Deke’s gaze snapped up, his jaw tightening. “Stay the fuck away from her.”
Hud laughed, the sound echoing off the walls and making Deke shake his head in mock exasperation.
“Man, you are too easy. I wouldn’t do that to you and you know it.”
“I know, but women chase after you like you’re a prize, though hell, I can’t see why.”
“Because I’m better-looking,” Hud shruggedwith a grin. Then he pushed to his feet. “Seriously, Deke, you have nothing to worry about with Ava. She’s too in love with you.” He ambled toward his desk by the window, sunshine outlining his silhouette.
“In love with me? Bullshit,” Deke muttered under his breath.
“Talking to yourself?” Rawley’s voice came from the next desk, where he was settling in behind stacks of paperwork.
Deke smirked. “Feels like that’s all I do these days.”
At that moment Dave strolled over from the back office, paper in hand. He dropped it on Rawley’s desk with a soft thump. “Seven horses missing in Spring City.”
Rawley picked up the report. “On it. I’ll catch you later, Deke.”
“Yep,” Deke replied, watching Rawley don his hat and stride toward the elevators. He exhaled, new assignments were always looming, and he hoped he was done with traveling for a case for a while.
As he rifled through case files, a soft buzz vibrated in his pocket. He pulled out his phone: a text from Ava.
How about steaks tonight? I found some in the freezer.
He tapped back, grinning.Sounds good. Medium rare.He laughed when she sent a sick emoji back.
If that’s what you want.
Deke glanced around the room then texted:I want you.
Dessert?
Definitely. What’s Ellie up to?
Your dad has her. She’s being spoiled rotten.
No surprise there.
Is it okay if I walk to the barn?
Ava, do whatever you like. I’ll let you know when I’m heading home.
Okay. Stay safe.
Yes, ma’am.He pocketed the phone and opened a drawer for a pen. His fingers froze on the cold metal as he spotted a Barbie doll still sealed in its plastic display box, bright pink dress shimmering under the fluorescent lights. He looked around, no one was watching, then he stood, holding the toy.
“Okay, who left this here?” he asked, voice amused. The men nearby chuckled but stayed silent.
“Well, thanks whoever did. My daughter’s going to love it.” His grin widened as he sat back down, warmth spreading through him. He really did work with a great bunch.
****
Around midday, Ava pressed her palm against the heavy, wrought-iron latch and swung open the barn’s door. A rush of cool, sweet air swept past her, laden with the faintly sour tang of fresh-cut hay and the deep, animal musk of worn leather bridles. Her boot heels clicked on the threshold, then crunched softly over the straw-scattered concrete floor. Narrow beams of sunlight slanted through the high skylights above, each ray gilding a swirl of dust motes and casting the aisle in a soft, honeyed glow. She paused, taking a long breath of that fragrant air, then set off toward the neareststall, only to find its gate slid open and its interior empty.
She wandered onward, fingertips grazing the boards of each open stall door, feeling the grain’s subtle ridges beneath her skin. The smell of muck rose from the floor, but no horse stirred behind the doors. Somewhere toward the barn’s rear, a hinge groaned, and Ava lifted her gaze to see a tall figure filling the back doorway. Sunlight haloed him, highlighting the broad sweep of his shoulders and the long lines of his legs.
“Ma’am? Do you need some help?” His voice rolled out low and warm, rich like dark molasses and sent a sudden thrill through her chest. Ava’s pulse tapped in her ears. She was in love with Deacon, yes, but she could still appreciate a handsome man.
