Candy Kisses

Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Whispers

Monica slipped the kitchen drawer open and quickly grabbed a Jalapeño ChocoDrop. After savoring the rich texture, she sighed and swallowed. Perfect. Not spicy. Just Zippy. She laughed at her own creativity and returned to washing dishes. Zippy?

Humming the tune from the night before she tried to remember the words, "Hmm...hmm..." It was something about a woman making her man happy behind a closed door; a really sexy song.

Dirk sang the words from the doorway and Monica whirled around. He had a beautiful voice. A look passed between them that she didn't want to examine and she quickly resumed washing dishes. She heard a chair scrape.

Willing her pounding heart to stop pounding, she asked, "Would you like a refill on your coffee?" This is so not what I want.

"Yes. Thanks."

Wiping her hands on her apron she walked to the table after grabbing the coffee carafe and inwardly grimaced. I can't believe I'm wearing an apron.

After refilling Dirk's cup and returning the carafe to the coffeemaker she started back toward the sink, but he patted the table across from him. "Grab your tea and have a seat."

Trying to sound nonchalant, she replied, "Sure." This is awkward. I never should have gone to Boot Bustin' Barn. I should have kept everything strictly business.

Dirk said, "Did you have fun last night?"

"I did."

There was a long silence while they both sipped from their cups.

He said, "I talked to Tessa and she's staying another night with Shauna."

Monica traced her index finger around the lip of her cup.

Dirk asked, "Since it's Saturday and your day off, what are your plans for the day?"

She stopped the motion of her finger. "I was thinking about starting Miles' latest book." I wonder if he knows Miles' and I were once lovers.

He lifted his cup and said before sipping, "I'm going to the Lazy M to check out Sage and Sarah's foal. Would you like to come along?"

"Are you going to do your horse whispering thing?" Did that sound rude?

He smiled, showcasing the dimple that was now a crease—a very attractive crease. "I am."

Although Monica's head told her to keep her distance for her remaining time in Paxtonville, her natural curiosity slammed the door on that directive. "Yes. I'd like to go."

Dirk grinned and the crease deepened. "Can you be ready in half an hour?"

"I'll meet you at the front door."

Forty minutes later, Dirk pulled his awesome truck past his gate and onto the highway. For the fifteen minutes it took to arrive at the Tanners' gate, they made small talk and discussed his plans after he got his cast off.

Curious, Monica asked, "How soon until you're back on the rodeo circuit?"

"Probably six to eight weeks after the cast is history."

"Will Tessa go with you?"

"No. She's stays with Shauna's family. That's been our arrangement since her mother died. They're good people and I trust them with her care." He paused. "I'm only riding another year and then retiring. I'm too old for bull riding."

Without thinking, Monica asked, "What will you do then?" She hastened to add, "I'm sorry, that sounds nosy. You don't have to answer."

Dirk said seriously, "I don't mind answering. I'm going to get my horse ranch started and also offer my services as a whisperer. The reason I'm staying with the rodeo another year is because I have endorsement contracts to fulfill—clothing and saddlery companies—and I'd like to pick up a few more before I retire that don't require me to be active in the sport. Endorsements pay well, which will help in getting my ranch running."