Page 56 of Tattered and Torn

After I hear my apartment door close quietly, I lie awake in bed, reveling in the post-coital feelings that still linger in my body, even hours later. When I tighten my vaginal muscles, I feel a twinge of discomfort deep inside me, a reminder of what we did last night. It had been a while for me. My body is out of practice.

I roll over and wrap my arms around his pillow, drawing it close, hugging it to me and breathing in his scent. I came here to Bryce for a new job, a new life, and I think I’ve found a whole lot more.

My phone alarm goes off, putting an end to my daydreaming about a tall, dark-haired cowboy. I shower and dress quickly so I can head downstairs to the restaurant. I don’t want to miss my chance to eat breakfast with John.

It’s ten after seven by the time I make it to the restaurant. Already some guests are seated and enjoying their breakfasts—probably many of John’s trail ride participants. I pop into the kitchen, where Nelle and Betty are busy resupplying the breakfast buffet. “Good morning, ladies. How’s it going?”

Betty wipes her hand on a white dish towel. “It’s goin’ just fine. You sure look pretty today. Is there a special occasion?”

“No, nothing special. I just felt like wearing a dress today.” I glance down at my outfit. Yeah, I may have dressed up just a bit today. “I’ve got to head out to the dining room and seat customers, but after the breakfast period, I’ll do the clean-up. You two can take off until lunch.”

I return to the dining room to find Hannah chatting with some guests. When she spots me, she excuses herself and comes to join me at the podium.

“Good morning, boss,” I say, feeling extra chipper this morning. I keep glancing toward the door hoping to see John come in.

“You’re in a good mood,” she says.

I shrug. “It’s a beautiful day, full of potential.”

Her eyes narrow on me. “You look especially nice this morning. In fact, you’re practically glowing.” She grins. “Is there a reason?”

“No. Just wanted to look professional, that’s all.” My face is heating up, giving me away. I hear voices behind me and glance back to spot John standing just inside the doors to the dining room. He’s deep in conversation with Killian, but when he catches my eye, he gives me a small smile.

A moment later, Killian joins us. He puts his arm around Hannah and pulls her close and kisses her temple. “I’m going to grab some chow. You want to join me, babe?”

“Sure,” Hannah says. “You go get your food and find us a table. I’ll be along in a sec.”

When I glance back to see if John’s finally alone, I find him talking with the sheriff. Oh, great. At this rate, I’ll never get him alone.

“Um, Gabrielle?” Hannah asks.

I turn back to her. “Yes?”

She’s staring over my shoulder. “Don’t look now, but I think you have an admirer.”

“Oh, really?” I try to act nonchalant, as if I don’t have a clue as to what she’s talking about, but it’s hard.

Hannah nods. “Ever since you arrived, he’s been coming in to the restaurant more and more often. He never used to come here to eat, and now he’s becoming a regular fixture.”

I try not to smile, but I know I’m failing horribly. I’m dying to tell her about John, but it’s too soon.

Hannah’s brow wrinkles suspiciously. “Is there something going on I should know about?”

I press my lips together, but it’s hard to stay quiet.

“Oh, my God, there is, isn’t there?” she says. “Are you guys seeing each other?”

I don’t want to reveal too much, because we haven’t discussed our relationship status yet, and I know John’s a very private person. He may not be ready to go public. And to be fair, we only had sex once. It’s not like we’re going steady. I don’t want to read too much into last night. “Maybe,” I say, biting my lip to keep from saying more.

“I had no idea!” She grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “This is fantastic. He’s such a great guy. I know he’s quiet, and he keeps to himself a lot, but you couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

“Gabrielle!”

I turn to see Betty waving at me from the kitchen. “Can you come look at something, please?”

“I’ll be right there!” I’m grateful for the interruption. If we discuss this any longer, I’m afraid I’ll give something away. I glance back at John, who’s finally alone. He’s organizing the box lunches for his trail ride guests. I’ll be quick, and then we can have breakfast together before he has to leave.

As soon as I walk away, Hannah crosses the room to talk to John.

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