Page 47 of Blame It On Midnight

“Hey, you,” he said, walking over to plant a kiss on her cheek. Her silvery hair was pinned back neatly, and her warm brown eyes glistened as they moved from him to the woman standing just inside the kitchen.

“This is Collins,” he said, and moved aside.

“We met last December,” Collins replied, a soft, hesitant smile on her face.

“That we did. You were so lovely to little Nora. I remember her messing about with that bunny.”

“She’s got a kitten to feed tonight,” Benton said.

“Good Lord. I swear she’ll be giving Mike Paul a run for his money someday. She sure does love animals. Maybe she’ll take over his practice. Being a vet sure would come natural.”

“I didn’t know you were coming by,” Benton peered at the platter on the counter.

Rosie grabbed her purse from the table. “I was baking today, so I brought by some homemade cookies.”

“Oatmeal?” Benton asked hopefully.

She nodded. “Some plain and some with chocolate chips.” She winked. “Now I best be going. I’m not around for a few days, so I’ve dropped off some meals and stowed them in the freezer.”

Right, he thought. “Heading to Wyoming to see your sister.”

“I am. I’ll be back by Thursday and will swing by to see what needs to be done.” She smiled at Collins. “Nice to meet you again. Hopefully next time we can visit.” With one last glance at Benton, she left them. A few moments later, he heard the front door shut.

“Drink?” he asked Collins as he grabbed the soap and ran his hands under the tap to give them a good wash.

She nodded.

“Wine? Or do you have something else in mind.”

“Wine is good.”

He grabbed two glasses and set them on the counter, then reached for a bottle of red on the counter. He opened it and set it aside. “We’ll let that breathe for a bit. Sorry, we got held up at the barn. I’m just gonna grab a quick shower and change.”

“You do that,” she replied. “I’ll be here.”

This right here was probably the wrong thing to do. But she felt right, and for once in his life, Benton was going to go with it.

He dropped a kiss on her mouth. It was light—he didn’t dare lean into it, not yet anyway—then headed for the stairs. He took them two at a time. Checked in with Nora, who was cuddling the kitten and told her he’d get the formula ready when he was out of the shower.

“I know where it is.” She looked up at him hopefully. “I can do it, Daddy.”

“You sure?”

She nodded, all business. It was strange to think she was growing up into a little person who didn’t need him for every little thing.

“There’s a box of mini bottles in the top drawer in the laundry room.”

“Okay.” She held the kitten like it was her baby and walked past him. He waited until she made her way downstairs and then headed into the shower.

Benton was in and out in no time, and less than ten minutes later, walked into the kitchen, dressed in clean jeans and a white button-up. On his feet were his favorite moccasins. He’d done his best with the towel but his hair was thick, and the waves hair, clung to his neck. He ran his hand under them.

Collins sat at the kitchen island and handed him a glass of wine. “Your daughter is rocking the kitten on the porch.”

“He feed okay?”

She nodded. “Like a champ.” A slow, lazy smile crossed her face. “You smell good.”

“Yeah?” He lowered his head. “So do you. I guess we’re even.” He pressed his mouth against the crook of her neck, felt the erratic pulse there and smiled. “If we were alone,” he murmured. “You’d be the appetizer.” He stepped away. “As it is, you’ll have to be satisfied with nachos and dip.”

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