Santa in a Stetson by Rebecca Winters Page A

After it beeped she read, “Ninety-nine!” Kathryn flashed her a smile. “You’re going to live.” She could tell her pronouncement relieved Colt.
    Someone had put a pitcher of water and a glass on the side table. She got up and poured a full glass before handing her the pills she needed to take. “Drink all of it.”
    â€œOkay.”
    After she swallowed them, Kathryn asked, “Have you been to the bathroom?”
    â€œDad helped me.” Her brown eyes darted to her father. “Could I call Jen first?”
    He shook his dark head. “She phoned earlier today and I told her you’d get in touch with her tomorrow.” In a surprise move, he reached into her bottom dresser drawer and pulled out a cell phone. “I’ll turn this on in case you need to phone me.” Colt put it on her side table.
    If Kathryn wasn’t mistaken, Allie looked guilty about her phone. She’d obviously hidden it before leaving for Salt Lake. At least the thief hadn’t gotten hold of it when he’d taken her purse. “Is she mad at me?”
    â€œI think it’s more of a case of her being mad at herself for going along with you.”
    Allie averted her eyes. “I’ll apologize to her.”
    â€œI think that better include her parents.”
    â€œI bet they hate me.” Kathryn detected a tremor in her voice.
    â€œNot their daughter’s best friend,” Colt assured her with a kiss on the cheek. “Sleep tight, honey.”
    Kathryn gathered up her bag and the three of them left the room. Colt turned to her. “There’s an en suite bathroom in your room. After you’ve freshened up, feel free to come downstairs and watch TV or do whatever you’d like. I have work to do, but I’ll ask Noreen to make you coffee or tea, whichever you prefer.”
    â€œIf you have a cola, I’d like that.”
    â€œI’ll get it for you,” Matt offered.
    â€œThanks. I’ll be down in a minute.”
    The second she found herself alone and closed the door, her breath came rushing out. Until just now she hadn’t realized she’d been holding it. There was no one to blame but Colt Brenner for her body’s uncharacteristic reaction.
    Afraid to dwell on thoughts of him, she put her bag down and reached for the phone to call her mother because she’d promised. When her mom didn’t answer, she left a message on her voice mail that she’d arrived safely.
    After she hung up, she saw that she’d received several work messages and one from Maggie. Her pulse raced, fearing something might be wrong. Kathryn phoned her immediately, anxious to hear her sister’s voice. “Kathryn?”
    â€œMaggie? What’s happened?”
    â€œWhy nothing. I’m driving through Federal Heights right now, but couldn’t wait to talk to you.”
    Kathryn frowned. “About what?”
    â€œYou know what. I was the one who opened the plane door. I stood right behind you when Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome reached for his daughter. My jaw must have dropped a foot. It’s a good thing Jake didn’t see my reaction.”
    Heat crept into Kathryn’s cheeks.
    â€œCat got your tongue? I thought so. When you find it, call me back.”
    Click.
    Oh, Maggie. If only it were that simple…
    He was spectacular all right, but there was layer after complicated layer to Colt Brenner, the man.
    On the surface she understood the protective father and successful rancher, yet already Kathryn had picked up on negative vibes he sent out.
    Her radar had been fine-tuned in Wisconsin. She was good at reading what was going on in other people’s heads. She’d had to be after having been passed around to different homes month after month, year after year.
    No one had wanted the little girl who’d been dumped on them at the farm, but they did their duty. She’d been tolerated and taken care of, but she’d been