Page 14 of Christmas with Three Cowboys

If I let enough time pass and never mention it again, Colton won’t bring it up either. If there’s one thing I cannot afford, it’s to lose this job and go back to prison. I can’t. I don’t want to squander this little slice of paradise I’ve found.

Listening to bits and pieces of the conversation, I focus on scrubbing the pot, my body slowly releasing some of the tension through deep sighs.

“What’s up with her?” Darla mutters.

“She’s conscientious. Leave the girl be,” Sammy cuts in.

“And you’ve got quite the attitude problem since Melissa came in. You got the hots for the girl?” she snaps, prompting the others to burst into a heavy round of laughter.

Sammy slaps the tabletop, doubling over. “My God, woman, I can’t believe it. You’re jealous?”

“Why would I be jealous?”

“You miss me. Admit it.”

“I’d rather be dragged by that heifer you hate so much all the way to Long Pine before I’d ever admit such a thing.”

Colton laughs. “Oh, come on, Aunt Darla. We all know you two are itching to get back together. Why don’t you?”

“In your dreams,” Darla snaps and gets up from the table and exits the kitchen, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.

I glance back and notice how Kyle and Jason are quietly eating, their eyes darting from one Avery to another, while the brothers, Mitch included, keep smiling at Sammy.

The old man grumbles as he stabs his eggs with a fork. “What?”

“How long are you two gonna pretend you don’t belong together?” Mitch asks.

“It’s complicated, boys. You know that. Just leave it.”

Colton grins coolly. “You started it.”

“Yeah, well, I was stupid. Not the first time. Won’t be the last either. I should’ve known better.”

“You gotta make it up to her,” Ethan says.

“Some flowers might do the trick,” Mitch suggests.

“She’ll just shove ’em down my throat. I blew my chances with her. It’s my fault. Just leave it at that,” he says, then exits the kitchen as well.

Kyle and Jason are busy scarfing down their breakfast, while Colton, Ethan, and Mitch discuss the situation. They would very much like to see Darla and Sammy get back together, but they know it’s entirely up to their aunt. Colton keeps glancing my way, making my heart buck with each gaze.

I try to be professional and find ways to stay busy until they all leave, but the universe is not on my side. One by one, the othersgo to help with the cattle.

Sammy stops by the counter and leaves his empty plate. “Delicious as usual. Thank you, Melissa.”

“You’re most welcome,” I reply.

He gives me a faint smile, then heads out.

“You deserve a prize for these eggs,” Mitch says. His smile makes my shoulders drop, obliterating my defenses as I giggle softly.

“Oh, no need. It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you like them.”

“I’ll figure something out, don’t worry,” he says. He leaves me with an unspoken promise as he follows Ethan out the door.

And then I am alone with Colton.

I hold my breath as I feel Colton cautiously approaching me. His very presence is enough to scramble my thoughts, making it increasingly harder for me to focus on the dishes. But I can’t ignore the elephant in the room any longer, so, I turn the water off and dry my hands with a towel before I turn around to face him.

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