made it a point to see her when she was home for breaks. She was smart in high school too, and I had no doubt she’d make perfect grades in college.
“You’re here late,” Evan states when Rowan heads to the office. “Don’t you work in the morning?”
I nod, unsure how to approach this conversation. Most ranch hands don’t drink or party during the week, considering we have to be up early and work long hours, so he’d be suspicious no matter what I tell him.
“Yeah, but I thought I’d keep Rowan company since it’s a slow night,” I say, but he doesn’t look convinced. “Everyone else was busy,” I add.
“Hmm,” he says, then takes a long sip. Thankfully, Rowan returns with the reports he wanted, and his attention turns to the papers in front of him. “Thanks. I’ll bring these back in a day or two.” He stands, puts a ten on the counter, then says goodbye.
“Now you should really go home,” Rowan tells me once he leaves. “There’s no way he’s going to think you’re just keeping me company for no reason.”
I know she’s right, but I argue anyway. “Well, he already saw me, so what’s the point of leaving now?” I flash her an arrogant smirk.
“Then go home and sleep so you don’t break your neck for real by being too exhausted tomorrow. If something happens to you, I’ll have to find someone else to annoy me at work all night.”
“Aww…you worried about me, Row?”
She groans. “George keeps me plenty company, so go,” she urges, giving me a pointed look.
Claire returns, so I can’t be sneaky and kiss Rowan goodbye even though she’s not paying any attention to us. I take Rowan’s hand in mine and bring it to my mouth, pressing my lips to her knuckles. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Noon. Barn. Skirt and braids.” I flash her a wink before standing and pull my wallet from my back pocket.
I set down two twenties and tell her to keep the rest. I only had a few beers tonight, so I know she’s going to give me the death stare about over-tipping.
“Good night, Cowboy.” She slaps her hand over the money and drags it off the bar. “Sweet dreams.”
“Don’t you worry about that.” I waggle my brows, then reluctantly turn and walk away.
Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.
Chapter Eight
ROWAN
My heart hammers in my chest at the reality of what I’m doing.
What am I doing?
I never thought in a million years I’d be sneaking into the barn to meet up with Diesel. If we’d been friends, it wouldn’t look so suspicious, but everyone on the ranch knows I’d never give him the time of day.
Now, he’s consuming my every thought, and it scares me. But his confessions, the way his smile gives me butterflies, and the nervousness I suddenly feel when I’m around him confirm that something has drastically changed between us.
And I don’t want to ignore it. I can’t.
After Nick left my heart in shambles, I should be running the other way at the prospect of dating another man, but I’ve known Diesel my whole life. He’s not just a random guy I met at a bar, and I know the true intentions of his heart aren’t to hurt or use me. If we’re going to see where this goes, then I need to put in the effort and give it my all.
Goose bumps cover my arms as I make my way from the B&B where I stopped to meet with Maize for a quick chat and walk over to the equipment barn. It takes me a good ten minutes to get there, but since I don’t want anyone to see my truck, I have to be sneaky. I could take one of the four-wheelers, but if someone catches me, I’d have no excuse as to what I was doing.
I step inside, looking around for him, but it’s dead quiet. Perhaps he’s not here yet, so I decide to text him.
Rowan: I’m here. Where are you?
After two minutes and no response, I’m ready to call his ass for not being on time, but before I can, a hand wraps around my mouth and I’m being hauled into a hard chest. I immediately know it’s him when his lips brush against my ear.
“I missed you,” he whispers.
Spinning around in his arms, I glare at him. “What the hell?”
He puts a finger to his lips, motioning for me to be quiet. “C’mon, I’m taking you somewhere.”
Diesel grabs my hand and leads