Page 37 of Cowboys at Coconuts

As Cole walked inside the store, he glanced back at Cheri who was transfixed on his backside.Geeze. He caught me staring.Returning with a large plastic bag, he placed it in the back seat.

Reaching in the back, Cheri peeked inside and found a chilled chardonnay, a pinot noir, and a cabernet. “This is either going to be a week-long pool party or someone has to help me drink these.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of help.” He reached across the seat and put his rough hand on her leg.

She placed her hand over his. “I see someone forgot to use lotion again.”

“Cowboys, country boys, and farm guys don’t do lotion, remember?”

She laughed. “You’re a nice guy, you know that? You have a nice swagger too.” She grinned as he shifted in his seat. “Are you blushing? Youareblushing. Your neck is pink.”

Cole grinned. “I’m not accustomed to discussin’ my swagger.”

Leaning her head against the seat and enjoying the breeze in her hair, she couldn’t wipe the silly grin off her face.

Why do I have so much fun with this country boy? When am I going back to my real life in New York?She glanced at an oblivious Cole who stared ahead at the road. He simply enjoyed the scenery without an outward care in the world.

I need to learn how to relax.Cheri took a deep breath. Cole gave her hand a squeeze. “Tell me more about this pool party.”

Chapter 35

While Cole drove, Cheri glanced out the window. She had seen more countryside in the past hour than she had in her entire life. They passed field after field dotted with cattle or horses. Some cows slept under the trees while others waded waist deep in ponds or grazed on grass.

While studying the livestock, Cheri rolled the window down, stuck her head outside, and inhaled. “I love this country air. No pollution.”

“As long as you don’t mind the occasional odor from a pig farm.”

“I’ll pass.” Relaxing as the wind blew through her long, blond hair, Cheri stuck her arm out the window. The sun warmed her. “I could use a tan. Think I can get one before the pool party?”

Cole gave her a sideways grin. “Worth a try.”

Noticing farm houses and barns acres apart, Cheri said, “I’m surprised someone has a pool around here. I mainly see farmland, horses, and cows.” As if to punctuate her comment, a cow mooed.

“Guess she agrees with you.” Cole gave Cheri a mischievous smile. “There’s definitely a pool at this house. In fact, it’s the coolest, most creative pool you’ve ever laid eyes on. I guarantee it.”

“That’s quite a guarantee.” Squeezing his free hand, she said, “I can’t wait.”

Cole studied Cheri’s hands and chuckled. “New nail polish?”

“Yep. Pink camo. What do you think?”

He winked. “They’re almost as beautiful as you.”

Curling her fingers, she said, “You hate them. I can tell.” She tugged on one edge to tear it off. “They’re stick-on nails. I saw them at Walgreens, of all places.” She muttered, “I guess I’m trying too hard to fit in.”

Cole put his hand over hers. “Leave them alone. They’re cool, but don’t try to fit in. Don’t change. I like you the way you are.”

He likes me.Cheri turned back toward the lush green hills as Cole rounded curves. Several roller-coaster hills later, they turned right. “We’re almost there.”

As they drove across several round, metal rails spaced a few inches apart, Cole explained it was a cattle guard to keep cows from getting out of the pasture and onto the road. He turned down a short dirt road and pulled up to an old farm house. A screened-in porch covered the front. A tire swing hung from a tree limb and a red hummingbird feeder adorned another tree. Wind chimes jingled in the background. The house had wide white siding, gray shutters, and a gray roof. Two miniature Shetland ponies grazed in a fenced-in area in front of a weathered red barn sorely in need of a paint job.

Cheri didn’t see a soul, nor a pool. “What a cute farmhouse, but where’s the swimming pool?”

“You’ll see.” Hopping out, Cole hooked his arm through hers and led her toward the backyard.

While at the side of the quaint house, Cheri heard boisterous cheers, whoops, and hollers. After they crossed the expansive yard filled with mature trees and overgrown shrubs, her eyes widened.

Motioning with his hand, Cole said, “There it is.”

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