Page 30 of A Gift for the Hopeful Cowboy

Pippa placed a hand to his cheek. “While it’s true I like to plan ahead, I know when it’s a good thing to be surprised. It’s like the food at the restaurant. When a chef plans a new dish and I get to try it for the first time, it can be a wonderful experience.”

Rob snorted.

“What?” She laughed, pulling away to get a good look at him. “Trying new foods is one of the best parts.”

He shook his head. “It’s not that. I get it, you like to try new stuff. But tell me this, have you ever had to spit something out because it wasn’t quite right? Maybe they put too much salt in it or something?”

“Sure, but that’s part of the process. Not everything can be a winner. Sometimes you have to close your eyes, plug your nose, and hope for the best.”

Rob laughed. It was one of the best sounds she’d heard all night. He pulled her back into his arms and rested his cheek on the top of her head.

“I’m glad I don’t have to deal with those sorts of surprises. I’d much rather go to work knowing exactly what to expect.”

This time, it was her turn to laugh. When he gave her a strange look, she shook her head. “What have you done with Rob? Because the Rob I knew would have never said that.”

“Can’t I appreciate knowing what’s coming next? I’m just saying what you were saying. Maybe you’ve rubbed off on me.”

She rested her cheek against his chest once more. “Maybe we’ve rubbed off on each other.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Rob had the distinct feeling that something bad was going to happen. That was how life usually worked out. He had a way of rolling with the punches, but that didn’t mean he was immune to when everything around him fell apart.

Right now, his life was going great. He’d gotten closer to Pippa and was finally feeling like they had a decent shot at a future together. But now he couldn’t help it. Something bad was going to happen—he just didn’t know what.

It could have something to do with Pippa or it could be something related to his job. Heck, it could be something back in Rocky Ridge that would call him home.

His stomach knotted as he thought about his mother. If her health took a turn, there was nothing he’d be able to do about it. He’d have to head back to Montana to help out. But Rob couldn’t think about that right now. He had to keep his head on straight if he wanted to end up with everything he’d planned for.

Each passing day became a harder chore as he pushed negative thoughts aside. He wasn’t going to let a self-fulfilling prophecy get in the way of him finding happiness—especially if that happiness included Pippa.

That was why he was standing outside the jewelry shop in the middle of town. His heart was telling him this was where he needed to be. Even if he didn’t use the ring any time soon, at least he’d know it was in his pocket.

There was only one problem. He’d been seen in Pippa’s company enough for people to make their assumptions. Anyone noticing him entering the jewelry store could easily draw the conclusion that his relationship with Pippa had gotten serious. The last thing he wanted was for someone to start asking Pippa’s brothers questions. Pippa would no doubt get an earful from her sisters-in-law.

It wasn’t smart to take that kind of risk.

Still, it wasn’t possible for every single person to know he was seeing Pippa. What were the chances that he’d run into someone who would make the connection?

Slim.

He glanced down the street one way then the other and sighed. How was he going to go in there when he didn’t have an excuse to do so? There was only one reason for a cowboy such as himself to go into a jewelry store and everyone knew it.

This was a bad idea. He was getting ahead of himself. He didn’t have any evidence Pippa would say yes.

Heck, he’d be lucky if she didn’t laugh at him.

Rob shook his head. This was either going to be the biggest mistake of his life or the smartest decision he ever made. But it would be his, and that was all that mattered.

He stepped off the curb, hurried across the street toward the shop, and charged inside.

The shop was empty, for the most part. There were only two women working in the front of the store but there was the possibility of more in the back. They smiled at him warmly and one moved to the edge of her counter.

“Is there anything I can help you find?”

He shook his head as he wandered along the displays. “I’m just looking around.”

Hopefully they wouldn’t ask him if he was looking for a specific someone or a special occasion. He lingered at the necklaces and the charm bracelets. Then he moved over to the earrings. When he glanced in the direction of the women, they were chatting with each other in low voices. The closer he got, the clearer their conversation became.

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