Page 55

Brett’s heart sank to his stomach. Did she just need to get away from Blackwater, or would she be happy to be rid of him too?

“No rush!” Ava extended her hand. “I’m Ava, and this is my husband, Jameson.”

Thea shook both hands and said hello. “I’m Thea. I used to know Brett when we were younger. And Jess,” she added.

“Well, we’re happy to have you here. I know you’re not able to get around very well, but I’d love to have your help in the office. We’re cranking up for the tourist season, and I could use some help with the phones and registrations.”

“I’d love that. Just tell me what to do,” Thea said.

“Great. We’ll work out a contract position and the details in the morning. Until then, you can consider the meals and housing as a perk of the job.”

“I can’t thank you enough. I’ve been feeling useless lately, and I’m ready to get back to work.”

“Brett said you trained horses,” Ava said. “We’d love to talk about moving you to a position at the stables when your ankle heals.”

Thea glanced back at him before turning back to Jameson and Ava. “Oh, I don’t know. I need to get back to Alabama when I’m able to travel.”

Ava waved a hand in the air. “Right. I understand. You already have a job. We’re just happy to have you here for now. Make yourself at home, and let me know if you need anything. Here’s my number.” She pulled a card from her back pocket and extended it to Thea.

“Thanks again,” Thea said as she studied the card.

“You’re very welcome. Now, let’s play some trivia!”

“I’ll be the host,” Hadley said. “Jess can’t play tonight, so I’m the odd woman out.”

Brett gently laid his hand on Thea’s shoulder. “Let’s get you a seat on the end so you can prop up your foot.”

Turned out, Thea wasn’t as bad at trivia as she claimed. Hadley proudly displayed the third iron horse statue in front of them.

“That’s another round for Brett and Thea,” Hadley said.

Thea’s innocent giggle made her look eighteen again. “What are these?” she asked as she picked up the bucking horse.

“They’re decorations from the check-in office. We don’t get to keep them. But there was one time when the prizes were Slim Jims. Now that really felt like winning.”

Thea opened her mouth and acted like she was sticking a finger down her throat. “Gross.”

Brett leaned forward and pointed a finger at her. “Them’s fightin’ words.”

Thea laughed again. “Bring it on then because that fake meat is disgusting. It’s right up there with breakfast sausage.”

Brett’s eyes widened and he looked around. “Don’t let Vera hear you say that. Her sausage is to die for, and her sausage gravy has won awards.Awards. Plural.”

Thea clapped a hand over her mouth and glanced at Vera by the serving counter. She was busy chatting with Paul. The older wrangler only stopped by when he knew Vera wasn’t swamped during meals.

Brett leaned in and whispered close to Thea’s ear. “I’ve been trying to get those two together for years.”

“They aren’t married?” Thea asked.

“No. They’re both too scared to make the first move.” Brett clicked his tongue. “It’s a shame because she’s the only person he’ll say more than two words to, and she turns red whenever he walks in the room.”

Thea reached down to pet the dog at her feet. Paul’s best friend was closer to a massive wolf than a house dog. Thane had taken up with Thea as soon as they’d been introduced, which Brett had always thought was a sign of trustworthiness. Dogs could sense those things.

Thane could probably also sense that Thea needed help. As far as Brett was concerned, he and the wolf were on the same team.

“One more round?” Hadley asked.

“No more for us. I’m exhausted,” Ava said.