Page 189 of Ride a Cowboy

Josh glanced from her to Daniel and back again. “But you barely know each other.”

“My heart recognizes him.”

Daniel smiled, gave her a charming wink, then he turned his attention to Josh. “Listen, Josh. This probably doesn’t help, but I’m in love with Sienna and I intend to spend the rest of my life making her happy.”

Josh rose slowly. “You’re right, Daniel. It doesn’t help. But I’m glad to hear it just the same.”

He turned back to Sienna. She had to fight the tears building. She’d never felt so completely torn. How could one person be utterly overjoyed and completely devastated at the same time? Josh was the first boy she’d ever loved and she was breaking his heart. But Daniel sat next to her, his quiet strength filling her with happiness and peace.

Josh shrugged ruefully, the boyish gesture reminding her of when they were younger. “I am sorry, Sienna.”

She nodded, batting away a tear as it fell. “I’m sorry too.”

Josh left as Sienna tried to get herself together. She used her napkin to dry her eyes.

Daniel didn’t say anything. Instead, he raised his hand for the waitress. He quietly asked if they could get their food to go. The woman nodded and returned to the kitchen.

He reached over and took her hand. “You okay?”

“I guess so. I didn’t like hurting him.”

“I know. You tried to stop him, See. He was determined to issue that proposal. I don’t blame him. If I thought you were slipping away from me, I’d fight like the devil to drag you back.”

She smiled sadly at his admission, then she repeated the words she’d longed to say for weeks. “I love you.”

He lifted her hand and kissed it. “I love you too.”

“I have a new life plan.”

He chuckled. “Okay. Let’s hear it.”

“I’ll warn you now. It’s pretty intense. Downright complicated.”

His brow creased, concern touching his gaze. Even so, he didn’t move away. “What do you want?”

“To be happy.”

“That’s it?” he asked.

“You know, that’s not as simple as you might think. How would you feel about spending the next few months with me as your girlfriend? I thought maybe we could take some time to get to know each other while going with the flow?”

He pretended to consider her request, tapping his chin as if in deep thought. She wasn’t worried. She could see mischief brewing.

“We still get to have sex, right?”

She laughed. “Absolutely.”

“Then I think that plan sounds real nice.”

The waitress brought their doggie bag. Daniel handed her enough money for the food and the tip, then took the food. Rising, he grasped Sienna’s hand and together they walked to the truck.

Once they were both inside, Daniel turned to her. “Sienna. Just so you know, my new life plan’s a lot simpler than yours.”

“It is?”

He nodded. “Yep. I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you.”

The rest of their ride back to the ranch was made in silence. Too many things had happened in a matter of minutes. Sienna was grateful to Daniel for giving her space to sort through it all. By the time they reached his RV, she felt calmer, more together.

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