Page 33 of Cowboy Friend Zone for Christmas

“Not even close,” Noelle sang out. “They go to the horse-pital.”

Brady, who’d just walked back into the reception area, guffawed. “That’s so bad it’s actually funny.”

“I know.” Noelle grinned at him and nudged the beverage box his way. “Don’t worry. I kept your favorite office manager so occupied she didn’t have the chance to poison your drink.”

“I greatly appreciate it!” Adeline sailed into the room, dripping sawdust as she removed her gloves. “Nice to see you, Noelle.” Though her glance at Noelle was curious, her smile was warm with welcome as she accepted the cardboard cup Brady was holding out to her. Her cheeks grew pink as he tipped her chin up for a kiss.

Five months ago, the sight of them kissing would’ve crushed Noelle. Nowadays, she felt nothing. Okay, maybe a little envy. Brady was still an incredible guy, and Adeline was the luckiest gal on the planet to have won his heart.

As soon as the two of them disappeared back down the hallway, Shelly sighed, “Please don’t leave me before the baby’s born.”

Noelle stared at her. “The Carson brothers’ show is only supposed to go for another week.”

“I know, but I had to ask.” Shelly leaned back in her chair, looking even more exhausted than before.

“How long do you have left until the big day?”

Shelly laid down her fork to yawn and rub her eyes. “I’m due mid June, but I don’t think I’m going to last that long.”

Oh, sheesh! It was already mid-May. If Shelly’s worries were correct, her baby might come any day now. Noelle drummed her fingers on the desk on either side of her. “Mind if I step outside to make a quick phone call?”

Shelly shook her head, yawning again. “Don’t be surprised if you find me face down in my pancake when you get back. I’m so stinking tired, and I haven’t even done much today.”

Noelle hopped down from her perch and bent to give her friend a peck on the cheek. “I won’t be that long. Promise!”

To dodge any would-be eavesdroppers, she pushed open the door and walked toward the nearest pasture as she pulled out her phone. A couple of the horses recognized her and trotted her way.

“You sweet things,” she cooed to them. “I’ve missed you, too.” Before she could dial Nash, she caught sight of his last text message.

Ask me anything you want, and I’ll tell you the truth.

Her heart melted. Man! Brady was right. Nash was such a good guy. She dialed him and lifted the phone to her ear.

He picked up on the first ring. “The answer is still no if you’re calling to give me notice.”

“Nash,” she protested, laughing.

“What’s your first question, babe?” He sounded anxious. “No more secrets between us. I promise.”

“Can you meet me for lunch here at the ranch?”

“Okay.” He sounded puzzled. “That wasn’t the kind of question I was expecting.”

“Is that a yes?” She smiled, enjoying the sound of his voice. It always made her day better.

“Of course it’s a yes! What time?”

“As close to noon as possible. And I know it’s asking a lot, but would you please try to pick up something for Shelly to eat that doesn’t have sugar in it? I just found out she’s coping with borderline gestational diabetes.” Noelle wracked her brain for ideas, wishing she’d done a little research online before bothering him about it.

There was a short pause. “Exactly how many people are going to be present during our lunch date?” His voice grew cautious.

“Oh, wow! You and everyone else.” A shy chuckle escaped her.

“Did I miss the punch line of your latest joke?” His voice was dry.

“I just meant that everyone in Pinetop seems to think we’re dating. Even you, apparently.” She kept her voice light and teasing. It was the closest they’d ever come to a real conversation about taking their friendship to the next level.

“Would you say yes if I asked you out, Noelle?” The husky tenor of Nash’s voice reverberated across the phone line, making her smile and blush at the horses leaning over the fence in her direction.

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