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a surge of joy in her heart. “This is so nice of all of you,” she said to no one in particular.
    “It was a rotten thing that happened to you.” Yet another handsome, dark-haired man smiled at her. “I’m Matt Jeffries, the physical therapist at the clinic. I had an hour between appointments and thought I’d lend a hand.”
    “That’s so kind.” She was amazed at the support she was getting from people she didn’t even know.
A guy with an hour between appointments came to help me out?
Astounding. No other word seemed to fit.

    [ * * ]

    Addie strolled through the cleaned and polished rooms of her inn. The furniture was still ruined, but what was left sparkled and shone. The cowboys had dragged all the mattresses out to a truck, and someone had hauled them off. She’d seen a couple of people bring a different mattress in, along with an armload of linens, to make her room usable. After Mel and two other women finished in the owner’s suite, Addie walked in and found the bed made up with fresh sheets and a pretty blue comforter she knew hadn’t been there before.
    There were even two fluffy pillows, a pleasant sight given how tired she suddenly was.
    “That was good pizza.” Chloe followed her, a bottle of beer in her hand.

    “Where’d you get that?” Addie sat on the edge of the mattress.
    Chloe shrugged. “Whoever brought the pizza brought beer, too. There’s a bunch of other food in the fridge. No idea where it came from.”
    Addie tried to remember whom she’d seen carrying bags. Mel.
Of course
. When the cleaning had been complete, the group had moved out to the porch so the exterminator could do his thing. He’d sprayed thoroughly and promised Addie he’d return, twice a week, until they were sure the problem was under control.
    While they were outside, Ryan had returned with an armful of pizza boxes and drinks.
    Addie was so grateful he’d fed everyone. It was exactly what she’d have done if she’d been able. Somehow, she’d figure a way to repay the people of Cattle Valley. Once she got the inn open, and money was regular. She smiled at the pleasant thought.
    “They brought chocolate chip cookies, too.” Chloe munched into one, and crumbs sprinkled to the floor.
    “Hey! They just cleaned in here.” Addie grabbed the cookie from her hand and scooped up the crumbs. “Go eat in the kitchen, please. Use a napkin or a plate or something.”
    “Look who’s Miss Snotty Pants tonight.” Chloe snatched her cookie back and stomped off in the direction of the kitchen.
    Addie sighed. She peeled out of her clothes and headed for the bathroom. She hadn’t entirely unpacked, but her suitcases were open, and she easily found what she needed. Soap, shampoo and a towel would do it for tonight. She wanted to get cleaned up and go to bed.
    She stepped into the shower-tub combo and drew the plastic curtain. There was good pressure, and the water felt nice and warm. Tonight, she was thankful for small favours. She was standing with her face upturned to the spray when something moved behind her.
    Terrified, Addie spun around and saw a naked Chloe climb into the shower. “What are you doing?”
    “Just what I promised. Remember what I said about getting you alone?”
    “Chloe, I—” Addie’s protest was cut off with a kiss. The tongue that stabbed into her mouth tasted like beer and chocolate, not entirely unpleasant flavours. She tried to pull away, but two hands clutched her firmly, kneading her breasts and running over her slick, wet skin.

    “No arguments,” Chloe murmured, their mouths still touching. “I’m going to make love to you.
Need
to make love to you.”
    Addie squirmed as a hand groped her crotch, working its way between her legs.
    Fingers parted her lips and worked upwards, spearing her pussy.
Okay, maybe
. She wasn’t that interested, but it was suddenly too late to turn back. Leaning against the tile wall, Addie spread her legs to allow better access.
    Chloe took advantage.