Page 55 of Grady

“I’ll get it. It’s on you next time.” Savannah winked playfully before entering her office and grabbing her purse. She headed out the door with a decisive stride. “I won’t be long.”

As Savannah made her way to the coffee shop, she couldn’t help but smile at the bustling activity around her. The streets were alive with people mingling and enjoying the beautiful day already. It was going to be a great day.

She pushed open the door of The Everyday Grind and was greeted by the familiar chime of the bell above and the scent of brewing coffee. Her gaze landed on Celine behind the counter, and she couldn’t help but grin.

“Hi, Vanna,” Celine said cheerfully.

“Celine, it’s so good to see you. How are you and Killian?” Savannah asked.

“We’re wonderful. What can I get you today?” Celine replied with a friendly smile.

After placing her order, Savannah handed Celine some cash and placed the change in a jar on the counter. She picked up the two steaming cups of coffee and headed back out, promising to catch up with Celine for lunch soon.

As she walked back to the shop, Savannah couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around nervously, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Shaking her head at her own paranoia, she told herself it was just a busy day and there were a lot of people around. But as she entered the shop and closed the door behind her, she took one last look around and thought she saw Grady go past the shop in his truck, but she was sure that wasn’t what made her feel she was being watched.

When she entered the shop, she frowned at the look on Maggie’s face.

“Is something wrong?”

“Uh, no, of course, not.” Maggie wouldn’t meet her eyes.

Savannah didn’t believe her and narrowed her eyes. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Was Grady here?”

“No. Why would you ask that?”

“I thought I saw him go by in his truck.”

Maggie shook her head. “Well, he wasn’t here.”

Savannah frowned but maybe she was wrong. With a shrug, she got back to work.

****

The morning sun filtered through the skylights in the ceiling of the barn, casting a warm golden glow across the dusty floor. Grady stepped inside and made his way down the aisle, his boots thudding against the cement floor. He looked toward the door when he heard it open and saw Maverick entering the barn at the other end, and a wide grin spread across his face.

“Morning,” Grady called out.

“Morning, Grady. What’s on the agenda for today?” Maverick replied.

“I need to ride up and check on the new fence.”

“Going alone?”

“I might take one of the men with me. I don’t think the wolves are still around.”

“You never know. Be damn careful.”

Grady saluted him playfully. “Yes, sir.”

“It’s too early to be a smartass, Henderson,” Maverick scolded with a smirk.

Grady chuckled. “I’m still thinking about the weekend.”

Maverick folded his arms. “Well, since I didn’t see you yesterday, I’ll ask now. Did you see Savannah?”