Page 45 of Colt

He sighed, set the rake down, and stalked toward her, stopping in front of her.

“Don’t ever speak to me like that in front of a client again,” he snapped.

“I just wanted—”

“To put me in my place? Was that it?”

“No!”

“Yes, you did. You saw that woman flirting with me and you didn’t like it.”

“It had nothing to do with that,” she said through clenched teeth.

“Bullshit.”

“It didn’t.”

“Then tell me what it had to do with Chelsea. Whether you believe it or not, I do know what the fuck I’m doing. I’m the manager and I have to be nice to any clients here. I’m not your ex-husband. I have no desire to fuck her,” he growled.

Chelsea gasped. “That was uncalled for.”

“Was it? Do not judge me by him. Now, get out of my way and let me get to work.”

She stared at him, but he turned away from her and loaded up the wheelbarrow, then pushed it out of the room without looking at her again.

“Damn it. You’re an idiot,” she chastised herself as she left the barn. She didn’t have time to talk to him right now, she had to make a trip to town to get supplies and check in at the coffee shop. She’d have to talk with him tomorrow.

****

Colt finished mucking the stalls, then worked on repairing a few of the gates. It was cold outside, but the barn had him sweating.

“Hey, Colt.”

“Brian. How’s your day going so far?” Colt flashed a grin.

“Busy. What did you think of the money?”

“Money? What are you talking about?”

“Haven’t you opened your envelope yet?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Damn it, Colt. Open it. It’s a check. Well, if you get what we did, that is. Each of us received ten thousand dollars.”

“Ten thousand dollars? All of you?”

“All four of us. I’m sure Mr. Cotton gave you a little more since you’ve been here for so long. I can’t believe you haven’t opened it yet.”

“I just assumed it was a thank-you letter from him for working here. I couldn’t bring myself to read it yet.”

“I understand that but, you need to open it. I’m heading to the riding stables to clean the stalls.”

“Okay. See you later.”

“Yes, sir.”

Colt watched as Brian left the barn. He couldn’t believe Mr. Cotton had left them money. Although he shouldn’t be surprised; that was just how the man was. Colt certainly hadn’t expected any money from him.

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