Page 20 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

He was going above and beyond. She got out of the car and tossed on her wool cap and coat. The temps still hadn’t let up. The snow on the ground was pushed off to the side of the highway by a road crew that wasn’t used to shoveling.

“Come inside. I’ve got coffee made.”

“Thanks.” The second she stepped inside, the pleasing aroma of fresh coffee filled her nostrils. Even though the house was still semi torn up, there was a coziness about the space with the promise of a beautiful house emerging. “Smells delish.”

“I can assure you, my coffee will make the hairs on your arms stand tall.”

She laughed. It sounded good to her right about now and followed him into the kitchen, which was still in disarray. The center island was partially built and covered with a plank of wood where the counter would go. Other than an old refrigerator, the only appliances plugged in were a counter microwave and a coffee maker. There were all kinds of tools about, and it was obvious she’d definitely interrupted his work today. “Wow, this is going to be really nice when you’re done. But how do you cook?”

“I don’t. Not really. We use the microwave a lot, or I pick up ready-made food from town. Cereal for dinner is always an option.”

“You’re really roughing it.” She wasn’t kidding.

“It’s temporary. I should have the kitchen done in a week or two.”

“That’s if you don’t get any more interruptions.”

His mouth twisted, but he didn’t reply. He poured them two paper cups of coffee and gestured to a stool by the almost island counter. “Have a seat.”

“Thanks.”

They sat at the same time, adjacent to each other and she took her first taste of coffee. As the warm brew slid down her throat, she made a face.

Garrett chuckled and planted sugar packets and creamer right in front of her. “I won’t take offense if you want to bury the coffee in this stuff.”

She plucked up two packets of sugar and two of powdered creamer. Typical bachelor fare. “Don’t mind if I do.” She looked around and realized Garrett’s counterpart was missing. How had she not realized that before this? “Where’s Cody this morning?”

“He’s with Paulette.”

She blinked. “You needed the time this morning to work, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But Paulette’s babysitting, isn’t she?”

He nodded. “Cody likes being with her.”

Again, he was being kind.

She gulped one more sip of coffee, then rose and walked over to the great room where she’d left her coat and cap. “I’ll do what I have to do, and then… I’ll…” She couldn’t go anywhere. Her car was out of commission. “I’ll call Rusty to see if—” She placed her hand on the doorknob, ready to open the door, but Garrett was there, his hand above hers on the door.

She turned and looked straight into striking blue eyes. They were deep and mesmerizing and…

“What if Rusty’s not there?”

“Then I’ll call Julie or Taylor or—”

“I can’t let you do that. Not when my truck is right outside. It’ll look like I’m not willing to help out… a friend.”

She quickly shook her head. “No, no. That’s not true.” She stopped and stared at him. “Are we friends?”

Garrett didn’t smile, didn’t chuckle. But he did raise his brows. “Aren’t we?”

He was so close her heart beat harder, which came as quite a shock, because wasn’t that part of her life over? She couldn’t possibly feel anything but friendship for Garrett. He was leaving town soon and no way would she court disaster again. No, she wasn’t going to be a fool twice in her life.

Garrett stared into her eyes, took a big swallow and then stepped back. The connection was broken. Thank goodness.

“Uh, yes. I suppose we’re friends.”

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