Page 86 of Take Me Away, Cowboy

She was happiness incarnate, everything Paige needed. So much had happened since she’d been able to talk to this woman face-to-face. The death of Aury’s mother, meeting Owen, her accident, her cancer… It overwhelmed her to know that no matter what had transpired, she’d needed her friend, and her friend had come.

“My sweet, sweet friend,” Aurelie cooed, “I’m so happy to finally see you!” The crowd dissipated, murmuringwelcome-to-the-teamandglad to have you this side of the pond, but they respectfully gave space.

Paige ran to Aurelie’s open arms and when the warmth of Aury’s skin touched hers, like she carried the sun and the sea with her all this way, everything solid that held Paige upright dissolved into a puddle at Aury’s feet. She sobbed into Aury’s shoulder, the silk of the bright red fabric turning crimson like Paige’s tears spilled from a deeper wound than mere salt water could heal.

“Oh, Paige, let it out,” Aury said, her voice at once maternal and soothing. She patted Paige’s back firmly like Paige was an infant, but it worked. After a minute, Paige’s chest stopped heaving and though her eyes remained damp, she didn’t feel the weight of sadness anymore. She finally released her best friend and stood back, admiring her.

“It’s so damn good to see you,” Paige choked out.

“Oh, sweetie, that’s nice to hear, because when you come to me all sad-faced and crying, a girl could get the wrong idea, you know.”

Paige couldn’t help the bubble of laughter that rose from her belly, escaping between hitched breaths.

“I’m so sorry I forgot about you,” she said. “Did you come by the house first? I was out…” she started, but Aury just shook her head at Paige like she, per usual, didn’t have a clue.

“Again, not making a girl feel welcome,” Aury teased, her long lashes diving into a wink that Paige had witnessed drive men crazy. Another bout of giggles erupted from both women this time. “I tease you, you know. I came here first. I know about your father, about your brother. Are they okay?”

“But how could you…?” Paige began.

“Tsk, tsk,” Aurelie said. “So much to tell you, to hear about your life. It must be done with rum, though, yes?”

“Oh, yes,” Paige laughed. “It must.”

“And do I smell coconut? Does that mean we have a pie to go with the drinks?” Aurelie tapped her fingers together, licked her lips in her second most alluring move. Paige had witnessed it cause a fist fight between men.

“A pie was made, yes, but it’s not for us.” Though she would have made a pie for Aury if she’d remembered her friend was coming. A fresh wave of guilt washed over her.

“Hmm, does this have anything to do with the handsome man who picked me up at the bus stop and gave me a ride here?” Aury crossed her arms, an up-to-no-good smile tugging at her lips.

Paige’s brows tugged in confusion. She recovered quickly, cleared her throat.

“That depends. What can you tell me about this handsome stranger? We don’t get many in these parts.”

“Well, he’s the first cowboy I met. What a standard for the rest to meet, hmm? And he happens to be your neighbor.” Aurelie’s eyes narrowed, looking for a reaction from Paige no doubt. The last thing Aury knew was that a hot former Marine had moved in and given her a ride back from her crappy welcome back party.

God, that seemed like years ago.

Paige was determined not to go there until she had a glass filled to the top with ice and Caribbean rum. Plus, she needed some time to figure out what she even wanted to say about him.

“It’s not what it looks like,” Paige said, hating that it came out sounding like a plea.

“What a shame, because it looks like a lot of fun,” Aurelie said, winking. “Come on, it’s time to see your home and relax. My feet hurt.”

Paige looked down and laughed at Aurelie’s heels that complemented her short shorts and bright, flowing top. Definitely an island outfit, maybe not so much meant for the rugged terrain of rural Montana.

“Do you want to change your shoes? The land out here can be pretty unforgiving.”

“Oh, child, who do you think you’re talking to? If I gave in every time my feet were a little uncomfortable, I’d live themostboring life. And besides, these are too cute not to share with the world.”

Aurelie wiggled her turquoise-painted toes that peeped from underneath red leather. Paige wasn’t sure if Aury meant her shoes or her feet, or both, but if she knew one thing about her friend, it was that fashion topped her list of priorities right behind women’s rights and just before global warming.

“They’re darling. And you’ll ruin them in about five minutes when you walk out of the hospital. Speaking of which, we’re spending the first glass talking about why you’re here in the first place.”

“Yes, yes. We have all the time. I’m not going anywhere, Paige.”

Paige glared at her friend, the corners of her lips betraying her with a smile.

“So, I heard. Can you just tell me this? Does you showing up ready to stay have anything to do with your dad?”

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