Page 44 of Loved By Tandy

Laughing, he saunters out of the room. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

I throw the covers back and slide out of bed. As I walk toward the kitchen, I holler, “Where did you sleep?”

“You really were out of it, I guess.” He pokes his head out of the office, the doorframe blocking the view of his bare chest. “You made it very clear that you were not going to share a bedwith me. Ever. I slept in here. So did the cats. I think they’re starting to like me.”

“Because you feed them whenever they beg. Of course, they love you.”

He disappears into the office, then emerges buttoning his shirt as he walks toward me. “Speaking of love?—”

“No.” I shake my head. “Whatever I said when I was sick can be blamed on my fever. We are not going to talk about love.” I head straight for the coffee. There is a freshly brewed pot. And breakfast is on the table. I whip around to face him. “How long have you been up?”

“A while. And back to what I was saying?—”

I put my hand up. “Was I unclear?”

“Completely. But we can talk about that later. What I’m trying to tell you is that Dallas has been calling and texting, wanting to know how you are. He’d probably appreciate it if you gave him a call. I haven’t rescheduled yet.”

Now I’m embarrassed. “I’ll call him.” I pour coffee into the Charlie Brown mug waiting next to the pot. “Did I say anything when I was in and out?”

“A few things. Nothing embarrassing. And you never mentioned love.”

“Whew. We’re okay then.” I sit and start shoveling food onto my plate. “I’m starved.”

“Figured you would be. You ate like a bird the last three days.”

My fork clinks against the plate when I drop it. “Three days? What about the ranch?”

“Colt has been awesome. He’s been helping. We’ve spent lots of time on the phone. And they made progress on the foreman’s house. Work didn’t stop. It’s all good.”

“You didn’t have to stay, but I appreciate that you did.”

He leans close and kisses my cheek. “Let’s eat.”

Over breakfast, he fills me in on all the progress made. He’s told me some of this already, but I only have blurred memories of those conversations. But I distinctly remember telling Matthew that I would never sleep with him and the reason why. He didn’t bring it up, which is probably for the best. I was more honest than I should have been, but it’s how I feel.

But I’m choosing to focus on the bright side, the things I didn’t say. Like telling Matthew Gallagher that I love him.

Showeredand wearing my bright yellow jogging suit, I climb into Matthew’s truck. “Dallas will meet us out there in an hour. I’m hoping this goes well.”

“What did you tell him about the meeting spot?”

“Nothing. I just sent him an address and told him to meet me there. I just wasn’t sure what to say. He’ll probably think I’m still fuzzy from being sick.”

I hold Matthew’s hand as he drives, and we talk about the ranch: what’s already been done, what needs to be done, and when things should be finished. I’m so happy Matthew is on this project with me. Without him, it wouldn’t be anywhere near as close to completion.

When I slide out of the truck, Colt rushes up and wraps me in a hug. “Good to see you, Miss Tandy.”

I give him another squeeze. “I wasn’tthatsick. Matthew tells me you handled things out here while he was busy playing nurse.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Colt tips his hat. “But with lots of his help. We were practically on the phone the entire time they were?—”

Matthew steps in front of me, then glances over his shoulder, giving Colt a warning look. “We need to get over to the foreman’s house if you want to see it before Dallas arrives.”

Matthew is keeping a secret. And I’m very curious, but I do want to see the house before Dallas gets out here.

“Let’s go then.” I wave at Colt. “Thanks for everything.”

Once we’re back in the truck, I clasp Matthew’s hand. “I’m not sure what you’re keeping from me, but I don’t like secrets.”

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