Page 7

He studies me, his expression softening. “Thank you, Briar. This wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” I reply.

Somehow, I know Caleb and Jensen will find their rhythm.

“One red velvet latte with sugar-free syrup and almond milk, as requested.” I slide the cup across the table to my friend Charlie, then slide into the booth across from her with my own coffee and bagel.

She grins. “You’re a lifesaver.”

After taking a sip, she leans back in her seat, sighing in satisfaction.

“I’m pretty sure you’re the only reason Lasso both Jensen and Caleb were asleep. I was too tired to do anything but crash into bed.

“Caleb is a sweetheart,” I say fondly. “He’s shy, and it could be a while before he speaks again, but I’m confident he’ll open up when he’s ready.”

I think spending time with the animals on the ranch will do him good, and maybe he can even ride one of the ponies eventually. But I’ll have to run it by Jensen first. I don’t want a repeat of last night, or to upset him by making decisions for Caleb without consulting him.

“What about Jensen?” Charlie’s question has me looking up to find her staring at me with an amused expression. “The ladies from the walking club said he’s easy on the eyes but wouldn’t last a day hauling hay. What do you think? Is he as good-looking in person as he is in the photos?”

Yes.

He looks so different from what I remember as a kid.

He’s ridiculously hot in business clothes, but there’s no question he’d be downright dangerous in Wranglers and a white tee.

The last time he wore anything like that, I was too young to appreciate it.

There’s something about a man who can trade in his designer suit for dusty boots and who has the kind of smile that makes me forget every rule I’ve made for myself.

I need to get a grip—preferably not on him.

I avert my gaze from Charlie, running my finger along the rim of my coffee mug. “I didn’t pay much attention. My focus was on getting him and Caleb settled in.”

Charlie snorts. “Right. If Miss McGregor, who can’t see two feet in front of her without her inch-thick glasses, noticed how handsome he was passing by in Earl’s taxi, you sure as hell could with him under your roof.”

My cheeks turn warm, and I scramble to think of a way to explain myself without admitting she’s right.

It doesn’t help that I keep replaying the way his breath grazed against my neck when he stood behind me at the door of Caleb’s bedroom.

Luckily, I’m spared from answering when Charlie suddenly freezes, her gaze locked on Heath, who’s picking up an order from the counter.

She frowns, narrowing her eyes in his direction. “What’s he doing here? Last time I checked, this was our spot.”

I arch a brow. “You do know this is the only coffee shop in town, right? ”

“Why can’t he go to The Screwy Nut?” she asks like it’s a viable solution. “They have a coffee machine and vanilla creamer pods at the back of the store.”

I spread cream cheese on my bagel as I answer. “Just to be clear, you want him to go to a hardware store to get his coffee so he’ll stop coming to Lasso the man has enough going on as it is.” I glance at my watch again. “I really should get going.”

After popping the last bite of my bagel in my mouth, I move around the table to give Charlie a quick hug.

“Have a great day,” I say.

“You too. Don’t drool over Daddy Jensen too hard,” she calls out, her voice carrying enough to turn a few heads.

I lower my gaze, hoping no one notices the warm flush spreading across my cheeks. Charlie’s only teasing, and there’s no chance I’d ever let my attraction to Jensen interfere with his and Caleb’s time here. I’m sure by tomorrow, I’ll have moved on and will be busy fantasizing about someone else.

As I step outside, my thoughts drift to Caleb.

I wonder how his first day in Bluebell is going.

Mama Julie was supposed to give him and Jensen a tour of the school today before the summer program kicks off tomorrow.

It’s surreal to think they’ll both be at the house tonight.

After living alone for so long, it’ll be an adjustment—but my heart goes out to Jensen and Caleb, and I’ll do everything I can to help them feel at home.