Page 12 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Yep. In about five miles, take the exit to Bee Creek Road.”

“Will do.” Cole took the exit and rounded a bend. A picturesque, winding road and wooded lots greeted them.

“Nice neighborhood. I’ve never been back here.”

“I hadn’t visited since I was a kid.” She sighed. “I wish I had come sooner when Nana was still alive.”

“We all have regrets.”

As they approached a gray house with a sloping drive and overgrown landscaping, Cheri pointed. “We’re here.” A bright red door welcomed them.

Cole threw the truck into park and walked around to open her door.

“Always a gentleman, aren’t you?”

Shrugging, he said, “I like treatin’ a lady like a lady. Thanks for dancin’ with me. Great pool game, by the way.”

“This was a fun welcome to Crystal City. Much more interesting than if my lim—” Scolding herself for almost giving away her secret again, she wondered how this evening would end.

“I can’t stay long. I’ve got to bale hay in the mornin’ if it doesn’t rain.”

Relieved to hear Cole say he had to leave, since Cheri wasn’t about to jump into bed with the cowboy. He was a looker but they just met. Besides, she had a lot of baggage to clear up in New York.

Feeling unsure about how to end the evening, she asked, “Want a nightcap or some coffee?”

Cole shook his head. “No, thanks. I have a long drive. I wouldn’t mind seein’ the house, though.”

“Sure. Come in.”

Chapter 12

Cole followed Cheri toward the expansive kitchen. Spreading her arms wide, she asked, “Isn’t it beautiful? I oversaw some remodeling from afar.” Giggling, she said, “Nana had a heck of a time figuring out how to send me pictures from her Smartphone. Apparently, some kind soul at a Starbucks helped her.”

She ran her hand along the smooth brown and tan speckled granite. Six bar stools were covered in a rustic, southwestern fabric surrounding the curved countertop. On the opposite end was a large stone wall separating the kitchen from the living room.

Cole touched the plush material of the bar stools as he scanned the kitchen and spotless stainless-steel appliances. He raised his eyebrows. “This is really nice.” Staring at his boots, he said, “It’s a thousand times nicer than my house.”

“I’m sure you have a lovely house.” Stepping behind a rectangular wooden dining table, Cheri threw the curtains back. Pointing, she said, “The house overlooks Crystal Lake. Too bad it’s dark outside. The view is stunning.”

Cole nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I’m sure it’s pretty.”

“Ma’am? You’ve got to stop saying that.”

He tipped his hat. “Habit. We’re probably close to the same age. I hope I get to see the view in the daylight sometime soon.”

Cheri folded her arms and grinned. “We’ll see, cowboy. We’ll see.”

“Playing hard to get, New York?” Cole leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek, very close to her mouth. She wanted to turn her head and kiss him full on the mouth but held back. She liked this country boy but it was too soon for a relationship. Besides, she was officially still in one, plus the small matter that they were from two different worlds. They would never, ever work as a couple. Still, he was intriguing.

“I almost forgot. Wait a minute.” Cheri fished in her purse until she found the cowboy boot candle she had bought at Cracker Barrel. She handed the candle to Cole. “A little something for your trouble.”

“When did you buy this?” Holding the boot in the air, he said, “I’m not used to gettin’ gifts. Thanks. I’ve got just the spot above my kitchen sink.” Kissing the top of her head, Cole said, “I thought New Yorkers were supposed to be rude. You’re as sweet as a peach.”

Cheri’s eyes twinkled. “I’ve never been called a peach before.”

He winked, crossed the living room and kitchen, and stepped toward the front door. As he reached for the handle, Cole said, “I’m gonna be busy all week hayin.’ As long as it doesn’t rain, hayin’ could go into the weekend. Hopefully, we can go out soon, though.” Pausing, he added, “If you want to.”

Cheri didn’t know anything about hay and rain but knew she wanted to see him again. “No problem about the hay. I need to get settled here and take care of some business.” She didn’t want him to know she was the proud owner of Fifth Avenue Catering in New York City. “I’d like to see you again. Thanks again for a great evening. It was fun.”

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