Free Cowboys Like Us by Vicki Lewis Thompson Page B

her?”
    “I said I’d been drinking espresso.” “Have you?”
    “Yes. I didn’t get any sleep last night, for some reason.”
    “Not even after I left?”
    “No. I looked you up on Google instead.”
    He stopped and turned to stare at her. “You did what?”
    “I looked you up on the web. I learned a lot.”
    His expression was unreadable. “Ancient history, I’m afraid.”
    “Maybe so, but I want to apologize for so breezily suggesting you find another career. You were brilliant. I understand why you can’t just move on to something else. It’s not that easy.”
    He took a deep breath. “It may not be easy, but it’s the right idea. I haven’t slept, either, and I’ve guzzled coffee, too, so my mind is probably hopped up on caffeine. But I do know that you were absolutely right to say that.”
    “I was arrogant to say that.”
    “I’d call it practical, and I apologize for being irritated. The door has closed behind me. Time to find a new door.”
    She met his gaze. Obviously he was making progress in his thinking, and she didn’t want to wreck that. “Any ideas?”
    “Not a single one.” He smiled at her. “But you promised to help me come up with a plan B once we got out on the trail.”
    “Now that I’ve seen all that stuff on the internet about you, I don’t think I’m qualified. It won’t be easy coming up with something that absorbs your attention like that. And I know nothing about sports.”
    “Doesn’t matter. I have to start somewhere, and I can’t think of a better person to brainstorm with than you. But before we leave, I have to show you what I’m working on. It’s kind of cool.” He turned and started back down the pathway to the barn.
    Whatever this new project was, she was encouraged by his enthusiasm. That attitude was a huge improvement over describing himself as a washed-up baseball player. Maybe he’d get lucky and this project would lead to something bigger, something he could latch on to.
    A dog lay on either side of the barn doors. The one on the left had short hair and was tan and white, with a snub nose and pointed ears. The one on the right was all black, with long curly hair and floppy ears.
    “Meet Butch and Sundance.” Logan pointed to the left and right. “Guys, this is Caro, a most excellent lady of my acquaintance.”
    The dogs lumbered to their feet and came toward her for some attention. She crouched down and petted both at once. “I’d forgotten how much I love dogs. My grandmother is allergic to animals, so I couldn’t have any while I lived with her.”
    “Knowing Josie, she’d be willing to let you have a dog in your apartment.”
    Caro gave each dog one last scratch and stood. “It wouldn’t be fair. I’m either working or driving to Jackson. Dogs need someone who can take them out for walks, throw balls for them, keep them company.” She glanced at him. “I don’t have room for a dog in my life, any more than I have room for a man.”
    “At least the man wouldn’t need you to play fetch with him.”
    She laughed. “No, but he’d want me to play other games, no doubt.”
    “Yes, he would.” His eyes gleamed with wicked intent. “Come on, let me show you this real quick, and then we’ll ride off into the sunset.” He ushered her into the cool interior of the barn, which smelled of hay, manure and leather.
    She rather liked the combination, but then, she was acountry girl. She wondered if Logan simply tolerated it for the time being.
    “I don’t have an elaborate workbench.” He gestured toward one of the stalls, which had been swept clean. “But Jack helped me put something together so I could tackle this job. Take a look.”
    She peered into the stall, which had been recently modified, judging from the sawdust and the scent of cut lumber. A waist-high shelf spanned the end of the stall and a pegboard loaded with various tools hung above it. Under the shelf lay pieces of what must have been an old cradle. Judging from the