Page 12 of Cowboy Heat

I don’t know that it’s any of my business, but I do know Kissy is uncomfortable at something. “Speaking of the tour, I’m running a little behind,” I say to her. “Why don’t you come inside for a minute while I finish getting ready?”

I angle again so my body is between the man’s eyesight and hers.

Kissy nods quick. She’s quicker to make it to the porch. “I have to make a few calls, so that works out perfect.” She does another, deeper nod to the man. He only looks away from her when she steps through the front door.

He’s not smiling anymore.

“I’ll let you two be,” he says. “For now.”

He hasn’t given me his name yet.

I decide I’d trust it more coming from Kissy, so I don’t ask after it.

He turns toward his truck but not before giving off a parting shot over his shoulder at me. “Word of advice, though. If it’s some kind of calm you’re looking for, I’d stay away from that Kissy. She’s a bit of trouble you ain’t wanting.”

CHAPTERSIX

Kissy

Beau shutsthe door behind him, but I don’t hear Guidry leaving. It puts me on edge; it ticks me off.

It makes sense, though, him coming to Blue Lolita after word spread about the newest resident.

Still, I wasn’t prepared for it. Especially being here for the meeting.

“Do you want something to drink?” Beau is at Big House’s wall of front windows that open into the living room. I stand next to a wooden beam that separates the space from the kitchen.

He’s looking outside behind an old drape that needs dusting.

It gives me a few seconds to collect myself.

I shake out my hands and take a quick breath. “I hate to say it, but I’m on my second cup of coffee for the day. But I wouldn’t be offended if you needed some time to get one going for yourself.”

I hear Guidry’s truck start up and the gravel crunching under his tires as he drives away.

Beau leaves the window. “I’m good. I had a cup before Beard showed.”

I don’t mean to, but I laugh. “I’ve heard Guidry called a lot of things, Beard’s never made the list.”

Beau’s eyebrows draw in. “His name is Guidry?”

I stop laughing.

Like his drop-in, it made sense that Guidry wouldn’t give his name to a stranger. Surely, he knows I will.

“Yeah. Everett Guidry. Most everyone calls him by his last name though. He’s a longtime resident of Robin’s Tree.” I can say more, but I don’t.

Beau looks at me again. Maybe that’s his thing.

He’s a good looker who happens to like looking at people.

A good looker with a limp and scars that I somehow missed.

I can’t see any marks on his face from where I’m standing. And I don’t think I should ask, so I change the subject.

“Well, if you’re ready, I can show you the rest of Blue Lolita,” I say. “Wyatt loaned me his truck, and it’s perfect for some of the bumpier roads.”

“You don’t need to make any calls?”