Page 19 of Daddy's Grumpy Cowboy

Testing the post-sex waters, I let out a breath. “So, are you going to let me take you out, baby?”

This time, he doesn’t even hesitate. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

Prepare yourself, Caleb. I’m about to date the fuck out of you.

Chapter 9

Elias

I’d say Caleb cleans up real nice, but I think he looks just as beautiful as he normally does. His jeans are cleaner and they don’t have any wear and tear, but I wouldn’t mind whatever outfit he landed on. His white button-down and his cream-colored cowboy hat looked just fine.

When he asked me a day ago how to dress for this date, I said casual and comfortable. First dates shouldn’t be too formal. It puts a ton of unnecessary pressure where it shouldn’t be. I just want to show this man a nice time and get to know him better over food. I can wine and dine him later on.

It took us an hour to get to the closest restaurant, but as someone who was born and raised here, Caleb didn’t mind. Texas is a beast of a state, but the distance between the ranch and the restaurant allowed us time to start chatting. I’ve already learned so much.

His favorite food? Seafood boils with extra crab.

Favorite song? It changes all the time, but right now it’s anything by Hozier. (Yeah, my man has taste).

Favorite TV show? Yellowstone.

Favorite sport? Football, all the way. (I vow to sway him to the dark side with one hockey game, of course).

And my favorite fact about Caleb? His biggest dream is to travel the world.

Talk about a perfect match. A Texas cowboy who can’t get out of his small town and the billionaire with all the money and resources to make it happen. The man working his ass off to fulfill his dreams and the man whose dream it is to see him happy.

“This place is nice,” Caleb tells me, cutting into his ribeye. It’s not fine dining by definition, but it’s got a classic feel to it. “You didn’t have to take me here. We could have eaten at your place.”

I snort at that. “Unfortunately for you, I’m not a very good cook. I do employ one, though. Besides, I wanted to take you out, I like that everyone here knows you’re with me.”

“Possessive?” he asks, lips twitching on the sides.

I set my sweet tea down, looking him in the eye. “A new development, I assure you.”

His cheeks flush with no sun to blame it on. “Oh.”

“Indeed,” I agree, smiling. “I’m really glad you decided to come.”

“I almost backed out,” he admits.

I try not to frown. “You did?”

Shyly, he explains, “I’ve never been on a real date.”

That is a travesty, but also to my benefit. I’m sure if any dumbass were smart enough to take Caleb out they’d have realized what a catch he is and snatched him up before I had the chance to get him for myself.

“And how are you finding this one?”

Caleb chuckles. “It’s really great. I almost don’t want to go back.”

Good.

“Trust me, baby, we’re only getting started.”

Another blush. Such a precious sight.

“I’ll hold you to that,” he replies softly.

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