The Cowboy Sheriff. Trish Milburn

itself as clear as water. “Because once upon a time we were friends, and I’d like to be again.”

       He braced himself for a hot and sharp response, something about that ship having sailed, but it didn’t come. Keri simply stood in the doorway for a few seconds, then turned to head back to work.

       He wasn’t about to examine why, but her response made him smile. Despite what he’d told her, he couldn’t really explain this need to help her. Sure, they’d been friends before and the whole deal with Carter was long past due for resolution. But something deep inside told him those weren’t the only reasons he was determined to place himself back in Keri Mehler’s life.

       He feared it might have a bit more to do with her long, slim body and chocolate-brown eyes. He was attracted to her, and no one was more surprised than him.

       “So, what do you think, Hannah? Think I have a shot?”

       Hannah smiled wide again, and he took that as a good sign.