Trust in the Lawe (Colorado Trust 3)

A sexy Colton and her tired mind were a bad combination.

“As you can see, everything is fine. Go away.”

His eyebrows rose. “Not too chipper this morning, are you?”

When he poured himself a cup of coffee—her coffee—her irritation increased. “There’s no reason to be.”

He leaned against the counter with his mug in hand. “Oh, I don’t know. How about, you’re alive, the sun’s going to rise in an hour, and the coffee is hazelnut.” He closed his eyes and lifted his mug to inhale the rich aroma. “I love hazelnut.”

Kendra stared, struck by the raw pleasure in his simple, gruff declaration. When he opened his eyes, she quickly looked away and mumbled, “Good for you.”

He sat at the table, kitty-corner, and their knees bumped once. “Whatcha readin’?”

She flipped her book closed and pulled it down out of sight. “None of your business.”

He chuckled into his cup when she fixed him with a glare. Then he slouched down in his chair and cradled his mug in his hands as if settling in for a comfortable morning chat. Like she was supposed to be able to hold an intelligent conversation while he was half-naked? Especially when she’d already seen him completely naked?

“You’re really not a morning person, are you?”

Tearing her gaze from the smattering of light blond hair on his chest, she shoved her book behind her back and rose to her feet. “I like mornings fine. Today it’s the company I dislike.”

“Ouch.” As she rinsed her mug, he asked, “What are you doing up at this ungodly hour anyway?”

She didn’t respond at first. When she turned, he caught her gaze and his expression asked the question all over again. “I told you last night I don’t sleep well.” With a hint of malice, she inquired, “And how about you?”

She imagined his tall frame in the small double bed and anticipated his answer with a glimmer of satisfaction.

“Actually, I slept great.”

She tried to determine if he was telling the truth or merely making sure she didn’t enjoy anything other than her coffee this morning. He appeared disgustingly well rested, while she felt grumpy and exhausted and was willing to bet she looked it—even after three cups of coffee.

Enough of him. She made it as far as the doorway.

“Kendra…we need to talk.”

She closed her eyes for a brief moment before turning. “Gee, it sounds like you’re going to end our relationship.” It was the only thing she could think to stall him. “Okay, fine. I know it was you, not me. I forgive you, have a nice life.”

She got two more steps.

“Kendra.”

She’d known it was coming; she heard it in his firm tone. Turning to lean against the doorframe, she folded her arms across her chest, the book tucked out of sight under her arm. Colton had risen to his feet, but she didn’t say a word to his somber expression. If he wanted to talk, let him talk.

“Who did you think I was last night?”

Her stomach gave a little twinge, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Nobody.” Good, she’d even managed to keep her voice flat. “Just a burglar.”

“You called me a monster.”

She’d forgotten about that, but it was easily explained. “You were in Noah’s room, I didn’t know what you were doing.”

He shook his head. “There was something in your voice—”

“Of course there was, I was scared.” Like now. Couldn’t he just leave it alone?

“You were angry, too.”

“I didn’t know it was you.”