Quinn wasnt sure what happened, but one minute her brown eyes were warm and inviting and the next minute they chilled and held a new wariness.
You lied to me last night, she
said. You told me that you had been over at Clays because he had a horse down, but I asked him about it and he said all his stock was healthy.
So thats what had caused the change in her expression. Shed obviously just remembered what hed told her the night before.
Yeah, I lied, he admitted. It was a stupid thing to do. I was embarrassed that Id bumped into you, embarrassed to tell you the truth.
She remained standing by the counter next to the coffeepot. The coffee was finished brewing but she made no move to get cups. He had a feeling that she was waiting for his explanation and if she didnt like it, then the offer of coffee would be rescinded.
And he didnt want that. It had taken him all evening to work up the nerve to come here. In fact, it had taken him months to work up his nerve to be here. He wanted to have coffee with her. He wanted to know more about her.
And what, exactly, is the truth? she asked, the coolness in her voice strong enough to frost his face.
I dont sleep well, havent for years. On the nights when I know I wont be able to sleep I go to Clays and spend time with my horse, Noches. I board him there and right now hes my favorite nighttime companion.
She searched his face, as if on his features shed discover if he was telling her the truth or not. Jewel, why else would I be out in the woods in the middle of the night? he asked.
She turned her back on him to reach for two cups in the overhead cabinet, but not before he saw a flash of emotion in her eyes, an emotion that looked something like fear. You should have just told me that last night, she replied. She poured the coffee then joined him at the table.
I havent been eager for it to get around that the town vet suffers from insomnia. The first time an animal dies for whatever reason everyone will say its my fault because I dont get enough sleep, he said.
She took a sip of her coffee, her brown eyes gazing at him curiously over the rim of her cup. It must have been difficult for you, she said as she placed the cup back on the table. When you had to put down Clays horse and so many in the town turned against you. Clay told me all about it.
It was difficult, he agreed, but its over and done with, and I try to keep difficult things from my past firmly in the past. As thoughts of Sarah drifted through his mind, he decided a change of topic was in order. I understand I missed a big reunion over at Clays place this morning.
You did. A smile curved her lips and Quinn felt the beauty of the gesture in a starburst of warmth in the pit of his stomach. It was wonderful to see Clay and Ryder together again. Finally, I think theyre going to have the relationship they both want.
Quinn nodded. I know how badly Ryders lifestyle hurt Clay, the bad choices his brother made when he was younger, but it sounds like hes turned it all around.
How did you hear about itthe reunion, I mean? she asked curiously.
I ran into Georgie and Nick and Emmie at the café this evening. He smiled. Emmie told me shes excited to start school next week and shes determined to make one friend who isnt a cowboy.
Jewel laughed and again Quinns stomach filled with a welcome warmth. She had a nice laugh. That one is a pip, she said. I know Georgie has been worried about her fitting in at school. Emmie has spent her whole life on the rodeo circuit with adults as her peers, but I keep telling Georgie that Emmie is going to be just fine. Shes so bright, she shouldnt have any problems.
There followed several long moments of uncomfortable silence. Quinn felt like a teenage boy on a first date as he desperately searched for an interesting topic of conversation. Hed been wanting to get to know her better ever since shed come to town, but it had been years since hed done the dating dance.
Ill bet your kids he began.
How did you get she said at the same time.
Go ahead, he said.
I was just going to ask where you got the dog.
I helped deliver a litter of four and the owner insisted I get pick of the litter for helping out. I already have a dog and so figured Id just try to find him a good home. I think this will be a great place for him.
She smiled. The kids will love him and taking care of him will be therapeutic for them.
He leaned back in his chair, some of his tension beginning to ebb. You like what you do here.
She nodded, her golden-brown hair sparkling beneath the artificial light. I love it. I was working for Meredith Colton at the Hopechest Ranch in Prosperino, California, and when she offered me the opportunity to come here and open up a ranch, I jumped at the chance.
Was it a tough change? Moving here from California? He took a drink of the coffee.
Not really. I was ready for a change and, of course, Clay has been very supportive.
He thinks a lot of you, Quinn said.
He thinks a lot of you, too.
Hes been a good friend and a great support over the years. Quinn took another sip of his coffee.