Page 32 of Colt

“Well, that didn’t take you long,” she commented wryly.

“What?” He furrowed his brow in confusion.

“It didn’t take you long to catch her attention, did it?”

“Excuse me? She came looking for me, not the other way around.” He crossed his arms defensively. “And why does it even matter to you? We’re both single.”

“So, you are interested in her?” Chelsea pressed.

Colt shrugged noncommittally. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth, it wasn’t Christine he was interested in.

Chelsea nodded. “I see. Well, just remember, no fooling around on the job, or I’ll have to fire you both.”

With that warning, she turned and left the office, slamming the door behind her with a force that made Colt wince.

****

Chelsea stormed into the house, slamming the door behind her with a loud thud. She couldn’t believe it. How could he be interested in Christine? If she had known, she never would have hired her.

She muttered to herself, “Jealousy is not a good look on you.”

Was it because Christine was younger? Chelsea couldn’t help but feel stung by the seven-year age difference. Memories of her ex-husband’s infidelity flooded her mind, each woman younger than the last.

“Why do men always want someone younger? Do they think these women will make them age slower? Men are such pigs.”

Feeling frustrated and hurt, Chelsea decided to head to town to check on her coffee shop. Ainsleigh had been doing a great job managing it while she was away, but she wanted to make sure nothing needed to be ordered.

As she got into her SUV to leave, she noticed Colt standing in the doorway of the barn, watching her. She refused to acknowledge him as she drove off.

Tears threatened to spill from Chelsea’s eyes, but she angrily blinked them back. She hated crying, but she couldn’t help feeling hurt that Colt would pursue Christine so quickly after just meeting her, while showing no interest in Chelsea.

“Why not? We were so good together,” she sniffled once more.

She couldn’t understand it. How could he just walk away from such amazing sex? All because she was his boss.

When she arrived at the shop and walked inside, it was bustling with customers.

“Welcome to The Everyday Grind, we’ll be right with you,” someone called out.

“Chelsea.”

She turned to see Ainsleigh approaching her from behind the counter. They hugged.

“I love how busy it is. Have sales been good?”

“It’s been like this every day, but as you know, it will probably get even more busy now that the weather is getting colder.”

“Yes. Do you mind if I check inventory in the office?”

“Chelsea, it’s your shop,” Ainsleigh smiled.

“I know, but you run it so efficiently that I don’t want to mess anything up.” Chelsea laughed.

“Don’t worry about it. Please, feel free to do whatever you need to do. I should get back before the customers start revolting. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Ainsleigh. I will.”

Chelsea made her way to the back office, sat at the desk, and checked on everything. She was pleased to see that the shop was doing well. As she glanced around the office, she wondered if she should sell it. She hardly ever came here now that she had bought the ranch.

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