Page 73 of Cash

“Look at us, making progress. No more threats of manslaughter.”

She smiles. “You’re getting ahead of yourself, cowboy. How are you feeling? You were working up a sweat on that dance floor.”

Drawing a breath, I have to think about that. When was the last time someone asked about me? How I’m doing?

When was the last time I feltdecentafter getting less than four hours of sleep?

“I’m…all right, actually. Tired, but not?”

“Me too.” She’s still smiling as she flips the omelets one last time. “I forgot how much I love to dance.”

I grab a pair of plates and hold them out, giving her a wink. “That’s because you’ve never danced with me before.”

“You’re not half bad.” She uses a spatula to slide an omelet onto each plate. “Not as good as I am, granted.”

“Hey. It’s been a minute. What do you want with this?” I hold up a plate. “Salsa? Sour cream?”

She blinks. “Both, please. And Texas Pete.”

“Got it.”

“Should I start on some more?” Mollie glances at the door. “I don’t know when to expect everyone else.”

“Like you said, people will be moving slow this morning.We can eat.” I set us up at the corner of the table, then head for the coffeepot. “You have any yet?”

“Not yet, no.”

“How do you like it?”

She blinks, like her mind went right into the gutter, just like mine. Is she blushing?

Aw, yeah, I like making Mollie blush.

“Black, please.”

Hand on the carafe, I frown. “Really?”

She hesitates. “Actually, can you make it light and sweet?”

“Yes, ma’am, I can. How I like it too.”

We sit and dig in. I love this time of day. The quiet. The hot coffee and cool air. Well, it’s not exactly cool, but it’s coolerthan it was last night.

“This is delicious.” I wipe my mouth on my napkin.

Mollie sips her coffee. “So is this. Thank you.”

“Drink up. You’re gonna need that energy if you’re coming out with us today.”

She hesitates again, coffee still in hand. “Is that an invitation?”

“You’re coming whether I invite you or not.”

Her lips twitch. “What gave me away?”

“The fact that you’re not wearing a single sequin. And the Ariats.”

“Just taking notes.” Mollie glances at my own Ariats under the table. I wear them every so often to keep Garrett’s boots from getting too banged up. “I thought I’d ask you to return the favor—I got you dancing last night, so I was hoping you’d get me riding today.”