Chapter 10 Sable
Sable
Iwent through every piece of clothing I brought with me to Whispering Oaks, but nothing felt appropriate to wear around Colt and Nellie. I knew that thought was dumb, so when I went downstairs at the Inn, ready to go shopping, I decided to veer from the course and went for a walk instead.
I made a quick stop at Oak & Brew, chatting with the barista about the area and what I’m there to do.
In doing so, I met a few women walking in to get a dose of caffeine themselves.
Ronnie, Shae, and Lyric heard me talking about it being my first time in Whispering Oaks, immediately took me off to the side, and we sat and chatted for nearly an hour.
I now have a list of places to sightsee, their phone numbers, and a promise to meet up with them again in the near future.
I left with dessert in hand, luckily, the coffee shop had baked goods from the local area, and I didn’t have to make a second stop.
Especially since I had approximately thirty minutes to get my rear in gear.
I rushed up the stairs, waving to Gus and his wife, changed into an oversized thin green sweater, front tucked into a pair of skinny jeans, and a pair of cognac flats.
I tossed my hair back in its clip, kept a few pieces out to frame my face, and I swiped some blush and mascara on with just enough time to spare.
By the time I made it downstairs, Colt and Nellie were just pulling in, and while I’m all for a chivalrous man, when he has a little girl in his truck, the last thing I want is for her to be left alone while he walks up the front steps to greet me.
Instead, I met him at the truck, where he opened the door for me, I slid in, and we were on our way.
“And this is my bedroom.” Nellie grabbed my hand the minute we parked on what I now know is the back of the building of Barlow Auto Repair.
From there, we went on a tour. I got to see the living room, the kitchen, a bathroom off the hallway, Colt’s bedroom, which I was shocked to see was cleaned and picked up.
I don’t know why I assumed it’d be messy and unkept.
And while I should have probably asked about Nellie’s mom, it’s safe to assume that she isn’t around in terms of their home.
“It’s pretty just like you.” I look around the room, taking in the butterflies she has on the walls, the peel-and-stick kind you can get from the store.
The quilt on her bed is light pink, as is the bean bag chair.
The bed frame, nightstand, and dresser are white, perfectly suited for a little girl.
“Thanks. And this is my mom. She’s in heaven.” Nellie drops an atom bomb, and I’m caught completely unaware. I can’t say that I’ve ever been in a situation similar to this one, having no idea what to do.
“Nellie girl,” Colt says from behind me. I look over my shoulder. He gives me a look that says, "Kids, what can you do?”
“Well, I just wanted her to know,” Nellie says with exasperation. “Aunt Kara says to put all the cards on the table. She’s smart, duh.” The way she talks, it seems she’s alright with bringing her mom up in conversation.
“You have her dimple when you smile.” I look from the framed photo to Nellie, who’s beaming at me without missing a beat about what would usually be an uncomfortable situation.
“That’s what Mimi and Poppy tell me, too.” Nellie exits the bedroom, leaving the two of us in her room.
“Sorry about that. I probably should have warned you, and her, for that matter. Brooke, Nellie’s mom, passed away the night she was born. In a car accident.” My hand goes to my throat, a gasp leaves me, and I’m once again stunned into silence.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. I’m sorry for your loss, for Nellie’s loss.” I take a step closer, my hand reaching out for his, unsure if he’ll be receptive or not but more than happy when he curls his around mine.
“Thank you. We weren’t together, two different people.
Still doesn’t make it easy when there’s a child involved.
Anyway, now that the hard shit is out of the way, what do you say we go about making dinner, and hopefully, the night doesn’t get too awkward where you’ll be running away from me again.
” Colt shoots me a wink, his head dips, and he brushes his lips against mine.
I’m unsure if I should press my body against his, drape my arms around his shoulders, and dig my fingers in the longish strands at the nape of his neck.
Colt’s tongue slides along my upper lip, causing me to shut down my brain and feel, really let myself go.
That's probably why, when his thumb slides against my cheek, the warmth from the palm of his hand and the way he grips my neck with his fingers are all I need. My hands move to his chest, I give chase with my tongue, and he takes it deeper. It isn’t until a clatter of noise coming from the kitchen that Colt ends the kiss.
“You good, Nellie?” He keeps his gaze locked on mine.
“Yeah, dropped the paint brushes.” She sounds annoyed with herself, and my ears perk right up with hearing what I’m assuming will be the next art and craft she’s about to do.
“We should probably get out there.” His words aren’t exactly convincing as he licks his lips and the hand not holding my face goes to my hip, giving it a firm squeeze. It’s when he slides his hand lower, causing a delicious shiver to skate down my spine, that my core heats with desire.
“Yeah, it might be for the best. You never know where paint can land. In your hair, on the floor, or on the walls, which are usually where they get the brunt of the colorful stuff.”
“I’m assuming you’re speaking from experience.” I guess we’ve yet to go into detail about our lives, well, his I’m able to see right in front of me. My career is a bit off the beaten path.
“Mural artist.” I raise my hand and give him a little finger wave. “That’s why I’m here in Whispering Oaks, the historical society hired me to do a few paintings in the downtown area.”
“No shit. That’s cool as hell. Nellie’s gonna freak and probably attempt to ask to help you.” It’s not every day you meet someone who thinks your job is actually a career. I usually get the ‘Oh, you’re one of those artsy types,’ to which I roll my eyes and move along.
“She’s more than welcome to come and watch. I can’t promise she’ll be allowed to paint, but I’m sure I can sneak a little something for her when no one is looking.” We hear the pitter-patter of feet and slowly disentangle from each other.
“I’ll be sure to let her know. Now, are you hungry? Because we’ve got maybe ten minutes until someone else goes from happy-go-lucky to a hangry hippo.” Colt’s lip tips to the side, well aware that while his back is to the door, he knows Nellie’s at the entrance.
“Hey, I heard that. Aunt Kara says you're worse.” Colt spins around and picks Nellie up with ease. She kicks her feet in the air, tosses her head back, lets out a loud belly laugh, and then they’re walking out of her bedroom. I follow their lead, smiling and laughing.
“Your aunt is going to get her butt kicked,” I hear him tell her, doubtful he’ll make good on his so-called threat.
“I am hungry, though.”
“Knew that. Come on. You and Sable can sit at the bar while I cook for you ladies this evening.” Colt plops Nellie on a stool, and I sit down beside her.
“Are you sure we can’t help?” I offer.
“Nope. Pretty simple dinner tonight. Lasagna, salad, and bread. I should have asked if you’re allergic to anything.” He looks up with an oh fuck expression on his face.
“Nope, no food allergies. Dinner sounds delicious. Maybe Nellie and I can set the table when the time comes.” Sitting down and not helping feels criminal.
“That you can do. You also didn’t need to bring dessert. Thank you all the same.”
“Yes, thank you. Daddy can cook…” Nellie pauses before she continues with her sentence, “but his baking is… umm…”
“Not so good?” I suggest.
“Terrible. He mixes up the sugar and salt. A lot.” Colt reminds me of Rafe with his demeanor and being teased.
“Well, then, I’m glad I could be of service. There’s a bit of everything. You’ll have to tell me what your favorites are for next time.” I’m about to wince thinking I may have just put my foot in my mouth.
“Anything that’s sweet, my girl loves.” I breathe a sigh of relief at Colt’s response.
“Daddy’s the same way.” Nellie gets down from her spot, moves to the mess on the floor, and rifles through a few pieces of paper before finding what she’s after. “Want to paint?” She brings back two notebooks and watercolor, one of my favorites to do when I need to recharge my system.
“I’d love to.” We settle in, and when Colt tells her about my job and what I’m going to be doing, Nellie’s face lights up. I’m already forming a plan on how to include her in the process.