Letting Go (Vista Falls #3) by Cheryl Douglas Page A

smiled, reaching for his hands. “And I have you to thank for that.”
    “No thanks necessary. It makes me feel good to see you doing so well.”
    “I’d like to see you happy too.”
    Colt wondered if his unhappiness was as obvious to everyone or if she had a sixth sense because she was his mother. “I’m working out a few things. I hope it’ll all come together.”
    “Maybe it would help if you went to see him,” she said again. “No pressure, but if you want, I can call you when he’s having a good day.”
    Colt frowned. “How would you know that?”
    “I have the nurses call me when it’s a good day. That’s when I go to see him. Sometimes he’s out of it by the time I get there, but more often than not, he’s still lucid. I could go with you, if you want.”
    “Let me think about it.” He stood to give her a hug. “It was good to see you, Mom. I’m glad I stopped by.”
    “Me too, honey,” she said, patting his back. “Me too.”
     

 
Chapter Eight
     
    Gabby was in the midst of making a dozen floral arrangements for a small wedding when Colt walked in with two cups of coffee.
    “My hero,” she joked then inhaled deeply as the strong scent of coffee filled the air. “I was just thinking about closing up for a few minutes to go and grab one of those. How’d you know?”
    “I’m a mind reader.” He set one of the cups on the glass counter between Gabby and her cash register so she wouldn’t risk knocking it over while she worked. “You look busy. You did all these by yourself?”
    “Yeah, my part-timer was supposed to come in and help for a bit,” she said, reaching for her coffee and peeling back the plastic lid, “but she was feeling a little under the weather, so I told her to stay home and get some rest.”
    “I’d offer to help,” he said, eyeing the white-and-pale-pink arrangements, “but I’d be way out of my element.”
    She laughed, thinking about how cute he’d look arranging flowers. “Why? Are you worried someone might walk by and see you?”
    “You know I don’t care what anyone else thinks.” He rested his forearms on the counter, leaning toward her. “Just you.”
    She closed her eyes when his lips touched hers briefly, a subconscious signal that she hoped he would take it further even though they were in plain sight of anyone passing by.
    She’d already had half a dozen customers ask her about Colt since their impromptu dinner at the diner. Word got around town fast, especially when the subject was its favorite bad boy. Reactions were mixed from those brave enough to voice their opinion. The little old ladies warned her to steer clear of Colt. He’d hurt her once, they reminded her, and he’d do it again. Those a little closer to Gabby’s age, married or not, told her she’d be crazy not to jump back in bed with him. When he looked at her the way he was now, she had to agree.
    “Tell me what you’re thinking.” He licked his lips as he watched her do the same. He was still leaning over the counter, invading her space. Not that she minded.
    “Word’s all over town, you know. That you and I were seen together.”
    He grinned. “Is that so?”
    “You don’t seem too upset about it.”
    “Why would I be? If other guys think you’re off the market, they’ll stop asking you out.”
    She didn’t want to reward his bad behavior with a smile, but she couldn’t help herself. “You’re incorrigible.”
    “Yeah, but you like it.”
    “Don’t flatter yourself.” She took a sip of her coffee as he rocked back on his heels, reaching for his own cup. “What brings you by anyhow? Shouldn’t you be holding down the fort with Wes away on his honeymoon?”
    Four more days until he and Sage returned. Not that Gabby was counting or anything. She felt as though so much had happened since her best friend left town. She couldn’t wait to fill her in.
    “They can manage without me for an hour. Besides, I had to come in and let you know I took your