[[ lexington, kentucky ]]

[itwasjustified]

[ "you do realize you're pokin' fun at the man who's supposed to explain box trifectas to you tomorrow, don't you?" ]

He's still in jeans and cowboy boots, but Raylan's dressed a little less casually this morning -- instead of a T-shirt and well-worn flannel, he's in a checkered button-down, tie, and sportcoat, Stetson ever-present on his head.

Double-checking the room number, he tucks the paper bag he's carrying beneath his other arm before he knocks on Dani's door.

(Nestled inside are muffins from the best bakery in town, and beneath those, a box of granola bars from Whole Foods -- he couldn't resist after a particular bit of conversation yesterday.)

When she opens the door, she'll find him carefully transferring the bag back to his free hand while he balances two coffees in a travel tray.

Comments

[itwasjustified]

He tears another chunk from his muffin.

"I'll bite," he says, a lazy half-smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"What kind are you gettin'?"

[notenlightened]

"A little wider than narrow," she says, after pretending to give it some thought, teeth tugging on her lower lip.

"And slightly curved."

[itwasjustified]

Reese's words are landing much too close to the mark for Raylan's comfort, but he doesn't let his uneasiness show.

"Detective Reese," he says instead, more than a touch of wickedness lighting his eyes, "are we still talkin' about my vibe?"

[notenlightened]

Her eyes sparkle with something; it's far too brief to register as any particular emotion, and she rises from the bed, giving her own reflection another momentary once-over.

"You tell me." Her eyes find his face in the mirror.

[itwasjustified]

Eyes locking on her reflected gaze, he all but forgets about the food in his hand and the single stubborn crumb stuck to one thumb.

"I think that might be a highly sensitive personal question."

[notenlightened]

"Oh."

Her eyes snap back to the mirror.

"That's fine, you don't have to - sorry."

[itwasjustified]

"No, I meant -- "

He stands, putting down the muffin and brushing off his hands.

Taking off his hat, he holds the Stetson in one hand.

"The innuendo, that was an inappropriate joke. If anybody should apologize, it's me."

[notenlightened]

Her gaze shifts to where she can spot his reflection, now over her shoulder instead of at her hip.

"Don't worry about it," she says, smiling crookedly.

"I'm a pretty lousy flirt."

[itwasjustified]

His eyebrows rise.

Taking half a step closer, he angles his head, his eyes falling on the curve of her neck and shoulder.

"You've had me fooled this whole time."

[notenlightened]

"Maybe that was the idea."

The corners of her mouth are already beginning to twitch.

"But you had to find out the ugly truth sooner or later."

[itwasjustified]

"Well, now that that's duly noted -- "

His eyes lift to her reflection in the mirror.

"I'm here to tell you there's nothing ugly about it."

[notenlightened]

Finally, slowly, she turns around.

"It's nice that you have an appreciation of honesty, then," she teases.

[itwasjustified]

"I appreciate a lot of things -- present company included."

[notenlightened]

"Maybe you're equally appreciated, by company and other things alike."

[itwasjustified]

"Just maybe?"

[notenlightened]

"Maybe more than maybe."

[itwasjustified]

"Maybe."

He shakes his head, smiling down at her.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're enjoying this."

[notenlightened]

Her own smile begins to mirror his as she glances upward.

"What gave it away?"

[itwasjustified]

"Well, you haven't thrown me out yet."

[notenlightened]

"You brought me coffee."

Her fingertips brush against his palm, the one that isn't currently holding onto his hat.

"That earns you an hour, at least."

[itwasjustified]

"And breakfast."

He spares a quick glance toward the food on the table.

"Sort of."

[notenlightened]

She withdraws, fingers curving in against her leg.

"It was sweet."

[itwasjustified]

"Maybe -- maybe -- if I'm lucky," he says, reaching out to give her wrist a reassuring squeeze, "you don't mind sweet."

[notenlightened]

"Maybe, maybe - "

Her hand turns to catch him, briefly, fingertips snagging his.

"- you're luckier than you think."

[itwasjustified]

"Maybe I am."

His fingers curl around hers.

"But you'll never forgive me if we miss first post at Keeneland."

The first race isn't until one o'clock, but squeezing in a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park and its International Museum of the Horse beforehand is all part of the experience.