Page 10 of Nate

“He doesn’t get mad at her about it, does he?”

“Sam get mad at Tess? Hell, no. Between her and their kids, they can do no wrong.”

Walking across the parking lot, Sydney got behind the wheel, and Markie got into the passenger side.

“I’m glad we didn’t drink more than one. I don’t like drinking and driving.”

“Neither one of us are drinkers. I just wanted to get out for a night.”

“I definitely needed it. How are your parents? I meant to ask you earlier but had too much on my mind.”

“Like Nate Jefferson?”

Markie gasped. “Definitely not!”

When she looked at Sydney to see her staring at her with a raised eyebrow, she sighed.

“Alright, I admit he’s good-looking.Verygood-looking, but he’s too cocky for me.”

Sydney shook her head. “He’s not, Markie. He’s a nice man. I don’t like that kind of man either. Do you think I’d be friends with him if he was?”

“No, I suppose not.”

“Give him a chance the next time you see him. You might find out you like him.”

“Well, if I ever see him again, I’ll be nice,” Markie muttered, making Sydney laugh.

“Oh, and my parents are great, thanks for asking.”

Sydney pulled her car up to the side of the animal hospital, and Markie opened the door.

“Please be careful going home.”

“I will. I’ll wait until you get inside.”

“Thanks. Text me when you get home. Be safe.”

“I will. Night.”

“Goodnight.” Markie made her way up the metal stairs, unlocked the door, waved at Sydney, then entered the apartment.

She loved living here and was so grateful that Tess had offered it to her, and it was even furnished. The row of windows along one wall looked down over the street, and she loved the way the morning sun lit up the apartment. The large red cloth sofa sat centered in the room on an Oriental rug, facing a flat screen TV. Two matching chairs sat catty-corner on each side of the sofa. She walked into the kitchen to get some water. The stainless-steel appliances gleamed, as did the cherry laminate floor. The apartment wasn’t large, but she loved it. It consisted of the living room, kitchen, one bath, and a large bedroom.

The jacuzzi bathtub was to die for. It was huge with a stained-glass window above it. If she wasn’t so tired, she’d get in it, if only long enough to relax.

She couldn’t get Nate Jefferson out of her head. He was a very confident man, but if Sydney liked him, he can’t be all bad. If she ever saw him again, she’d give him the benefit of the doubt and maybe have a civil conversation with him.

He was just so… male. He oozed sex appeal, but if he was anything like Jarrett as she first thought, he would have made a move on her, either in the barn, or tonight. Instead, he was polite. Why didn’t he leave with the woman he’d been dancing with? Shaking her head, it was none of her business.

After undressing, she tugged her T-shirt on, then her lounge pants, and crawled into bed. She was tired but she knew she’d have trouble sleeping. Every time she closed her eyes, Nate Jefferson’s face appeared.

****

Early Monday morning, Nate mucked out the stalls and put fresh straw down. As he walked outside to dump the wheelbarrow, he grinned watching the new filly. She seemed to be having fun irritating her mama.

He chuckled when she’d run and kick. Her mama looked at her like all mother’s do, whether human or animal. He just knew she was thinking, ‘settle down’. Nate placed his arms on the rail of the fence to watch them for a few minutes and the mare walked toward him. He reached his hand out toward her.

“Hey, girl. Is that baby driving you crazy?” He grinned when she blew into his hand, sounding like a deep sigh. He ran his hand along her face, talking softly to her.

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