Colt by Lori Foster

Author:Lori Foster
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2021-03-22T15:29:33+00:00

* * *

ENTERING SCREWY LOUIE’S was like walking back in time.

It hadn’t changed from the last big update in décor, which had happened before her move. Even the smells were the same, prompting her to briefly close her eyes and inhale deeply.

“That’s Dad’s barbecue you smell,” Colt said. “Even though he still cooks out back, a lot of people are eating inside.”

Even this, the way Colt smiled down at her, how he stood so close, took her back. “Mmm, to me it smells like ambrosia.”

“Missed it, huh?”

She’d missed so many things, him most of all. “The last few years have been...chaotic.” Physically exhausting and emotionally crushing, with the health care of her grandma and father, followed by their deaths. Her father’s declining health had been particularly grueling. There’d been no time to think about personal pursuits or pleasures.

Pushing aside the devastation of that loss, Charish took in the crowded booths, the noise drifting out of the kitchen, and the bustling of the staff. “It feels so good to be home. The easier pace just sort of sinks in.”

Just then, Kristy went flying past them, a huge tray piled high with dishes. She was so intent on balancing her load, she didn’t even notice them.

Colt grinned. “No easy pace for anyone working here. Luckily, Violet hired on more help, but Saturdays are still insane. Come on.” Opening his hand on the small of her back, he steered her through the restaurant.

Tonight she wore a pastel T-shirt with loose white cotton shorts that tied at the waist and comfortable flip-flops. She’d left her hair free and used only a modicum of makeup. She hoped she looked better than when Colt first saw her, more like herself now, but still very casual. After all, she didn’t want him to think she’d primped for him—even if she had...just a little.

Along the way through the diner, people greeted him, and occasionally her. She was surprised that so many people remembered her. Some of the faces were familiar, some she couldn’t quite recall.

They all appeared to love Colt.

A few of the women even stared at her with less than friendly expressions. Charish wondered if they were intimate friends like Heidi, but she quickly blocked the thought and merely smiled back.

His sexual history was none of her business.

“This way.” He led her to a hallway.

Acutely aware of his hot palm on her back, she asked, “Where are we going?”

“Figured we’d say hi to Violet first.” He kept her moving until they reached the office. With two raps on the door, Colt opened it.

And found his dad crushing Violet close, their mouths glued together.

Charish blanched, but Colt just laughed.

They broke apart, Violet with a start, Hogan with a scowl for the interruption.

Mortified heat rushed into Charish’s face. “I’m so sorry. We didn’t mean to interrupt—”

“Charish?” Still fit and handsome, Hogan Guthrie smiled, stepped forward, and drew her into a hug. “You’re all grown up and as pretty as ever.”

It was so easy to see where Colt had gotten

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.