Page 61 of Colt

Me too. Just wanted to check up on you.

Miss you.

Same here, darlin’.

Stay warm.

Talk to you later, baby. Goodnight.

Night.

Chelsea set her phone down and finished making her tea. She then headed to her bedroom, feeling content. After drinking her tea, she indulged in a long, relaxing bath before settling into bed with a smile on her face. Despite the storm raging outside, she felt warm and peaceful, knowing that Colt was thinking of her too.

The week before Christmas, she entered the barn and searched for Colt. Her boots kicked up hay and dust as she walked, the scent of horses and leather filling her nose. She knocked on the door and he called out for her to come in. She opened the door and stepped inside. He sat at his desk, surrounded by paperwork and the faint smell of coffee.

“Hi,” she said.

He looked up from his papers, a slight frown crossing his features, as he stood. “Hey. Is something wrong?”

Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, dressed in a plaid flannel shirt and jeans that hugged his muscular frame. “No. Can’t I come out here to see you?”

He grinned, walking toward her. “Of course.”

“I did want to ask you what you’re doing for Christmas.”

“Nothing. Why?”

“Can we spend it together?” she blurted out, feeling nervous all of a sudden.

Colt leaned back against his desk, studying her carefully. “Aren’t you going to see your parents?”

“Yes, but we can get together later, can’t we? I can bring some food home. Mom makes a ham for Christmas.”

“Alright.” His tone was guarded as he spoke.

“Maybe you could go with me?”

His answer was immediate. “No.”

“Why not?” she asked, feeling frustrated.

“Because,” he replied firmly.

“That’s not an answer,” she argued.

“It is for me. I’m not going to go with you to your parents for Christmas.”

“Why are you being so stubborn about it?” she demanded.

“Chelsea, Christmas is for families,” he stated firmly, his jaw clenching.

“But you went with me on Thanksgiving,” she pointed out, feeling hurt.

He stood up straight, his expression unyielding. “It’s not the same.”

“Why not?” she pressed, tears stinging her eyes.

He let out a frustrated sigh. “Because it’s not. Let it go.”

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