The Cowboy's Bride Bet - Holly Rayner Page 0,9
and it’s probably one of the most adorable things you’ll ever see in your life.”
Jake shifted his weight, suddenly growing tense at the mention of children. He and Francine had already established that the bar was their baby, and there was no way to raise a family with both of them having to work nights.
“Well, thank you. I just might.” The girl replied, one of the shots to her lips. She downed it without flinching and then chugged almost half her beer. “That’s pretty good.”
“Right? Jake’s cousin owns the brewery, so we get a deal on it.” Francine said before grabbing her tray and heading back over to the pool tables. “Make yourself at home and let us know if you need anything.”
The girl smiled, glancing up at me, before returning to her beer.
A moment later, she glanced up at me again, and I gave her my best smile.
“Can I help you?” She shot me a pointed glare, scrunching her shoulders up.
“Sorry, ma’am.” I realized that I’d practically been drooling over her this entire time. “I didn’t mean to stare. I’ve just never seen a woman your size chug a beer like that.”
“You must not get out much.” She downed her second shot and chased it with the rest of her beer, holding up two fingers to signal Jake to bring her another round.
“This round’s on me,” I said, nodding to Jake.
“No, thank you.” She shook her head. “I’m a big girl; I can buy my own drinks.”
“Fair enough,” I surrendered. “I apologize if I made you uncomfortable.”
So much for my famous smooth-talking skills. I turned my attention back to the TV. What’s wrong with me tonight?
“Hey.” She sighed, picking up her beer and shot as she moved down to sit two stools down from me. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.”
“No, I did.” I grinned. “I was rude. Small towns like Greenwater… Well, let’s just say it’s been a while since I interacted with a woman who I haven’t met before.”
“This is an interesting town.” She lowered her gaze. “Everyone here has been really nice. I’m not used to strangers being so nice every time I turn around.”
“Oh yeah?” I furrowed my brow. “The City of Brotherly Love not as hospitable as they say?”
She burst out laughing, and the sound was music to my ears.
“You’re thinking of Philly.” Her cheeks turned bright red. “…dork.”
“I’m sorry.” I chuckled. “I’m bad with accents. Did you just call me a dork?”
“Maybe.” She smirked, picking up one of her shot glasses and handing me the other.
“Oh, man.” I accepted it and took a deep breath. “Here we go.”
“To making new friends.” She clinked her glass to mine, and we both drank.
She put one hand on her cheek, fanning herself with the other.
“So, not from Philly.” I took a sip of my beer. “Where are you from?”
“Ugh.” She frowned into her beer. “Would it be all right if we just… left it a mystery?”
“If you like.” I smiled. “But I should warn you, I find mysteries irresistible.”
Her chestnut eyes blazed from under a thick veil of long lashes. Something in those eyes betrayed a wry smile, barely visible at the corners of her lips.
The silence hung between us for a long moment, and I found myself lost, drawn into appreciating the slight flecks of amber surrounding her dark pupils.
Chapter 5
Ashleigh
“Can I at least ask your name?” His boyish smile made my heart flutter. “Even a mystery woman needs a name.”
His shaggy blond hair fell a couple of inches past his shirt collar. His bangs weren’t quite long enough to stay tucked behind his ears, so a few floppy strands fell in front of his eyes.
“Ashleigh.” I held out my hand to shake his.
Why did I give him my real name? Idiot! I scolded myself even as the words fell from my lips.
“Connor.” His blue eyes moved over me like a wave kissing the shore. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” My cheeks flushed, and I knew if my ears weren’t hidden by my hair, they’d be obviously bright red. “So, did you grow up around Greenwater?”
“Born and raised.” His smile widened. “I own Sunset View Ranch just a few miles outside of town.”
“What does one do with a ranch exactly?” I sat up a little straighter and took a sip of my beer, eager to take the attention off myself and listen to his story.
“Cattle, mostly.” He shrugged. “I also have horses, pigs, one grouchy old dairy cow, and a decent garden. But that’s not