The Cowboy's Bride Bet - Holly Rayner Page 0,10
so much for the ranch. I just like knowing that I’m self-sufficient out there. Between my solar panels and wind turbine, I’m pretty much off the grid.”
I raised my eyebrows, taking another sip of my beer. “That sounds like a dream come true.”
“Well, it can be messy sometimes.” He gestured to my hands. “Your hands wouldn’t be that beautiful if you spent all day working on a farm.”
My jaw dropped in mock offense. “You make it sound like I don’t know how to do an honest day’s work! I’ll have you know I’ve been working doubles ever since I graduated high school.”
“Not shoveling manure, you haven’t.” He chuckled. “What are you, a waitress or something?”
“No.” I pouted. “I’m a clerk… or I was. I sort of walked away from everything.”
“City life too stressful?” He tilted his head.
“Something like that.” I bit my lip, looking away.
“Hey.” His expression softened. “I’m not judging you. We’re all running from something. I doubt I’d survive one day in a big city.”
“Why’s that?” I leaned on the bar. “You look pretty resilient.”
“I’d suffocate.” His brow furrowed. “All the yelling and traffic. A country boy like me needs room to stretch his legs. If you saw the wide-open sky stretching out over the pastures, you’d get what I mean. It feels like you’re the only person on earth sometimes.”
“I can’t even imagine how that would feel.” I thought about it. “To be so far away from everything and have your own little slice of heaven sitting at the edge of the world. Even this little taste of country life has been an eye-opening experience for me.”
“You mean the rodeo?” He smiled.
“Yeah.” I smiled back. “Why do you say it like that?”
“I mean, it’s barely ten o'clock.” He pulled out his phone to check the time. “Things don’t even start getting interesting until midnight, and even then, you gotta know where to look.”
“I’m afraid to ask.” I arched one eyebrow, finishing off my beer.
“Would you maybe want to go back over there with me?” The dimple in his cheek melted me like butter every time he smiled. “I happen to know a guy that can get us some excellent seats.”
“I really shouldn’t.” I looked toward the door. “I’ve got all my stuff packed up, and I was only killing time here so that I could go turn in my room key.”
“You on a time crunch?” He turned, angling his body toward me, and I caught the earthy scent of his cologne.
My resolve wavered as he stood up from his barstool and pulled his wallet out of his back pocket.
“Well, the offer stands.” He left a stack of bills on the counter. “If your little road trip could stand to be extended for one night, I could show you what country nightlife is really about.”
I don’t know if it was the alcohol, the pheromones, or just being fed up with running, but I suddenly felt an overwhelming desire to take him up on his offer. Being spontaneous was the only thing that had kept me alive so far. Maybe it wouldn’t be the end of the world to stay in Greenwater… just one more night.
“You know what?” I took out my money and left two twenties on the counter next to my empty pint glass. “Let’s do it. I do need to make a quick stop at the Cozy Dog, though.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He nodded, putting his black cowboy hat on. “I’ll walk you over.”
Side by side, we walked over to the motel. I ducked in and dumped my bags, leaving him standing just outside as I took out a few twenties and stuffed them into my bra.
Locking up, I turned to glance up at him. I couldn’t help but notice his eyes lingering on my backside after I shoved the key in my back pocket.
“Sorry.” He smiled, looking away. “I guess I do need to work on my manners.”
I shook my head, laughing softly as we headed over to the office.
“Hey, Cass,” Connor said as we entered.
“Connor.” Cassie shot him an accusatory glance. “What are you up to?”
“Just getting ready to head over to the rodeo.” He took off his hat, raking his fingers through his hair. “How was it when you were over there?”
“Nate came off on the bareback.” Cassie shrugged, then pointed first at me, then Connor. “Do you guys know each other?”
“This is Ashleigh.” He gestured to me as I counted out the money to cover another night at the Cozy Dog. “Ashleigh,