Page 11 of Cowboys at Coconuts

As the band played “Heartache on the Dance Floor” by Jon Pardi, Cole said, “Let’s try it.” Reaching for Cheri’s hand, he led her onto the tiny, wooden dance floor. Already crowded with cowboys and cute girls, they made their way to the middle of the partiers. As Cole swayed his hips, Cheri could see he had rhythm and did her best not to stare.Country boys are so different from the sleek businessmen in New York. And completely different from my former fiancé who would never step foot in this dusty bar.

Pulling her close, Cole’s plaid shirt brushed against her skin while his big belt buckle pressed against her belly. Cheri allowed him to hold her close and wondered what his story was.It doesn’t matter.I like him. A lot. Who am I?

Wondering what her parents would think, Cole whispered in her ear, “Relax. You think too much. Have some fun.” He turned his megawatt smile toward Cheri. She could only imagine how many hearts Cole had melted with that Crest grin.

Before the song was half over, she felt a tap on her shoulder. “My turn,” Jade said.

Cheri and Cole stopped dancing. Cheri felt surprisingly annoyed as she observed Jade clasp her hands behind Cole’s neck. Thankfully, the slower song changed to “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson. Breaking away, Cole thrust his hips to the music. Cheri giggled at the title and couldn’t take her eyes off him. Likewise, Cole seemed entranced by Cheri, which obviously annoyed Jade who sneered at her. Before the song was over, he left Jade standing in the middle of the dance floor and joined Cheri.

Yelling something that Cheri couldn’t hear over the music, she nodded anyway. Once the song ended, Cole said, “Let’s get out of here.” They left without saying goodbye to Jade. With every step, Cheri could feel Jade’s eyes boring into her back. When they reached the dark parking lot, she shivered since the temperature had dropped. Cole removed a denim jacket from his truck and placed it around Cheri’s shoulders.

“You’re such a gentleman. Thanks.”

“Guess I was raised right.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m sure you’re tired from travelin’. Besides, I have an early day tomorrow. Where are you stayin’?”

“Branson. Sorry. I know it’s not around the corner.”

Cole didn’t flinch. “That’s fine.”

He gripped the wheel with his rough hands. It took him three tries to start the engine but the truck finally chugged to life.

“Where to in Branson?”

“To my late grandmother’s house on Bee Creek Road.” Out of nowhere, Cheri began to cry. Between sniffles, she said, “She’s only been gone a year. This is awkward.”

Cole reached into his pocket and retrieved a handkerchief. He extended it to Cheri. “Tell me about her. I understand. I was close to my granny, too.”

As he drove, they spent the next thirty minutes discussing their late grandmothers. Cheri had never had soulful talks with Sebastian nor with her parents, for that matter.

When she finished, she let out a long breath. “Thanks for listening. I guess I haven’t allowed myself to grieve.”

“You’re human. It’s normal. She sounds like she was a wonderful woman. I see where you get your good genes.”

If he only knew about my absent parents who are always in Europe. My mom who wears silky pajamas that would make Hugh Hefner jealous, and my father, the wheeler-dealer workaholic.“Thanks.”

Chapter 11

As she studied Cole’s profile, Cheri’s mind did double time.Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be in an archaic truck with a very handsome, sweet cowboy. If my New York friends and family could see me now.She chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”

“I’m just thinking about how different life is here than in Manhattan. In New York, there’s an energy unlike anywhere you’ve ever seen—not that there wasn’t plenty of energy on that dance floor.”

He grinned. “Tell me about Manhattan.”

Smoothing her skirt, she said, “There are millions of people on any given day, swarms of honking yellow cabs, and an eclectic mix of people, every nationality imaginable. It’s an amazing city. I love New York, but the paparazzi drove me—”

“Paparazzi? Are you famous?” Cole visibly stiffened.

Dammit. I didn’t want him to know. Not so soon at least.“No, I’m not famous if you mean a movie star or anything. Nothing like that.” Forcing a laugh, she said, “Not even a reality television celebrity.” She hated to lie but said, “It was probably a case of mistaken identity at the airport.”

He glanced at her sideways. “Somethin’ tells me you’re not tellin’ me the full story.” Eyes back on the road, he said, “But I won’t pry. You’ll tell me when you tell me.”

Cheri noticed Cole absentmindedly chewed on his bottom lip, likely trying to figure out who she really is.He’ll hate me if he finds out I’m filthy rich.

~ ~ ~

As they continued south on Highway 65, Cole asked, “Are we gettin’ close?”

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