Page 26 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Hope raised her voice over the commotion. “This person is very important to you.”

“It’s the woman in the picture, ain’t it?” He leaned against his cart.

Hope perked up. “Yes. Remember her now?”

“Nope.”

Chapter 26

Two days after her disastrous and absolutely, positively last ridiculous online date, Cheri perched in front of her laptop and Googled the cowboy.

Unable to get her mind off the country boy, even though he wasn’t her type. At. All. Still, there was something about him. He had definitely caught her attention. Iwantto get to know him better. Ineedto get to know him better.I’m done with trolling the Internet for dates.Laser focused, Cheri Googled every Cole she could find along with terms like “country,” “cowboy,” “farming” and “Missouri.”

After several minutes, a Facebook account appeared for a Cole Cash.That’s ironic. If he only knew about my pile of cash.Chuckling at the surname, she squinted at the photo.That’s him.Her stomach lurched.He’s so cute.Staring at his Facebook profile photo, Cheri’s heart raced.

Scrolling through his photos, everything looked like something out ofCountry Life,if there was such a thing. She smiled at the images of green and yellow John Deere tractors, hundreds of round bales of hay, cows, horses, acres of land, dogs, oak and maple trees, and his ancient blue Chevy truck. Feeling like a voyeur, she couldn’t stop staring at every photo.

Hands shaking, she decided to send Cole a note before she lost her nerve. Clicking on ‘Message,’ she simply typed:Hi! Remember the stranger who kissed you? I’d like to see you again.~Cheri

She had long ago set up a pseudo Facebook account using only her first name—sort of like Cher or Madonna—avoiding her surname, Van Buren, because she was well aware that would attract people for all the wrong reasons. Biting a manicured nail, she stared at the tiny box waiting for a response. Soon the gray dots began to move.He’s online. And actually responding.She spun around full circle in her desk chair like a kid. Squeezing her eyes tight, she was afraid to read his reply. Finally, she forced herself to peer at the screen.

Yeah, of course, I remember you. You’re a little hard to forget. :) Want to meet later today? I’m headin’ to town in a couple of hours.

Cheri’s stomach did a backflip. She absolutely wanted to meet him. Holding back from typing an immediate “yes” since she didn’t want to appear desperate, she decided to get a drink of water but only made it halfway to the kitchen before rushing back to the keyboard.

Sure. How about four o’clock at Coconuts?

It’s a date. See you soon.

“Woohoo!” Cheri cheered and did a fist pump.Why am I so excited about this cowboy?Probably because he’s unlike anyone I’ve ever known.Retreating to her closet, she scanned her designer clothes.Somehow I don’t think a Versace dress is in order.Choosing skinny white jeans, a leopard print tank, and red stilettos, she laid the clothes on a chair beside her bed and returned to her laptop.Maybe a bit more cowboy research . . .

~ ~ ~

Cheri left her grandmother’s home in Branson nearly an hour early, allowing more than enough time to get to Coconuts. She didn’t want to be late and also didn’t want Cole to see her red Mercedes. Parking across the street, she stepped inside the familiar island-themed restaurant. She glanced around the bar and decided on a corner booth toward the back. Gus approached.

“Hi, Gus. I’ll take a cabernet.”Maybe that’ll take the edge off.

Gus returned with her wine. “Meeting anyone?”

She nodded.

“Want menus?”

“Sure.” Cheri wanted the server to leave so she could down a few sips of the wine and relax before Cole arrived. Just as her glass was poised mid-air, Cole appeared in the doorway. She studied his slender, yet muscular frame. Wearing his familiar brown cowboy boots, tight jeans, an oval belt buckle, and a navy button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, he made her pulse quicken.Hot damn.He’s gorgeous.

She watched as Cole scanned the room, obviously looking for her. When he spotted her in the corner, he sauntered over.

God, he has a sexy walk. I have a feeling Alex would approve.

Cole tipped his tan cowboy hat. “Howdy.”

“Hi.”

Sliding into a chair smelling of outdoor spice, Cole motioned for Gus. “Beer, please. Whatever’s on tap.”

When he grinned, Cheri noticed his dimples.He looks sort of like a younger, country Brad Pitt.

Leaning forward, he pointed to her drink. “Looks like someone already started.” He grinned. “Good to see you again.”

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