Page 33 of Cowboys at Coconuts

After everyone shook their heads, Cole turned to Alex. “You’d never make it on the farm.” He glanced at his boots. “I probably have cow manure on them.”

Wrinkling her nose, Alex said, “And here you are with a Van—”

Cheri cut in. “I’d love to see your farm, Cole. It sounds serene after the hustle and bustle of city life.” Swiveling in Alex’s direction, she furrowed her brows. Alex noticed her friend coyly slid her Rolex from the top of her wrist to the bottom. As the two friends made eye contact, Alex winked.

Grasping the undertones, Alex studied the unlikely couple. Turning to Cole, she said, “Got any friends? Any cute cowboy friends?”

He nodded. “Sure, I have several.”

“Why don’t you bring them here the next time you come?” Alex asked.

“Cowboys at Coconuts. That’s a novel idea.” Cole’s eyes twinkled. “Actually, two of my friends, Wyatt and Bo, were here earlier which surprised me as much as it probably would you.” Glancing at his watch, he turned toward Cheri. “I think I’ll pass on the cattle auction tomorrow. I need to cut hay in the morning.’ I have an hour’s drive. I’d better run.” He hopped off his bar stool and hovered behind Cheri’s chair. “How about walkin’ me out?”

She sprang off her seat. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter 31

Mouths agape, the women never took their eyes off Cheri and Cole’s backsides as they stepped across Coconuts and out the door.

Alex turned toward her friends. “Looks like our city girl has a crush on a cowboy.”

“I think you’re right,” Suzy said.

Hope shook her head. “Why does this happen to everyone but me? She’s only been in town for a year and already has a date.”

Suzy patted her arm. “Give it time, hon.”

Alex wiped her mouth. “Who needs men?”

“Hey.” Ken winked. “I’m still here, remember?”

“Sorry, Ken. You don’t count,” Alex said.

Throwing both hands up, Ken said, “I’m not sure that’s much better.” He excused himself and went to the restroom.

After several minutes, Suzy glanced toward the front door. “I wonder what they’re doing outside. Do you think Cheri and Cole are dating?”

Reaching for a handful of popcorn, Hope said, “Talk about opposites. I wonder if he knows she’s a Van Buren?”

“Nah.” Alex shook her head. “Didn’t you hear Cheri cut me off when I mentioned her designer shoes and started to say her last name? I have a feeling it’s a huge secret. I can’t wait to hear how this went down.”

Holding hands with Ken, Suzy said, “We should honor her wish of anonymity.”

Hope reached for another handful of popcorn and chased it with a sip of margarita. “Yep, it’s her job to tell him.”

Alex stared toward the front entrance but couldn’t see the cowboy. “He’s cute.”

“That’s my cue to leave.” Ken kissed his wife. “If one of your friends will take you home, I’ll be on my way. I don’t want to discuss the cute cowboy.”

Secretly happy for girlfriend time, Suzy squeezed Ken’s arm. “Thanks, babe. See you in an hour or two.”

After Ken left, Suzy requested hot green tea. After it arrived, she said, “This is such a boring drink. I really miss merlot.” Resting her arm on her belly, she said, “But it’ll be worth it to have two bouncing babies.”

Shaking her head, Alex said, “I still can’t believe you’re having twins. Sheesh. I’d be ready to put a gun to my—” Likely noticing Hope’s glare, she stopped herself. “Of course, you’ll juggle those screaming kids like a pro.”

“Alex.”Hope widened her eyes.“Not helpful.”

Reaching for the popcorn, Alex said, “You know me. I tell it like it is.” Placing her arm on Suzy’s, she chuckled. “I’m sure Hope will be more than helpful in the babysitting arena.”

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