Page 28 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Yes, I remember. It was after I landed in Crystal City. Nice to see you again, but please don’t call me ‘ma’am.’ We’re probably the same age.” Cheri wasn’t happy about the unwanted intrusion on their first real date.

The lanky man stiffened. “Our mamas would thump us over the head if we weren’t courteous. Ain’t that right, Cole?”

Nodding, Cole said, “You got that right.”

Cheri decided she shouldn’t alienate Cole’s friends. “Manners are nice.”

“Speaking of, where are mine?” Cole stood. “Bo, this is Cheri.”

The stocky, overall-wearing man extended his meaty hand. “I’ve never seen you around here before. My guess is you’re from out of state. Am I right?”

“New York,” Cheri said, ready for them to leave.

“Guys, I might see you at the auction tomorrow. I was goin’ to put fence up in my back pasture. I’ll let you know.”

Wyatt and Bo exchanged glances. “I think we’re bein’ dismissed.” Cole’s stocky friend checked his watch. “We probably should be goin’.” He tipped his hat in Cheri’s direction. “Nice meetin’ you. If you decide to go to the auction, meet us at five in the morning to load the cattle.”

After the men left, Cheri said, “I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a cattle auction. I didn’t even know they sold cows.” She giggled. “I guess they’re like buying shoes.”

“Not really. It’s usually not much of a money maker unless you get a prime bull and a cow that’ll hopefully birth several calves over time.” Studying Cheri’s blank face, Cole asked, “Want to go with me and see what it’s all about?”

“Not really. Sorry. But I’d love to see your ranch sometime.”

Cole brightened. “It’s more of a farm than a ranch. I’d be happy to show it to you if you’re into large stretches of land and blue skies.”

“That sounds divine. In New York City, I rarely notice the sky and there aren’t many trees, nor grass, unless you go to Central Park. It’s picturesque and serene here.”

“That it is.” Sipping his beer, Cole said, “I’ve seen pictures of the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. I’m not really a city guy.” Before I forget—” He fished out a simple black and white business card that was slightly smudged. A picture of a cow was on the front beside his name, Soggy Bottoms Ranch, phone number, and address. “Here’s my number so we don’t lose touch again.”

Staring at his card, Cheri asked, “Soggy Bottoms?”

“My farm floods. It was the best name I could come up with.”

“That’s funny. Not the flooding but the name. I love it.”

“Glad you approve. How long you here for?”

Cheri pondered his question. She wasn’t sure herself. “I’m not on a tight schedule. I’ll be here for a few weeks.”Unless Fifth Avenue Catering implodes at the hands of Julio.She plunked his card in her designer bag.

After he watched her hang her purse on the back of her chair, Cole asked, “I don’t suppose you want to give me your number?”

Shrugging, Cheri said, “I’ll call you.”

His eyes crinkled. “A woman in charge. I like that.

Gus reappeared and asked if they wanted refills. Cheri shook her head. “I’ll take some strong, black coffee.”

“Same,” Cole said. “And maybe another beer since the lady isn’t in a hurry.” Staring at her, Cole said, “Drivin’ here, I was wrackin’ my brain tryin’ to think of something a city girl might like to do. Somethin’ you’ve probably never done before.”

Cheri rested her head on her chin. “You’ve got my attention. What do you have in mind?”

He grinned, showing his dimples. “How about a hot date of rock skippin’ or a hillbilly pool party?” Wiggling his eyebrows, he asked, “Ever done either of those?”

As Gus plunked down steaming cups of java, Cheri said, “Not even close, but I’ll try either one.”

Cole winked. “It’s a date.”

Cheri’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t wait to see the cowboy again. “Which one will we do first?”

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