Page 30 of Roaring Fork Wrangler

“He didn’t tell me anything.”

Cord’s eyes met mine. “Nothing?”

“We didn’t talk about it.”

“I want to explain. Can we please get in the truck?”

I noticed he wasn’t wearing his jacket, so I gave in—stupidly.

He opened the door for me, and Iclimbed inside.

“It’s nice to see you, Juniper,” he said once he was behind the wheel and had started the engine.

“Thanks. What did you want to explain?”

He scrubbed his face with his hand, something I’d seen him do more than once the day we spent together. “You know Pete and I were talking about Hoss Schultz.”

I nodded.

“When you heard me say I didn’t want you to have any part of it, I meant I didn’t want you involved with Schultz. As I’m sure you know, he’s not a good guy.”

“That’s not what you said.” I’d whispered the words, but as soon as I had, I wished I’d kept them to myself.

“What?” he asked.

“It doesn’t matter.”

He reached for my hand, but I moved it away. “Juni, talk to me. I’ve missed you.”

I stared at him. “We aren’t friends who haven’t seen each other for a while, Cord. We spent part of a day together. I showed you around town. That’s it.” My words came out harsher than I’d intended, but I was still pissed about Ross’ behavior at dinner.

“I’m sorry. I never meant?—”

“You said, ‘If this has anything to do with Juniper, I’m out.’ Those were your exact words.”

“Taken out of context,” he murmured.

“Except it doesn’t matter.” I put my hand on the door to get out, but he rested his on my arm.

“Wait. Your uncle said he’d explain.”

I shook my head and cleared my throat. “Cord, I had a nice time with you that day. I hope you’re settling in over at the Lilacs and enjoying the time you have to spend in East Aurora. It’s a nice place, and I’m glad I was able to show you around. But that’s it, okay?”

He moved his hand down my arm to my wrist. I was wearing gloves, but the area between them and my coat was bare. He drew circles on my skin with his fingertips. “I meant it when I said I missed you.”

I cocked my head. “You should get to know more people here. Make some friends.”

“I guess. By the way, there’s a couple who will be staying in the main house. My understanding is the woman inherited it.”

My eyes scrunched. “What did you say?” I held up my hand when he looked like he was going to repeat himself. “Never mind, I heard you. Who is she?”

“I have no idea. I get the impression she doesn’t know why Mrs. Covert left it to her.”

“What’s her name?”

“Samantha. I think her last name is Marquez. Something like that, anyway.”

“You said she’s with a man? Is he her husband?”

---