Page 39 of Sunkissed Colorado
“A hookup?”
“She’s a bit young for me.” He winked. “But a lady never tells.”
After we’d both paid, Callum hefted all our bags before I could protest. When we were finally outside, he said, “Rosie’s place is just around the corner, I believe?”
“Yes. So you can give me my stuff. I’ll see you later at Hearthstone.”
“Nope, I’ll carry this for you now.”
“I can carry my own groceries.”
“But that would deprive you of my company.”
I made a sound somewhere between a growl and a sigh, hurrying to catch up with his longer stride. Chloe was still waiting in my car, but I’d parked her close to Rosie’s place anyway.
“So you’re really staying with Rosie and Jimmy.” His eyebrows lifted. “That’s adventurous of you.”
“My options are limited at the moment.”
“My roommates and I live in a big house. Rent’s affordable when we split it up. We’ve got an extra room open, if you’re looking.”
“My cat won’t like you.”
“Your cat? Is that a euphemism?”
“Big word for you.”
“Are you impressed yet?”
“Nope.” But I wasn’t feeling nearly as annoyed as before.
Heaven help me, but for the first time since I’d arrived in Silver Ridge, I was actually having fun.
TEN
Callum
Holding our bags of groceries,I waited on the porch while Zandra knocked loudly on the door. “Jimmy? Hello? Anyone home?”
The house was a cheerful yellow craftsman with white trim and a wraparound porch. Cute. Even the mailbox had hand-painted daisies on it. I shifted the bags to one arm and braced them against my hip.
“I guess Jimmy isn’t home.” Zandra took out a key and unlocked the door. Then cracked it open and peered slowly inside like the bogeyman might jump out.
“Everything okay?” I asked with a grin. She was being pretty adorable.
“Just checking. I didn’t know if he was doing naked tai chi or something.”
“He’s doingwhat?”
“Never mind.” Zandra opened the door wider. “Any chance you could take the groceries inside while I go get Chloe? I parked close, and she’s in her cat carrier with all the windows open, but…”
“No worries. Do your thing. I’ve got this.”
Zandra looked at me skeptically, like she wasn’t sure she couldtrust me yet. But then she nodded gratefully. “Thanks, Callum. I’ll be right back. I, um, I appreciate it.”
She dashed off, and I felt a surge of satisfaction.
Ha.See, Ashford?I thought. No need to get rid of her. I’d won her over, and I’d done it in style. It was clear Zandra didn’t let people in easily, which just made me want to open her up all the more. All puns intended.
