Page 56 of Overdue for a Cowboy

“Okay. Fine. Then maybe Iwillgo out with Pete.”

“You should.”

She pulled out her phone and scrolled to Pete’s contact information. “Maybe I’ll just call him right now and ask him to go out with me.”

“Good. Do it.”

She thought she was calling his bluff, but as much as it was killing him—and make no mistake—the thought of Pete Bishop’s hands anyone on herwaskilling him, but he knew Pete could give her what he couldn’t.

“Fine. I’m doing it.” She tapped the phone and pursed her lips as she stared daggers at him. Then she forced a smile as the rancher must have picked up. She tapped the phone again to put the call on speaker. “Pete? Hi, it’s Maisie Graham.”

“Well, hey there, Maisie. It’s good to hear from you. Everything okay? You know I’m here if you need something.”

Dodge pointed at the phone. “See,” he mouthed. “Good guy.”

Maisie glared at him but kept her voice pleasant. “I’m fine. Thanks.”

“You’re still planning to come out to the ranch tomorrow, aren’t you? I know the kids and I are real excited to see you.”

“Yes, I’m still planning on coming tomorrow. But that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Oh? Something I can do for you then?”

“Yes. Actually, I was wondering if you’d be interested in taking me out to dinner?”

“Heck yes, I would.” The smile was evident in his voice. “You just name the time and place, and I’ll be there to pick you up.”

“Oh, well…” She glared at Dodge again as if she hadn’t expected him to say yes and now it was his fault she was in this predicament. “How about Saturday night? Say…six o’clock at the Tipsy Pig? And you don’t need to pick me up, I’ll just meet you there.”

“You sure? I’m glad to swing round and get you.”

“I’m sure.”

“All right then. I’ll see you Saturday. I’m looking forward to it. And to seeing you tomorrow, too.”

“Me, too. See you soon.” She tapped the phone to disconnect the call, then planted her fist on her hip as she scowled at him. “You happy?”

No.He wasn’t happy at all.

But he nodded anyway. “I swear I only want the best for you, Maisie.”

“It sounds like the best is Pete Bishop. I’m sure we’ll have a real good time on our date this Saturday.”

“I hope you do. Take care, Maisie.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

What the heck have I gotten myself into, Maisie thought as she walked into the Tipsy Pig that Saturday night.

Pete Bishopwasa nice guy, but she didn’t want to go out with him. She’d only set up the date to spite Dodge. And because she thought he’d eventually stop her.

But he hadn’t.

And she hadn’t heard from him all week.

She’d gotten her hopes up when she saw his truck and the temporary bookmobile pull up in front of the library that Wednesday, but her heart fell when she saw Duke was driving.

Not that she didn’t enjoy the day spent with Duke. He was great company, and she loved hearing him tell stories about the boys growing up as they maneuvered the winding mountain roads. And he was great with all the kids.

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