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“All cars, or do you specialize?”
He looked at her, his eyes narrowed in irritation. “All types of cars.” His clipped response got through to the woman, who picked up her soda and turned away.
Miguel shifted in his seat in an attempt to find the couple on the dance floor. He spotted the man first, standing by a table, talking to the couple seated there. Panic whipped through him when he couldn’t see the woman. Seconds passed before he saw her returning from the hall where the restrooms were located.
Miguel let out a long breath, chastising himself for overreacting. Then again, he’d traveled a long way to find her. When the time was right, he’d approach the woman, and smile while he ruined her day.
“What is going on here?” Sam watched as the two dogs played near the corral by the destroyed barn. Both belonged to the Kelman Ranch, yet it wasn’t unusual for them to end up at Whistle Rock.
Duke had been rescued from a pack of wolves by Jake. Rowdy, younger and still somewhat of a pup, had been given to Abbie by Quinn. The two had become fast friends. You rarely spotted one without the other being nearby.
“They followed me down the road.” Logan knelt down, scratching Duke behind his ear before rubbing Rowdy’s belly. “I thought I’d lost them.”
“Yet here they are.”
“They’re the most predictable dogs I know.” Logan straightened.
“What are you doing here today?”
“I volunteered to help with rebuilding the barn. Jake is going to talk to Wyatt and Virgil about helping Mark and Amanda Swanson.”
Sam touched his arm. “If you hear we’re clear to help out, let me know. I want to be in on that.”
“Will do. What are you doing today?”
“We have a new group of guests arriving this afternoon. Oh, and one guest is staying for a third week.”
“Laurel Maddox,” Logan said.
“How did you know?”
“No great mystery. Between you and Daisy, everyone at the ranch knows she’s been here two weeks already and is looking to buy a building downtown.”
“Has she made an offer?”
“Not that I’ve heard. I would’ve expected you to know. Woman to woman stuff and all that.”
Sam laughed. “Woman to woman stuff? That’s good. I’ll have to tell Daisy. And no, I haven’t spoken to Laurel. It is a truly spectacular building inside. Outside,” she shrugged, “needs a little TLC.”
“Which building is it?” Logan continued to watch the dogs running around them.
“It was a café and soda shop for a long time. Daisy remembers it from high school. It’s between the bank and a building leasing space to professionals.”
Logan snapped his fingers. “I know it. A cream and pink exterior, and lots of carved wood inside.”
“That’s it. The paint is so faded it doesn’t even look like pink anymore. I hope she’s able to buy it. Laurel would be a great addition to the area.”
“She sure would.”
Sam took a step closer to him. “What do you mean?”
He scratched the back of his neck. “Well, she’s a real nice lady, smart, motivated, and beautiful.” Logan waved at Brady Blackwolf, who’d just exited the large barn. “I’m sure glad the small barn burned and not the biggest one.”
Sam nodded, her mind still on his description of Laurel. She wondered why his words bothered her so much.
“Hey, Logan. Sam.” Brady chuckled as Rowdy and Duke ran around and between them. “Are you two going to work on the barn?”
“Virgil hasn’t told me,” Sam answered. “This week’s guests start arriving in a couple hours.”
