Page 48 of The Cowboy Fix

Jonas answered the door and said, “Nathan’s in the kitchen.” He cast her a curious look, then headed upstairs.

Closing the door behind her, Izzy went to the kitchen, where sure enough, she found Nathan. “Um, hi.”

He glanced at her, “Hi,” then went back to loading the last of what looked like the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher.

He didn’t scowl at her, but he wasn’t welcoming, either.

“Look, I’m sorry about yesterday—I overreacted.” She held out the plate. “I brought muffins as a peace offering.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” He closed the dishwasher and faced her; his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the counter. “Don’t worry about it.”

His dark brows pulled together. It didn’t look like she shouldn’t worry.

She put the muffins on the table and tried to explain. “I’m always on the move, Nathan, and after Jim, well, I’m not sure if I can commit to someone new at this point.” She pushed her hands into her back pockets. She sounded like a nervous Nelly and didn’t want to be seen wringing her hands too.

“I get it.” He uncrossed his arms. “You’re already getting inquiries for your next job. And you’re all about the job, right?” The words weren’t accusing exactly, more like Nathan was stating a fact as he saw it.

Still, she didn’t like the picture he painted.

“I wouldn’t put it like that. I like you a lot, but we’re friends. Aren’t we?” She wasn’t just about the job. To prove it, she said, “After we’re done fixing the ranch’s finances, I’m thinking of taking some time off.” Not completely her idea, but during a restless night she’d decided Sylvia had a point. “I’m hoping I can continue to stay on in the guesthouse. If that’s okay with you.”

“Friends. Sure. Okay.” He straightened. “For how long? A week? A month?”

“I don’t know.” For the first time, she was at a loss to quantify her plans. She’d never been very good at improvising. “A week or two, maybe.” Not a month. That would give the rancher watching her, unable to hide his doubt, the wrong idea. That his kiss had meant something.

“Wait here.” Nathan disappeared into the office and returned before she could wonder what he was up to. He handed her a small square of drawing paper. It was an ink image of him and Duke, the horse just behind his shoulder.

“This is perfect. Exactly what we need for the logo,” Izzy said softly.

“Good. Are you ready to take care of the horses and maybe work on your barrel lessons today?”

The man who’d taken her to the food carts for lunch and talked to her about the ranch’s potential was gone. Today, Nathan was the boss talking to a contractor he’d hired. Izzy regretted that they were back to square one.

“I’m ready,” she said nonetheless and led the way out to the barn. If she stayed, well... there was no point in going over that again. She squared her shoulders. It was better to just keep going forward, although taking seven to ten days off before heading to the next job wasn’t a bad idea. Getting burned out because she paid no attention to her work-life balance was the last thing she needed.

After they got to the barn, she went right to work cleaning the stalls while Nathan put the horses out to pasture. When he wasn’t looking, she took pictures behind his back, of the cowboy with his animals to humanize the ranch on social media. She would get his permission to post them, just not today.

But it wasn’t like he was unaware. “Why are you taking pictures?”

“To put on social media so potential clients can see and experience what it would be like to have their wedding at the cottage and want to sign up for riding lessons while they’re here.” No more secrets. She promised, “I’ll show them to you before I post anything.”

Watching her cautiously, he nodded. “I’d appreciate that. Thanks.”

“I have another idea too.”

He shook his head. “No moresuggestions, Izzy. We have plenty to work with for now. And the bank loan gives us a little breathing room.”

After that, they cleaned the stalls without talking. She was disappointed he didn’t want to hear her latest brainstorm, but she understood. She could be too much.

In any case, it was a losing argument. Take the next job or not? She loved the sounds of the barn but missed the man who’d shared himself with her too. Deprived of the comradery they’d established was terrible, but really, why was she letting this discussion go on in her head?

Nathan couldn’t possibly be that bothered. It was just a kiss after all.

He was cleaning the last stall. Joining him, she asked, just to clarify. “If you were me, and you were looking at future opportunities, what would you do?”

“That’s not a fair question,” he said scooping the last of the used hay and sawdust into the wheelbarrow then moved it out of the stall.

“Why not?”

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