Page 55 of Cowboys at Coconuts

He rubbed his belly. “I’m pretty good at both.”

Laughing, Hope felt her shoulders relax for the first time in forever.I like this guy. Why does he have to live in Nashville?

As Tucker devoured a fistful of fries, he waved the server over. “Another round, please. I’ll take a beer too.” He glanced at Hope. “If you don’t mind my bargin’ in, that is.”

Mind?After the emotional upheaval of the past two years, Hope needed another drink like she needed air. “I don’t mind at all. Just one more, though. I have to drive to a hotel later.”

“Driving is also my middle name.”

Hope reached for another fry and dipped it in the same ketchup the man had used. She noticed he was careful not to double dip and knew Alex would be pleased. “You drive a lot?”

“Five days a week. I’m an over-the-road trucker.” Taking a sip of foamy beer the server had placed in front of him, he said, “The way I look at it I get paid to see the countryside.”

“That sounds divine. I like to drive too.” Hope plunked a lime into her fresh margarita. “I’m a little afraid of airplanes.”

“Never been in one.”

“Is your base out of Nashville? It’s beautiful here, by the way. I love the skyline. The music and energy of this city are exciting.”

“It’s always a nice stop. I’m here on an overnight and thought I’d enjoy some music. I work for Prime Trucking near Crystal City.”

Hope’s mouth fell open. For some reason unknown to her, her heart fluttered from her chest to her toes. “Crystal City? That’s where I live.”

Tucker’s face lit up. “No joke? I wonder why I’ve never see you. I’m in town most weekends.”

Just as Hope was eager to fill him in on her girlfriends and Coconuts, Larry plopped down in a chair. The cowboy extended his hand. “I’m Tucker. I bought you another beer to thank you for raising such a beautiful, sweet daughter.”

Larry took a big swig. “Thank ya. Much appreciated. My name’s Mac. I don’t know if Miss Tru— Hope told you, but I don’t remember much after the accident.”

Hope interjected. “We aren’t discussing that. We’re here for entertainment and a break from . . . everything.”

Shrugging, Larry took a healthy swig. “Did she tell you about my old lady? Willow and I are newlyweds.”

The cowboy held his beer in the air and tapped Larry’s. “Congratulations.”

Hope swallowed and avoided Larry’s gaze. She wanted a lighter conversation and turned back to the trucker. “Do you have any family?”

“Nah. I’m an only child and my parents passed, but I meet nice people everywhere I go.” His face brightened. “Like you.”

Hope wasn’t used to having a man pay attention to her. Having gorgeous girlfriends like Suzy, Alex, and Cheri who always stole the show was a challenge. She loved her friends but got a little tired of always being the overweight, frumpy one, not that she’d ever complain to them. They loved her and she loved them. Her students adored her, she had a roof over her head, and a good job. But this was different. A man noticing her felt nice. Really nice. Hope wasn’t quite sure how to handle the attention.

The cowboy ate another fry and stood. “I should be goin’. I don’t want to intrude.”

Larry bopped his head to the music. “Nice meetin’ ya.”

Hope didn’t want Tucker to leave and surprised herself with newfound confidence. “Wait. About that dance.”

Chapter 52

On the drive back to Branson in deep thought about Alex and Gage hooking up in New York, Cheri’s phone trilled. She didn’t bother glancing at the screen. “Mom?”

Chuckling, the cowboy said, “It’s Cole.”

“Sorry. My mom usually calls about this time of day.”

“Your mom? You haven’t mentioned her. What’s her name?”

After she paused for an awkward silence, Cole changed the subject. “Have you ever been to a drive-in?”

---