Page 41 of Colt

“I’d like that. I had such a crush on you.”

He chuckled. “I know and that’s one reason I gave you a rough time. I was too old for you, and you needed to see that.”

“You seemed like such a man to me back then.”

Colt laughed. “Are you saying I’m not one now?”

Chelsea burst out laughing. “Oh, my God! No, I meant, since I was so young, but you were only twenty-one. Now, I see you as a very mature, sexy, man.”

“Well, that made up for it then.” He yawned, signaling his exhaustion. “I should get some rest, sweetheart. I have an early start tomorrow.”

“I’m tired too. Let’s get some sleep.” She sat up and planted a kiss on his lips before resting her head on his chest again.

He held her tightly against him, nuzzling his cheek against the top of her head as they both drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

Chapter Seven

Colt led the horses to the indoor corral so he could muck out the stalls. Same shit, different day. Literally. After doing that, he pushed the wheelbarrow along the aisle, then set it down.

“Hello? Could you tell me where I might find Colton Monroe?”

Colt turned to see a stunning woman with platinum blonde hair walking toward him, carrying a briefcase.

“I’m Colt Monroe,” he said as he removed his work gloves and stuck them in his back pocket.

“I’m Eden Brennan from the law office of Dirk Wallace. I have a letter for you and each of the ranch hands here. If you could hand those out, I’d appreciate it.” She placed her briefcase on a bale of hay, opened it, and took out several sealed envelopes, then handed them to him.

“What are these for?”

“I’m not aware of their contents, but they’re from the Cotton estate. Instructions were given to give them to you and the others after Mr. Cotton’s passing and his estate was settled.”

“Okay,” Colt said as he took them and looked through them. Each envelope had the names of the employees on the ranch. “I’ll make sure they receive them.”

“Thank you.” She smiled at him, and he nodded.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call me.” She handed him her business card. “I’ll answer what I can or refer you to Mr. Wallace if necessary. Have a good day.”

“You too. Thank you.”

Colt watched her walk away and disappear into the sunshine before entering his office and sitting behind his desk with the envelopes in front of him. He couldn’t help but wonder what they contained.

“There’s only one way to find out,” he muttered to himself, but he’d have to wait. Today’s schedule was packed with tasks to complete. He opened his desk drawer and tucked the envelopes inside, locked the drawer, and left his office.

As he walked toward the bunkhouse during lunchtime, he knew all the men would be there. He arrived at the door, opened it, stepped inside, and saw everyone eating at the table. They all turned to look at him when he closed the door.

“What’s going on, Colt?” Jett asked.

“I have some envelopes to give out at the end of the day—” He paused as they all looked at him with fear in their eyes. He chuckled. “No, they aren’t pink slips. They’re not from me or Chelsea either. They’re from a lawyer’s office and relate to Mr. Cotton.”

“Did you get one too?” Brian asked.

“I did, but I’ll look at it tonight. Finish your lunch then get back to work, and when you’re done for the day, find me and I’ll give you your envelope. We have too much to do today.”

“No kidding. I think everyone wants to ride before the snow comes,” Bobby remarked.

“No doubt. Bobby, you and Steve check the fence along the east trail once you’re done eating.”

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