Shelby raised a brow. “Have you lost every last one of your manners?”
What manners? He’d never had many to begin with.
Shelby pushed herself to standing and grabbed her walker. She tested out her ankle, seemed satisfied, and turned her back on him. “I’m going to sort through my mail and see if I have any notes on my laptop about the case. Go help Connor, and try to be civil.”
“Shelby…”
She held up a hand, her eyes snapping when he reached for her. “You’re a one-man army. We get it. I like my independence and autonomy too. I hate asking for help or relying on anyone, but one thing I’ve learned since the shooting—we need other people, Colton.”
Her hand landed on his heart and stayed there for a moment, the heat of it soaking into his worn-out body. “This once?” she said, looking up into his eyes. “Stop being a bullheaded SOB and accept your friend’s help. Do it for me if you won’t do it for yourself.”
She turned away once more, setting her walker for the dining room.
The sting of her words bit at him as if an invisible dog were at his feet nipping his ankles. The real dog panted as he stared up at Colton, tail swishing and ears perked like usual.
Yeah, she’s like that. Always putting me in my place.
As if the dog understood, he wagged harder.
Discreetly, Colton watched over Shelby as she walked slowly but determinedly into the dining room. The blinds were drawn but she didn’t flip on the light. Her irritation at him had fostered one bonus—she was fired up enough to step-by-meticulous-step walk the room to open each blind and let in the morning light.
He had to bite his lip not to yell at her to stay away from the windows because he knew she wouldn’t listen. Luckily, this part of the house faced the side of the property along the driveway and looked over wheat fields that stretched out for miles.
She seated herself at the long, rectangular table—one he had built himself as a wedding gift to her. She was so goddamn beautiful in that light, her blond hair shimmering, her skin porcelain.
As if she felt his gaze, she shot a glance over her shoulder and saw him watching. He quickly turned away and got busy making a fresh pot of coffee.
Because judging by the way this day had started, it looked like he was going to need it.
