your kitchen,” she confessed, startled by the conflicting emotions causing turmoil within. Despite the warnings her brain fired, all she longed for was another kiss.
He leaned in brushing his lips against hers and her thoughts spiraled out of control. Forget the kitchen. I want to see the bedroom. She entwined her arms around his shoulders as the warmth continued to spread throughout her body. Yes, definitely the bedroom.
“You keep this up and my kitchen won’t be the only room you see,” Cole murmured into her mouth, reading her mind.
Her heartbeat escalated. At least they were on the same page.
A shuffle of feet followed by a muffled cough announced the presence of another person. Kristen quickly unwound her arms from Cole’s neck and dropped her hands to her side. She whirled around to face the second untimely guest of the day.
An older cowboy stood at the foot of the porch, clenching his hat in hands. He cleared his throat again and fidgeted with the leather brim of his hat. A red flush the color of the handkerchief around his neck tinted his neck and ears.
Though the ranch hand was obviously uncomfortable, his discomfort was nothing compared to the war brewing within her body. Cringing with embarrassment, she considered running back to her house, packing her bags, and never looking back.
“Need something Denny?” Cole asked.
Kristen pulled her gaze from the cowboy and glanced at the man she would’ve done unspeakable things with had they not been interrupted. He appeared calm and at ease. The exact opposite of the chaotic fluster of her untimely emotions. Frustrated, she returned her gaze to the ranch hand.
“I just wanted to let you know George is back. He was delivered about an hour ago. I don’t know how you did it, but I reckon’ it don’t matter anyways. I thought you might want to know.”
“Wasn’t me.” Cole shrugged. “Denny this is Kristen. She’s George’s savior. The one who outbid you. Also, the new vet in town. Kristen, my foreman Denny.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss.” He cast a gray stare in her direction. “Kristen, huh?” A slow smile spread across the man’s face, making him appear much younger than his years. “If I recall correctly, there used to be a girl you had a crush on in school. Remember, Cole? You talked non-stop about her. Pretty sure she had the same name.”
This was the second time she’d heard someone mention Cole’s feelings toward her. A smile tugged at her lips as Miranda’s words came back to life. I swear, he’s had a crush on you forever.
“Tell me more about this girl, Denny.”
Cole waved his hand in the air. “Say another word and you’re fired. You’ve already said plenty,” he warned, in with mock anger. “Have you seen Chrissy?”
“Don’t worry, Miss. He’s all talk. He couldn’t run this ranch without me.” Denny pulled his gaze from Kristen, centering on Cole. “As far as Chrissy goes, I haven’t seen her. And Miranda has called twice looking for the girl. Maybe she’s in the barn, I haven’t checked yet. L
ord knows she’d sleep there every night if we’d let her.” Denny nodded before returning his hat to his head, then excused himself, leaving them alone.
“Does she do that a lot?”
“What?” Brawny arms returned, wrapping around her mid-section.
“Sleep in the barn.” She leaned into his chest, liking the feel of his arms around her and the warmth against her back.
“Yep. More times than I’d care to admit. How about a tour?” His breath tickled her ear.
“I’d love one.” She spun to face him. Sealing the deal with a kiss.
“Good. We will start in the stables. I’m looking forward to introducing you to Macy anyway.” Cole grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the stables. “She’s the other lady in my life. I’m hoping you two will like each other.”
Kristen paused. “Whoa, just how many ladies do you have? And why do they all seem to prefer the barn?”
“Ha. Ha. You are quite the comedian. Macy’s a horse. And Chrissy likes to be around the animals. She’s been sneaking into the barn since she was barely old enough to walk. Used to scare the hell out of Miranda. Now, it just seems normal.”
They began walking again. “You really love this place, don’t you?” Kristen questioned.
“I love the land and the lifestyle. Not so much the house. I’ve lived here all of my life, but it still feels like it belongs to my parents. Like I’m just passing through or something. Strange, huh?”
The statement wrenched at her heart. In a matter of a few words, Cole had pretty much summed up every house she’d ever lived in. “No, not really. I think that’s how my folks felt…how I felt growing up. We moved around so much, I always knew it’d be temporary. Every house was never home. That’s why this property is so important. I need to set up roots. Stay put a while. But to be honest, it feels weird. You know? Staying in one place for long. That is foreign to me, something I’ve never known before.”
Solid ground.
Kristen cast a steely gaze along the landscape before focusing on the barn. The property represented stability. For some reason, she felt the same about him. Perhaps it also explained why he was so significant. Cole was the one person she’d know would be there the next day. Regardless if it was only to torture her.
They entered the stables and a beautiful dark gray mare whickered a greeting. “This is Macy.” Cole stepped back as she introduced herself.
Kristen approached the stall door and then held out her hand for the horse to take in her scent. Once certain, she was welcome in the animal’s space, she gradually reached out and patted the mare on the neck.
“I’m surprised she’s taken to you so quickly. Especially considering you don’t have a treat.”
She glanced his way, noting the somber expression on his face. Kristen had an odd feeling the way she interacted with the animal was being scored. “So did I pass?”
“What? No.” He shook his head in denial. “This isn’t a test. Okay. Maybe it was. And, yes, you passed.”
“I’m a vet Cole. I know how to approach a horse.”
“Yeah I know. It’s just important you get along with my girl.”
Though she didn’t appreciate being on trial, the fact he was concerned about his horse’s emotional well-being pulled at her heartstrings. She would’ve done the same thing herself.
She returned her attention back to the animal and softly blew on the horse’s nose. The horse blew back and Kristen knew for certain she’d been accepted. “Next time, I’ll bring a treat,” she promised with a whisper.
Kristen whirled around, facing Cole. “Now, where does Chrissy sleep?”
He pointed up, drawing her gaze to a cozy little space above the animals.
“I’m pretty sure she’s not there. Chrissy would’ve come down as soon as she heard our voices.”
“Wouldn’t hurt to have a look around,” Kristen shrugged. “’Sides, I’d like to check this loft out. Maybe I’ll want to spend the night there one day,” she challenged with a flirty dare.
Cole responded with a roguelike grin, then swept his arm out, granting her access to the ladder leading to the room. “Then by all means, lead the way.”
Once upstairs, they found the space empty. “I knew she wasn’t here.”
“Does she even know about George yet?” Kristen questioned.
“Yes. I went straight to Miranda’s as soon as I found out you were the one who bid on him. It was either go there or—”
Show up to my house and kiss me senseless?
A fire brewed in his stare as if he could read her mind. Needing the distraction, she took in their surroundings. In the center of the loft sat a large scattered pile of sun-dried hay, enclosed by neatly squared bales. A crumpled blanket sat off to the side. She breathed in the earthy scent. “I see why she likes to sleep here. This isn’t such a bad set up. Cozy and very private. Plus, you are close to the animals.”
She walked to the window and pushed open the wooden shutters to peer outside. A picturesque view of his pastures welcomed her gaze. Nothing but land and cattle for miles. If daytime was this serene, night would be even better. The thought of laying in the bed of hay on a warm summer evening and staring up at a stadium of stars was incredibly appealing.
“I prefer it too. As a kid, I slept out here more than in the house. I guess that’s why I never question when Chrissy does it. Usually Blue stays out here with her.” He pointed below. “He stands watch at the door. I’m not sure who is actually guarding who, but, they both seem to like it.”
“He’s standing guard now.” Kristen giggled, glancing at the pup positioned by the opening.
“I figured as much. Well, are you ready? I’d like to check the house and see if she’s inside before I call Miranda back. I’d rather not worry her.”
The heat of his fingers warmed the small of her back as he guided her to the ladder. Tripping on some loose twine, she lost her balance. Kristen clamped onto his arm as she fell, pulling him down with her. He twisted his body to take the brunt of the hit as they tumbled to the straw-laden floor.
“Oh, my. I’m so clumsy. Are you all right?” she asked, glancing down at her hero.
“Yeah. You?” Cole replied.
She nodded.
Softly, his fingers grazed the side of her cheek and he plucked a long strand of dried grass from her hair. “Nothing like a little roll in the hay.” The hint of a grin pulled at the corners of his lips.
“A little? Look at us. We’re a mess.” Another giggle escaped her. She couldn’t help it. Cole was nearly covered in hay, and yet, the devil couldn’t have been more handsome. In fact, the man was down-right irresistible. A strong yearning to spend the rest of the day wrapped in his arms, overwhelmed her.
Without warning, he rolled, spinning them so he was positioned on top. “You have no idea how much I want to kiss you again, but I have to find Chrissy.”
Slowly, his words registered as he released her from his hold. He was right. They had to find the girl. A heart carved into the rafters behind Cole’s head caught her attention. C + C was etched below. “I think I may know where to look. And who she may be with. What was that boy’s name? Does it happen to start with a C?”
Cole shrugged, shaking his head. “What boy?”
“You know, the one who is always picking on her?” Kristen prodded.
“Chase?”
“That would be him.”
“She’d never be with him. Those two can’t stand each other.”
“I beg to differ. Just look.” She pointed at the heart.
Cole rolled over, lying next to her so he could see what she was referring to. “Well, I’ll be damned. I never would have thought such a thing. Chase torments the poor girl. He’s always teasing her and calling Chrissy names—”
“Like K.K. and Kit Kat?”
A sheepish grin pulled at the corners of his lips. “Hell, K. K. You might be right.”
Chapter Eleven
“Why do I have to paint, Uncle Cole?” Chrissy whined. The sound was amplified and twice as annoying in the empty room. “I’ve been doing this all day.”
“For starters, you owe Kristen for buying George. Second, you had to do something while Chase helped me with the flooring. And last, I’m not letting either one of you out of my sight.”
A pout pursed the girl’s lips. “Kristen said George was an early Christmas gift and mom’s already on her way to pick us up. She’s worried about the weather.” Chrissy held up her phone, before childishly sticking out her tongue.
Cole glanced at Kristen and shook his head. “Good. Then your mother can keep an eye on you.”
Kristen couldn’t help but smile. This had been going on for well over an hour. The more Chrissy attempted to get out of the work, the more work Cole found for them to do. And now with the threat of a bad winter storm, the teen had found the perfect out.
At least they’d managed to finish painting the room first. Kristen glanced at the lilac tinted wall. Though not the color she would have chosen, Laney would love it. Speaking of Laney, she should be arriving at any minute.
She glanced at her watch, then walked to the window. Worry began to set in. The heavy snow had been steadily falling all morning, and now was starting to get worse. Plus, the cold, brisk wind promised blizzard-like conditions. And she’d yet to hear from her sister.
The heat of another body warmed her side. She glanced up to see Cole, his brows furrowed in concern. “Looks like we may get snowed in. Good thing we stopped for a few groceries.” He tilted her chin with his fingertip before softly brushing his lips against hers. “I know you are worried about your sister, but Laney will be okay. She’s used to driving in snow.”
