Page 80 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“I’ll stick with the water I brought.” Opening both water bottles, she placed one in front of Cole.

He frowned. “Hobos are best paired with wine and beer.”

“You even know culinary lingo. I’m impressed. Are they best paired with a nice white or red?”

“I suppose I should have brought red wine for red meat but you seem like a white wine kind of girl.”

“Really? And white wine girls are—”

Reaching across the table, he kissed the top of her hand. “Beautiful. White wine girls are beautiful.”

“I’m never having red wine again.” Cheri stabbed her food with her fork. After she blew on the sizzling creation, she took a huge bite, groaned happily, and rubbed her belly. “This is fabulous. Really, really good.”

“Pretty basic, but thanks.”

“The flavors meld together and taste like . . . like . . . what’s the word?”

“Campfire,” Cole said.

Grinning, Cheri nodded. “Campfire. That’s it.”

Chapter 72

Taking another huge bite of her hobo, Cheri said, “I see I need to start cooking outdoors more often.” Thoughts swirling with new menu ideas for Fifth Avenue Catering, she said, “At the very least I need to get a grill.”

“You don’t have a grill? A grill is a necessity in the Ozarks.”

“I’ll work on that.” Devouring her meal like a hungry wolf, the thought of spending more time with Cole was dizzying, exciting, and . . . puzzling.Cole isn’t my type. An online dating site would never pair us together. Neither would my mother, for that matter.The image of Cole sauntering over and climbing into her father’s impeccable limo wearing dusty cowboy boots and a matching well-worn hat made her laugh out loud.

“What’s so funny?”

She smiled mischievously. “Nothing.”

He raised one eyebrow. “Not sure I believe you.”

Consuming every last bite, Cheri stood and stretched. “I’m cleaning up. I assume there’s a roll of trash bags in that bottomless bag of yours.”

Chuckling, Cole said, “There might be one or two.”

“You’re great with details. I could use you at my—” Stopping herself yet again, Cheri tossed trash in the bags and refolded the tablecloth. Wrapping her arms around Cole’s neck, she said, “This was a fantastic idea and great day.”

Leaning down, he kissed her and lingered. She didn’t resist. Snuggling closer, she rested her head against his chest.

Nuzzling her neck, he said, “You smell like sunshine. In fact, you are a ray of sunshine. I never thought city girls were—”

“Shh.” Pulling him down on the quilt, she kissed Cole. After a probing make-out session that would make the queen of romance novels, Nora Roberts, blush, they untangled themselves, rested on their elbows, and observed the darkening sky. “It’s so quiet, peaceful, and calming here.” Glancing from side to side, she said, “I’m not sure I want to be here after dark, though.”

A crackle made them both stiffen. One twig snapped and then another. Hairs raised on the back of Cheri’s neck. Stiffening, she whispered, “What’s that noise? Could it be a bear?”

Perfectly relaxed, Cole put his arm around her. “Some black bears have been spotted in Arkansas but are pretty scarce in Missouri. It’s more likely a raccoon or skunk. Maybe just a squirrel. I don’t think we have to worry.”

Cheri’s heart hammered as the footsteps got louder. Voice low, she said, “It’s getting closer. Do you have a weapon?”

“Yeah.” He frowned. “But it’s in my truck.”

Cheri’s eyes widened. “Maybe you should run and get it.” Pausing, she said, “But I don’t want to be left alone.”

“I have a pocketknife on me. It could be a deer or turkey. We’re on their turf. Don’t worry. They won’t bother us.”

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