Page 71 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Examining the doorjamb, he said, “You need some WD40 for that.”

“Some what?” she asked.

“I’ll fix it later.” He extended a red rose he had plucked off a bush along Cheri’s driveway. “For the prettiest girl this side of the Mississippi.”

“That’s sweet. Thanks.” Smelling the rose, she motioned for him to come inside.

Cole studied her four-inch heels, yellow sundress, and a gazillion silver bangle bracelets encircling her tiny wrist.

Biting his lip in an obvious attempt to hide his laughter, Cole said, “Hey, New York, we’re going campin’. Sure you want to wear that?”

Cheri peered down at her clothes. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? It’s a simple dress.”

He pointed. “Those heels will get stuck in the dirt.”

Cheri stared at her leopard print stilettos. “Oh, I didn’t think about that. I don’t want to ruin these. I just bought them.”

Motioning toward her bare legs, he added, “And your legs will be covered with mosquito bites or chiggers.”

“What’s a chigger?”

Cole shook his head “You don’t want to find out. I have bug spray.”

Cheri’s face fell. “I’m not sure what you have planned for today. My idea of camping out is a rundown Holiday Inn that doesn’t offer breakfast. I’ve never gone camping in the country.”

“You’ll never know if you like it until you try it.” Leaning against the doorframe, Cole said, “Why don’t you change into jeans, tennis shoes, and a tee shirt? Got any of that? You’ll be more comfortable. I’ll wait here.”

Cheri mentally assessed the designer clothes in her wardrobe. She knew she had a black Calvin Klein tee . . . somewhere. And some black and silver Coach tennis shoes. She plunked her enormous orange Kate Spade bag on the porch. “Will you watch this while I change?”

“Sure but nobody’s here to steal it but me.” After she disappeared, Cole watched a little boy precariously pedal a bike across the street. He wanted to help the little guy but didn’t want to leave Cheri’s purse unattended.

Cheri’s cell phone was perched on top of her bag. When it rang, Cole resisted the temptation to look at the caller ID—until it rang incessantly for a third time in a row. No longer able to resist, he took a peek. CALLER UNKNOWN appeared on the screen.Interesting.But he decided not to ask any questions.

Cheri reappeared with two bottles of chilled water and thrust one toward him.

“Thanks.” Cole looked at her appreciatively. She had donned a black tee, jeans that fit like paint, and stylish tennis shoes. This time, she wore zero jewelry except for huge silver hoop earrings. He also noticed she had pulled her long hair into a playful, high ponytail.

“Much better. You’ll want a jacket.”

“It’s seventy-five degrees.”

He shrugged. “It gets cold at night.”

“I didn’t know we’d be out that long.”

Cole’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that too late, New York?”

“Not at all.” Cheri ran back inside and reappeared with a khaki jacket with a leopard print lining.

Before they drove off, Cole plucked another flower and tucked it behind her ear. “Now you’re ready.”

“You’re sweet. Where exactly are we going?”

“You’ll see.” Cole turned up the radio and sang along to “Done” by The Band Perry.

“You have a nice voice.” She noticed a pinkish hue work its way up from his neck to his ears. “Are you blushing?”

“Heck no.” Cole stopped singing.

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