True-Blue Cowboy - Vicki Lewis Thompson Page 0,36
liked me a whole lot and I’d better show my appreciation by eating a substantial amount.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “You stuffed yourself to please me?”
“Don’t get me wrong. Everything tasted amazing. Normally I might’ve been able to handle two big breakfast meals. But my stomach was in knots about how today would go. I knew what I wanted, but—”
“What did you want, exactly?”
“This. You looking at me like I’m the best thing since sliced bread.”
“Nothing more?”
“Well, logically, if that part worked out, eventually other things would, too.”
She smiled. “But you didn’t bring condoms.”
“Are you kidding? What kind of SOB would agree to work in a woman’s home and pack condoms just in case?”
Her smile widened. “You’re the real deal, aren’t you?”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“You don’t pretend to respect women so you can get what you want. You genuinely respect them.”
“Of course. I work for Henri Fox.”
That made her laugh. “Should I be giving her the credit?”
“Maybe not all of it. I like to think I had potential when I arrived at the Buckskin. But if I didn’t respect—not just women—everyone, including myself and the critters, I wouldn’t be employed there. It’s a zero-tolerance zone.”
“I always believed that, and it seemed to bear out with the guys who’ve come into the salon, but I haven’t spent time alone with any of them until today. You’re the first.”
“Didn’t realize I was representing the team.”
“And doing a great job.” She leaned toward him and propped her chin on her fist. “What’s the plan, cowboy?”
His body heated. “I really want to kiss you right now.”
“That’s the plan?”
“That would torpedo the plan. I just had to say it.”
“I really want to kiss you, too. But clearly that’s not in our best interests.”
“I don’t think so. Here’s how I see it. You bid on me with the expectation I’d tackle two jobs that are important to you.”
“No, I bid on you because you rode in on a beautiful palomino and I couldn’t let anyone else have you for twelve hours.”
“Oh.” The urge to kiss her grew stronger. “But originally, you—”
“Yes, and you’ve accomplished one big job already, despite my interference.”
“Except for the mirror.”
“And the coat tree.”
He could stare into her eyes all day. They were the color of new leaves. “I brought the coat tree down just now.”
“You did?”
“That’s why I took longer than ten minutes. I wiped the dust off, but you might want to—”
“Where’d you put it?”
“By the front door. Seemed logical.”
“Perfect spot. Then the mirror is the only thing left?”
“That’s it. Then I’d like to tackle the stones.”
“What about lunch? It’s already past noon.”
“If I skipped lunch, I’d finish up earlier.”
“Hm.” Her tiny smile said she liked that plan. “You’re sure you won’t get hungry?”
“If I do, I’ll munch on cinnamon rolls.”
“Tell you what. I’ll leave the chili on low so it’s available if you need it.” She picked up her half of the cinnamon roll. “Now I’m itching to get that mirror down and be done with the attic.”
“Works for me.” He took his half. “But don’t you want to hear the plan?” He bit into the roll.
“I can guess what it is. Once the attic’s cleared and the stones are dug up, we can have fun. Am I right?”
His groin tightened. “After I head back to the bunkhouse for a shower and those little raincoats.”
“Understood. Too bad I don’t have that item on hand. You could clean up here.”
“I won’t take long.” Quickest shower in history. “But there’s one other thing. I mentioned creating a fountain with the stones. Or a waterfall. Some sort of water feature that fits the space. If you want me to do that today, I—”
“It can wait. I’m fine with completing the two jobs I had on the agenda.”
“Are you sure?” He polished off his part of the roll.
“I’m sure. But do you need to create it?”
“Need?”
“Clearly you’re determined to finish the attic and dig up the stones or you’ll think you short-changed me. If you feel the same about the water feature, then—”
“I don’t feel the same about it. If it appeals to you, though, I’d like to tackle it sometime.”
“It appeals to me and I want to help build it.” She gazed at him. “I assume we’ll be seeing more of each other.”
“I certainly hope so.” He shifted in his chair. All this talk and no action was having a predictable effect.
“Count on it.”
“Oh, I will. So now that we’ve figured out—”
“You do remember what I said, though, right?”
“About what?”
“I’m not looking for…