Asking for Trouble by Jannine Gallant

scooped the cat onto her lap.
    “I don’t know about you, but I think I’ve had enough painting for one afternoon.”
    “If I could just get the tail feathers to co-operate…there.” He glanced up and smiled. “Let’s quit. I’m pretty sure more paint isn’t going to improve the picture.”
    She tilted her head. “Your bird is a tad lopsided, but still much better than mine. I think your standards are just too high.”
    One broad shoulder lifted. “Not the first time I’ve been told that by a woman.”
    A snort of laughter escaped her. “I bet she wasn’t talking about art.”
    He grinned. “Maybe not.”
    After dumping the cat onto the deck, Miranda cleaned up her paints and returned them to the container. Gabe latched the box then gazed across the lawn at a pair of chickadees on the edge of the birdbath.
    She cleared her throat. “I had fun today.”
    After a long moment, he turned to face her. “I did, too, but this isn’t going to work. We both know it.”
    Tears smarted behind her eyes, and she glanced away. What is wrong with me? Dumped again. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t even close to falling for Gabe. The rejection stung.
    A finger touched her cheek in a gentle stroke. Blinking back the telltale sign of emotion, she met his gaze. “Those high standards you spoke of?”
    His eyes widened. “Huh?”
    She gave a tiny shrug. “It’s okay.”
    He grasped both her shoulders and stared down at her. “It’s not about me, Miranda. It’s you. I can tell you have feelings for someone else. It’s there in the way you pull back when I get too close.” Dropping his hands, he stepped away. “Cole?”
    Her lips tightened. “We don’t want the same things, but you’re right. My emotions are still engaged.” She touched his arm. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let Jenna call you, knowing...”
    His smile was quick. “I didn’t mind, but I’m starting to like you more than a little. If it isn’t going anywhere…”
    She drew in a breath. “You’re an awfully nice guy, and now that I’ve actually gotten you to talk…well, I wish it could be different.”
    “So do I. Once you’re over him for good, give me a call.”
    Picking up the box of paints, he crossed the deck and disappeared around the side of the house. A kind and handsome man gone from her life—and it was all Cole’s fault. Her hands clenched at her sides.
    “Miranda.”
    She whipped around, and her eyes narrowed. The bane of her existence stood near the deck steps, his gaze full of determination and a hint of anger. Bending, he lowered Jackson to the grass and tossed down the diaper bag.
    “I knocked, but you didn’t answer, so I walked around back. Much to my surprise, I nearly ran into Gabe Tyler going in the opposite direction. The look he gave me was not warm and friendly.” His voice dripped sarcasm.
    Her temper escalated. “Did you want something?” She shot a glance toward the baby, crawling in the direction of her flowers. “Someone to watch your nephew, maybe?”
    “I don’t need a damn sitter.” Scooping up Jackson before he could mangle her petunias, he plopped him on his butt beside Jezebel, who switched her tail and blinked.
    Miranda folded her arms across her chest. “Then why are you here?”
    “We need to talk.”
    She couldn’t imagine what was left to say. As the seconds ticked by, Jackson petted the cat with gentle strokes. Delight and wonder flashed in his eyes when Jezebel rolled onto her back and purred, exposing her soft, gray belly.
    “Fine, I’ll listen.”
    “Could we at least sit down?”
    She nodded and walked across the deck to take a seat on the lowest step. There was no reason to get comfortable. Cole wouldn’t be staying long.
    He dropped down beside her. When their knees touched, she edged away.
    Closing his eyes, he rubbed his temples. “I take it you don’t plan to make this easy for me.”
    “Nope. You wanted to talk, so talk.”
    “What are you doing with Gabe?”