Cowboy Untamed. Vicki Lewis Thompson

I don’t do that.” Grady held up the pot. “Sapphire? Coffee?”

      “Sure. Thanks.”

      He poured it and tossed her a wink when Arlene started in on unsafe-welding-torch stories again. “If you ladies will excuse me, I’m gonna take my coffee and get back to work.”

      “Me, too,” Arlene said. “I’ll walk you down there.”

      “That would be great.” Grady gave Sapphire a quick smile before leaving with Arlene.

      Her voice drifted back as they started down the barn aisle. “Can I peek in on your project?”

      “Not yet, ma’am.” Grady sounded polite but firm. “If you don’t mind, this is a very personal sculpture, so I’d like to make a lot more progress before I show it to anyone.”

      “Oh, sure, sure. I totally understand.” Arlene must have realized she was being pushy. “I’ll just stop off here at my stall, then. See you later!”

      Nicely handled, Sapphire thought. Knowing he’d trusted her enough to seek her advice about the piece created a warm glow that she carried with her as she returned to her wheel. But her plan to keep her emotional distance wasn’t working worth a damn. That could be a problem.