Page 25 of Saddles and Snowstorms
Dakota shook his head and unwrapped the thick woolen scarf from around his neck, then handed it to me. “Here. At least keep your neck warm.”
The scarf was still warm from his body as I wrapped it around my neck. It smelled like him—leather, hay, and something earthy I couldn’t quite place. I had to remind myself he was happily taken. But that move alone, had he been single, would’ve gotten me in his bed in a heartbeat. I wasn’t sure if that made me easy or desperate. Probably both.
“Thanks,” I said, feeling my cheeks warm despite the cold air seeping through the door’s weather stripping.
Outside, the snow was falling harder now, transforming Sagebrush into something out of a Christmas card. Our boots crunched through the thin layer of white covering the sidewalk as we made our way toward the diner. Dakota walked close beside me, his broad shoulders occasionally brushing against mine as we navigated the slippery path. Despite the chill, I could feel the warmth radiating from him. I found myself wishing I had someone of my own to walk beside during cold days like this.
“You’re really not used to this, are you?” Dakota chuckled as I nearly lost my footing on a patch of ice.
His hand shot out, strong fingers gripping my elbow to steady me.
“That obvious, huh?” I laughed, my breath forming little clouds in the frigid air. “In Austin, a cold day means wearing a long-sleeve shirt under your T-shirt.”
“You’ll learn,” he said, his voice low and rich like honey. “First winter’s always the hardest. By next year, you’ll be a pro.”
Next year. The thought that I’d still be here, that I was putting down roots in this tiny town, felt strangely comforting.
The diner was a welcome refuge from the cold, the bell jingling cheerfully as Dakota held the door open for me. The warmth hit me like a wall, along with the smell of coffee and fried food. Logan was seated in a booth by the window. Beside him was Lucas and Beau as well.
“You made it,” Dakota called as we stepped up to the table. “We weren’t sure if you wanted to brave the snow.”
“I drove,” Lucas said, waving his hand dismissively. “I grew up in a place that actually has winter. This… whatever it is, is hardly even a flurry.”
The wind, right on cue, picked up outside, whistling as it howled past the building. Suddenly the snow picked up and everything went white. I couldn’t even see the veterinary office anymore.
“It’s fine,” he added with a chuckle. “We’ll get home without an issue.”
Beau shifted in his seat, his blue eyes catching mine as I slid into the booth across from him. “Don’t let him fool ya,” he drawled, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “Found him this mornin’ standing at the window like a kid on Christmas, all excited about the snow.”
Lucas rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the slight flush that crept up his neck. “I was merely... appreciating the aesthetic.”
We all took our seats in the booth, mine on the far end. As soon as Dakota sat down, Logan snuggled up beside him. I felt a twinge of jealousy streak through my system. Not for Dakota in particular, but just because they seemed so happy. Lucas and Beau were adorable as well. It made me feel like quite the fifth wheel.
“You order yet?” I asked, reachingfor a menu.
“Just coffee,” Logan replied, lifting his mug. “Waitin’ on you.”
A comfortable silence fell as I scanned the laminated menu. Beau kept stealing glances at Lucas, who was absently running his finger around the rim of his coffee mug. Something had changed between them since I’d last seen them together—a new intimacy in the way they occupied each other’s space. I wanted to ask, but I didn’t know them well enough for that.
“So, Doc,” Dakota said, his dark eyes landing on me. “How’s that fancy clinic of yours holdin’ up in this weather?”
“Fine, I guess,” I replied, setting down the menu. “Heater’s working overtime. Nobody’s bringing their animals in though. Can’t say I blame them. Probably a good thing I closed up early.”
“First snow’ll do that,” Logan nodded, his fingers interlaced with Dakota’s on the tabletop. “Everyone acts like it’s the end of the world.”
“Where I’m from, this would shut down the whole city,” I admitted. “I’m surprised the diner’s even open.”
Beau chuckled, a deep rumble that seemed to vibrate across the table. “Dolly’d keep this place open through the apocalypse. Says her daddy never closed for nothin’, so neither will she.”
As if summoned, the waitress appeared beside our table, coffee pot in hand. She topped off everyone’s mugs before turning to me.
“What’ll it be, sugar?” she asked, pen poised over her pad.
I ordered a burger and fries, suddenly aware of how hungry I was. The others placed their orders too, and soon we were left alone again, steam rising from our coffee mugs like little ghosts in the warm diner while the storm raged outside.
“So,” I said, wrapping my hands around my mug, “how long have you two been together?” I nodded toward Dakota and Logan.
Dakota’s eyes flicked to Logan’s, a small smile playing on his lips. “A little over a year now.”
