Page 12 of Colt

“I’m grateful they left the furniture behind.”

“Did they take any of it?”

“Just some pictures and keepsakes. Mr. Cotton even left all the books in the office.” She tilted her head. “Have you been in there?”

“Quite a few times.” Colt nodded.

“To get reprimanded, no doubt.”

“Actually, no. I would just go sit with him and talk.”

“You’ll miss him, won’t you?”

“Yes, I will. Well, I’d better get back to work before I upset the new boss. She already fired me once.” He tipped his hat and walked away before he did something stupid like pull her close and kiss those perfect lips of hers.

****

Chelsea’s eyes followed his long stride as he walked down the barn aisle. She couldn’t help but admire how good-looking he was, even after all these years. When she first met him, her teenage hormones went wild. He seemed like such a man to her back then, but now she knew that the younger version didn’t compare to the matured man he had become.

Colt had certainly filled out over the years, and judging by the way those jeans hugged him, he filled out in all the right places. Chelsea couldn’t help but groan at the thought. She knew it was best not to entertain any feelings for him.

“What makes you think he would even be interested?” she chided herself. “Best to just think of him as the manager.”

She let out another sigh as she left the barn and entered her new home. As she unpacked some boxes in the kitchen, there was a knock on her door. She set down the box and opened the door to find her future sister-in-law, Lorna Carter, standing there with her daughter, Lily.

Lorna was once married to Eli’s closest friend, Mac. Tragically, Mac was killed while on duty with Eli and two other livestock agents during an ambush. Lorna was pregnant at the time and gave birth to her daughter just after the incident. She vowed to never get involved with another man who had a dangerous job, but she couldn’t resist falling in love with Eli. He also adored her and her daughter deeply.

“Hi, come on in,” Chelsea greeted them with a smile.

“Aunt Chels!” Lily exclaimed, holding up her arms for Chelsea to pick her up.

“Hey there, my favorite niece,” Chelsea said as she kissed Lily’s cheek before setting her back down and hugging Lorna.

“I hope we’re not interrupting,” Lorna said apologetically. “I’ve been wanting to stop by and see your new place but didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Nonsense.” Chelsea laughed. “You two are always welcome here.”

“Can we see the horsies, Mama?” Lily asked eagerly.

“If it’s okay with Aunt Chels,” Lorna replied.

“Of course! Let’s go.” Chelsea held out her hand for Lily and they made their way out of the house, across the yard, and into the barn.

Lily skipped along the aisle, stopping at each stall to peek in at the horses. If one was empty, she’d happily skip to the next one.

“She adores horses,” Lorna remarked with a smile.

“You know, Lorna, if you and Eli ever need some alone time, I can take her for a weekend. She’ll be safe with me.”

“Oh, thank you Chels. That means a lot. We’ll plan that once you’re all settled in here,” Lorna replied gratefully before inhaling sharply and turning her attention to someone walking toward them.

“What’s wrong?” Chelsea asked, following Lorna’s gaze, and immediately knowing when she saw Colt approaching them. She watched as he crouched down to talk to Lily, his deep laughter filling the air at something she said.

“Good Lord,” Lorna gushed. She waved her hand in awe. “That man is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome.” She looked back at Chelsea. “Is he married?”

“Not that I know of,” Chelsea replied honestly. “He wasn’t back when I worked here, but it’s been many years since then. He’s forty-three now.”

“If he’s available, I think you should give it a try.”

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