Extra sleep. Yeah, right. Nick was up, dressed and slugging down coffee by the time Rafe, his barn-duty partner, stumbled into the darkened kitchen buttoning his shirt.
“You could turn on a light, y’know,” he muttered.
“Don’t need it.”
“Whatcha doing up so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep.”
“Eva?”
“Yep.”
“Figured.” Rafe took a mug from the cupboard, forgot to close the door and banged his head. He swore softly.
“Want me to turn on a light?”
“Not now. Damage is done.” He handed Nick the mug. “I’d appreciate it if you’d pour it for me, seeing as how you have night vision. I’m liable to scald myself.”
Nick grinned. “I’ll turn on a—”
“Heck, no. You’ll spoil all the fun of pretending we’re living in olden times.”
“Sarcasm doesn’t become you.” He handed Rafe a steaming mug.
“I’d say it fits me perfectly. I take it you’re jacked up about spending the day at Eva’s place?”
“Keep your voice down.”
“No worries. Those boys are nighty-night. Anyway, we all know you’re hung up on her. Stands to reason you’d be anticipating today’s assignment like a kid on Christmas morning.”
“I’m not that far gone.” He was exactly that far gone. “Here’s the thing. Last night, when we were saying goodbye on her porch, there was a moment when I’d swear she was into me.”
“Don’t go kidding yourself. I’ve made that mistake too many times with Kate.”
“I don’t think I’m wrong, but speaking of Kate, aren’t you taking her out for a day-long horseback ride in a few hours?”
“That I am. I knew she planned on bidding to win, but I don’t think she can afford what she ended up paying.”
“Same with Eva.”
“I thought about offering to reimburse Kate, but she’d just get mad. I’ll make the ride as nice as I can. Jake’s fixing a lunch for us.”
“Have you ever been alone with Kate?”
“Not to this extent. Jake thinks I should make a move, but…”
“You should.”
“I will if you will.”
“Forget it, bro. Our situations are totally different. You and Kate have been dancing around each other for almost two years. I’ve only known Eva since March, and until two months ago she was all about CJ.”
“Who’s now happily engaged, so you have a clear shot.”
“I’m not saying I’ll never make a move, but it won’t be today. Like you pointed out, I could be wrong about that look she gave me last night.”
“Can you describe it?”
Nick sipped his coffee. “She was on a rant about how if I insisted on giving her twelve hours of hard labor, she’d by God cook me a bunch of food in return. I was planning to take my own, but she’d worked up a head of steam about providing it for me.”
“That’s a good sign. Women don’t tend to cook for a guy unless they like him.”
“I thought it was great that she wanted to, so I gave her a big smile and accepted her offer. That’s when she stared at me like she was seeing me for the first time.”
“Maybe you had food in your teeth.”
“I didn’t. I checked later.”
“A booger in your nose?”
“No, Rafe. Not a booger. I think she felt something.”
“Likely heartburn, then. Lots of rich food last night. Those crackers topped with cheese and jalapeno would give anybody—”
“Damn it, that’s not what I was getting from her. I’d know if it was indigestion. In that moment, she was into me. Startled us both.”
“For your sake, I hope you’re right.” Rafe rinsed his mug in the sink and put it in the dishwasher. “Ready to go feed those ponies? Leo’s up, too. He said he’d be down in a few minutes. That way we’ll get done faster.”
“Good.” Nick gulped the last of his coffee, rinsed his mug and put it in the dishwasher rack next to Rafe’s. Had he misinterpreted Eva’s expression last night? What if she’d suddenly remembered she’d left her curling iron turned on? Or a candle burning?
That made no sense, though. If she’d remembered something like that, she would have quickly excused herself and rushed inside. Instead she’d stayed right where he’d left her, like her boots were nailed to the porch.
Then again, she’d been emotional after watching Ellie Mae and Ed jitterbug. He’d be wise not to expect a similar response from her in the light of a new day. At least he’d be allowed to spend more time with her than he ever had before.
Her offer to prepare some food had promise according to Rafe. She wouldn’t bring him a plate and leave him to eat it alone, either. That wasn’t Eva. They’d eat at least one meal together. Likely two.
Barn duty went quickly with three of them working, so Nick left Leo and Rafe to finish up. Hot-footing it to the bunkhouse, he cleaned up before helping Garrett fix breakfast. Garrett had taken over kitchen detail except for chuck-wagon stew night on Friday. That was still Jake’s deal.
Nick usually made toast, leaving the eggs and bacon to Garrett. That cowboy had a way with scrambled eggs, always finding new ingredients to throw into the pan.
This morning he wanted to add red peppers and mushrooms and Nick offered to chop them for him. Used to be CJ’s job. He’d taught Nick a few of his techniques.
Garrett hummed under his breath as he laid strips of bacon onto the cast-iron griddle. Humming wasn’t typical for the Buckskin’s newest hire.
Nick glanced at him. “Have fun last night?”
“I did, actually. Darcy loves being a vet and can’t wait to start helping with the raptors. First time I’ve had a chance to talk to her.”
“First time I’ve laid eyes on her, let alone had a conversation. Sounds like you enjoyed her company.”
“Yep.”
“We’re here,” Rafe called out as he and Leo came through the front door. “Do we have time for a shower?”
“If you make it snappy!” Garrett hollered back.
Nick finished his chopping and moved into toast-making mode. “What are you doing with Darcy for your auction thing? I can’t remember.”
“We’re heading up to Glacier today for lunch and sightseeing.”
“Any sparks between you two?”
Garrett smiled. “No. We even tested that with a kiss last night. Zero chemistry. We had a good laugh about it, which tells me we’re going to be great friends. That’s fine, too.”
“Good way to look at it.” Could he take that attitude with Eva? Didn’t seem likely. He had sparks flying everywhere. “I guess I just assumed since she bid on you, she was interested.”
“She was willing to entertain the possibility. So was I. Like I said—no chemistry. But Raptors Rise benefitted and we both want to see Glacier. It’s all good.”
“I admire how you roll with the punches.”
“Had plenty of practice.” He looked over at the toaster. “Better get that toast buttered quick. We’re ready.”
“And so am I, gents.” Leo walked into the kitchen, his hair still damp from the shower. “After all I ate last night, I thought I’d never be hungry again, but one whiff of frying bacon and my stomach’s talking to me.”
Nick piled toast on a platter and set it on the table. “Grab a plate. I made a fresh pot of coffee.”
“Take an apple, too,” Garrett said. “Nobody eats enough fruit around here. I buy it and it just sits there.”
Leo grinned and plucked an apple from a bowl on the counter. “Yes, Mom.” Then he turned toward the doorway. “Think fast, bro!” He tossed the apple at Rafe as he came down the aisle between the bunks.
Rafe caught it in one large hand. “What am I supposed to do with this?”
“Eat it. It’s good for you.” Leo picked up another apple. “Here you go, Nick.” He lobbed it over. “Garrett, you, too.” He placed an apple near the stove and snatched the last one from the bowl before looking over at Garrett. “Happy, now?” He took a large bite.
Garrett rolled his eyes. “Delirious.”
Rafe finished his in no time. “That’s enough standing around eating apples.” He took a plate from the stack on the counter and filled it from the food simmering on the stove. “I have places to go and things to do.”
“We can tell,” Leo said. “You put on half a bottle of cologne.”
“Don’t tease him,” Nick said. “He’s already nervous.”
“Am not.” Rafe pulled out a chair and sat.
“Well, I am.” Nick piled food on his plate and carried it to the table. “This is my big chance with Eva and I’m scared I’ll blow it.”
“I notice it doesn’t affect your appetite,” Leo said.
“Nothing affects my appetite.” He went for coffee before sitting down. Then it hit him. Out of habit, he’d loaded his plate like he usually did. But his gut was tight with anxiety. He had absolutely no interest in taking even a single bite.
But he’d eat it all, stuff it down if necessary. For one thing, he’d just announced that nothing spoiled his appetite. For another, and this was more important than saving face, wasting food drove him crazy.