Page 38 of Hot For You

For now she’d take it as he probably meant it—just a friendly note that he was thinking about her. She might as well let him know that it would be a month before she got back to Kansas City.

She didn’t plan on telling him about her car or Firebug—not now. She wanted this whole thing to be done and over with and didn’t want him to be worried about her while she was gone.

* * *

Sam,

It was a nice surprise to hear from you and I hope you are doing well.

I’m staying in Prescott, AZ to watch Leigh’s house while she’s in Europe. I’ll call you when I get back in town sometime during the middle of next month, and we can catch up then.

Take care,

Carilyn

* * *

After she pressed send, she shut the lid on her computer. She found herself wishing that Cody was here, but he wouldn’t return until tomorrow morning when he got off of his shift. He had called her last night, checking on her, but hadn’t been able to talk for long.

As she wandered toward the kitchen, her cell phone rang. She drew it out and saw that it was Cody. Her heart skipped a beat and she smiled as she answered it. “Hi, Cody.”

“Hey there, sunshine.” A smile was in his voice. “How was your day?”

“Tiring, but good.” She gripped the phone as she walked toward the living room, a smile on her own face. “My software came in today and I’m all set up.”

“That’s great.” He hesitated. “No unwanted emails?”

“None.” She shook her head. “Just the usual related to business and a couple of emails from friends.” She wasn’t going to bring up Sam in particular. “How was your day?”

“A second grade class from the elementary school came to the station for a field trip.” He said it with enthusiasm. “Love how the kids’ eyes light up when they see the fire truck and ask questions.”

After seeing him with the 4-H’ers, Carilyn would bet anything that he’d made the field trip fun for the kids. He’d make a great father, too. She could just tell from being around him and the way he talked about kids.

She sat on the couch and curled her legs under her as she held the phone to her ear. “Having a group of kids come to the fire department sounds like fun.”

“It was.” He paused. “Now be truthful. How are you feeling? Headaches, nausea, coordination?”

“I’m feeling a lot better and much steadier on my feet.” She shifted on the couch. “Give me another day and I’m sure I’ll be good as new and ready to go back to Leigh’s.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” He sounded both amused and serious at the same time. “I don’t want you overdoing it.”

“I won’t.” She crossed her fingers like a little kid. “You worry too much, cowboy.”

“Never,” he said. “You’ll be all right there tonight?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” she said with pretend exasperation. “I’m perfectly fine, Mr. McBride.”

“Call me if you need anything,” he said. “I mean anything.”

In a serious voice she said, “I’d like some bonbons and a satin pillow. Oh, and bring me a feathered boa and a diamond tiara while you’re at it.”

“Anything for you, princess.” He laughed. “But for now I have to get back to work.”

“See you in the morning,” she said.

“See you.”

When she disconnected the call, she let out a little sigh. She liked talking with Cody. It was comfortable and natural, as if they’d been friends for years. How had she so easily fallen into this comfortable rapport with him?

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