Wild Horses Read Free Page A

and his son were extraordinary. It was going to be difficult to pick out only a couple to email to him.
    Two hours later and well past her bedtime, Georgia composed an email to Jonathan. She barely kept herself from rambling. She attached five shots and crossed her fingers as she hit Send . Georgia really hoped he liked them, but there was nothing she could do but wait.
    “Well, Mr. Biggis, cross your paws for me,” she yawned and shut down the laptop. “Night, kitty.”

    ****
    Three days. Three stinking days since she sent the email, and she hadn’t received any kind of response. While she tried to console herself with the fact Jonathan could be out of town or could be too busy to check his email, those excuses seemed hollow.
    Once the rush died down, Georgia logged into her email. Still nothing. She sighed, upset with herself for being so stuck on hearing from Jonathan. You know nothing about the man. Knock it off, girl .
    She busied herself with wiping down several of the tables. The door chime indicated a customer. A melodic voice belted out Georgia on My Mind . Georgia didn’t bother looking up before greeting Manny. “How’s it going, Officer?”
    “A beautiful, yet chilly day in the neighborhood. How’s my Peach?” He grinned unrepentantly before wrapping his beefy arm around her shoulder.
    “Only you, Manny.” She chuckled and stood her on tiptoes, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. “How’s Chad?”
    “Doing well, thanks for asking. He’s happy business has been so brisk at the gallery.”
    Georgia nodded. “Good, glad to hear it. What kind of latte would you like?”
    He scratched his chin before answering, “The usual.”
      “So predictable, you are.” She’d begun to make his drink when the door chimed again.
      A man paused just inside the door. He appeared to be taking in the shop’s décor. Finally, he made eye contact with Georgia, and laid a dazzling smile on her. “Hey, Georgia! Nice place you’ve got here.”
    Georgia glanced at Manny who now resembled an overprotective big brother, his gaze direct, studying the newcomer. She stifled a chuckle. “Hey, Jonathan! This is a pleasant surprise.”
    He walked up to the counter and shot Manny an inquisitive glance. Manny hadn’t moved, but at least his expression softened into curiosity. Jonathan nodded, “Officer,” then studied the board behind the counter.
    “Can I make you a drink?” She handed Manny his latte and tried not to fidget, surprised by how nervous she was. For some reason, she wanted Jonathan to be impressed.
    He crinkled his nose before saying, “Maybe just a black coffee? I’m not into all that flavored, sweet stuff.”
    Although he didn’t know it, Jonathan just lost major points with Manny. Georgia shot the cop a look. He rolled his eyes and loomed over the end of the counter. “Sure. That’s easy enough.”
    As she handed Jonathan the mug, her fingers brushed his. The jolt of electricity in their touch made her release the mug before Jonathan had a secure grip on it. Georgia watched in horror as the cup crashed on the granite counter, sending coffee flying. Most of it landed on the front of Jonathan’s button-down shirt.
    “Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” Georgia frantically grabbed a handful of paper towels and passed them to Jonathan.
    “No worries, I’ll live; although, I’m not so sure about the shirt.” Jonathan wiped his hands on the towels before mopping up his shirt.
    Ever helpful, Manny motioned to his right. “Bathroom’s that way if you want to clean up.”
    By the time Georgia looked at Manny, the latte was poised in front of his mouth. Given the wrinkles around his eyes, he was trying to hide at least a smile if not a laugh.
    Georgia glared at the officer before handing Jonathan another handful of napkins. When she looked over at him, he just shrugged. Men!   At least the tension in the room had diffused.
    “Let me get you another cup of coffee. I promise not to drop this