Page 32 of Shades of Mercy

“I’m sure there are a dozen other things she’d rather be doing.”

“Like cooking for a large group?” Mercy asked with an arched eyebrow.

“You might as well accept that you’re the new ranch cook.”

She moaned. “It was worth a shot.”

They parked in front of a small cottage. The chipped paint on the outside walls and the condition of the tiny porch seemed a stark contrast to the beautiful farmhouse that stood nearby.

“This is where I’ll be staying?”

“Were you expecting five-star accommodations, princess?”

“No, of course not, but…”

“What?”

“It’s very…small.” Could she and Jag both fit inside? He alone probably took up most of the space.

“Trust me, it’s a mansion compared to the bunkhouse where I’ve been living for six months.” He hopped out and grabbed her bag from the back.

“I apologize if my comment about the house seemed rude. I was thinking…”

“Feel free to speak your mind, Mercy. Communication is key, or so I’ve heard a time or two.”

“Alright, I will. You and I… in this small house.”

His eyes sparkled in the sunlight. “If you’re concerned about sharing this space, you should feel reassured knowing that I work more than I don’t. You'll mostly be up at the main house. Just don’t leave the property without me. Understood?”

“Indeed, sir,” she replied crisply.

“You’re already falling into line,” he joked.

“Don’t get your hopes up,” she remarked to his back as she trailed him to the front door.

He opened it and stepped aside, allowing her to enter first. “Mycasasucasa.”

The space, though small, was tidy and well-kept. Its open layout featured a worn but comfortable-looking couch and matching chair, and the kitchen had essential appliances with a rack for pots and pans.

“I’ll toss your bag inside the bedroom.”

She followed him down the hallway and peeked inside. Again, small, but the bed was inviting.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take the couch,” he said.

“Why don’t I take the couch? I have a better idea. How about we alternate every other night? That seems fair.”

“Sounds good to me. You can have the bed tonight.” He walked out.

She caught up to him as he opened a cabinet and rummaged around inside. “This place has every spice known to humankind. There must be coffee somewhere.”

She stepped over and opened a cabinet, revealing a variety of coffee and powdered creamer. “Everyone knows coffee is kept above the coffeemaker.”

He scrunched his nose and softly nudged her aside to drop a spoonful of coffee granules into the filter cup. “I need to meet with Puma this morning. Then, I’ll have to catch up on some chores.”

“What am I supposed to do?”

He turned to face her. “For now, stay here.”