Page 77 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Not long, but eat some cheese and crackers while I start the fire. They’ll cook twenty minutes or so.”

Cheri beamed her movie star-like smile. “You brought cheese?”

“Yep. By the way, you could make a guy lose his mind with that gorgeous smile of yours.”

“No more compliments tonight. I’m cutting you off.”

“Compliments make you uncomfortable, don’t they? Okay, I’ll criticize you if you insist.” Grinning a wicked grin, he said, “You’re a wretched city slicker who doesn’t have enough sense to wear jeans and comfortable shoes to the woods.”

Placing her hands on her hips, Cheri said, “Hey.”

Cole gave her a devilish smile. “I thought you didn’t want any more compliments.”

She cocked her head. “That doesn’t mean I want insults.”

Reaching for her hand, he said, “You know I’m teasin’. At least I hope you know. Let’s go back to the spring while we wait for the fire to get hot.”

Bending down, Cheri and Cole splashed their hands in the refreshing, cool stream. “See, there’s sort of a sink here.” Cole chuckled, cupped his hand, and took a sip, wiping the excess liquid from his chin. “Aren’t you thirsty?”

Wincing, Cheri said, “I’m thinking about those dead animals that might be on the other end, plus I don’t want to pee behind a tree again. One tree per day is my limit.”

“Have it your way. Remember, I brought other liquid libations.” After skipping a few more rocks, he stood. “Let’s check on the fire.”

Walking hand in hand toward their special spot, flickering yellow and orange flames greeted them. The fire seemed to dance like a jazz troupe atop the burning wood. Cole reached into his duffel bag and pulled out a navy quilt covered in interlocking circles made from various fabrics and colors. “My late grandmother made this quilt.” He hugged it to his chest. “I keep it in my truck so she’s always with me. I have a red one on my bed.”

“That’s sweet.” Holding the thick fabric, Cheri studied the pattern and intricate hand stitching. “It’s handmade? That’s unbelievable. What an incredible keepsake.” Turning away so Cole couldn’t see the tears in her eyes, Cheri’s heart plummeted while she thought about her parents. The Van Burens weren’t that close. They werepretendclose. That is, they faked their chumminess in front of the paparazzi. Rather than big hugs, they mainly air kissed or blew kisses. “I love yous” were said but weren’t exactly heartfelt. They didn’t have anything like this family heirloom to pass down to future generations except for a few of her sweet Nana’s belongings.

Cheri’s mind drifted. She had always longed for a close-knit family that ate around a big dining room table every Sunday. Instead, she ate meals in five-star restaurants usually after a limo ride or chartered flight. The Van Burens were meant to be seen and heard but not exactly felt. They weren’t big on emotions, rather big on impressing others. Her family was always dressed to the nines—just in case a photographer captured their image.At least we always look good in the society pages.

Cole broke the silence as he spread the quilt on the grass. “Someone’s deep in thought.”

Eyes glistening, Cheri said, “I’m taking it all in. I’ve done so many simple, yet incredibly moving things today. Stuff I’ve never considered before. Activities I’ve never even heard of.” Spreading her arms wide, she said, “Look what I would have missed if we hadn’t met.” Taking Cole’s hand, she said, “Thank you.”

“Aw, shucks. My pleasure. It wasn’t the most excitin’ day. Nothing like New York, I’m sure, but—”

She put a finger to his lips. “Shh.” After kissing him, she said, “It’s a perfect day.”

“And it’s not over.” Brushing his hand along her cheek, he said, “Far from it.”

Cheri touched his calloused fingers. “I’m famished, though.”

“Thought so.” Cole opened the hinged basket, found a baggy containing the fruit, and popped a strawberry in her mouth. “Maybe this will stave off your starvation. I thought we’d have another glass of wine before dinner.”

She chewed the fruit. “Delicious.” Cheri chuckled. “Wine in the woods. That sounds like a country song.”

“As a matter of fact, it does. Country boys can be classy, too, you know.” He rummaged for the wine opener and got the chilled chardonnay from the cooler. “We still have half. Don’t worry. I brought a second bottle along with the cheese and strawberries. I figured you were used to all the trimmin’s.”

If he only knew about my caviar and champagne brunches.Groaning inwardly, Cheri wondered if she’d ever be able to tell this sweet, good-natured cowboy she was a Van Buren.I don’t want to lose him.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

“I’m happy, that’s all.” Staring at a hawk swirling in the sky, Cheri said, “I don’t think I’ve ever been this relaxed.” Sipping the wine Cole had handed her, she steadied herself, realizing she hadn’t eaten much all day except for the strawberry and a little cheese. She felt a luscious warm feeling from her stomach to her toes.

Leaning against Cole, she said, “I like the country. I likeyou. Thanks for—” Her voice wobbled. “Thanks for everything.” Motioning across the food and wine spread out on his grandmother’s quilt, she added, “I like country boys.”

“I think the wine is loosening you up. You can stop thankin’ me.” His eyes crinkled. “And . . . the feelin’s mutual. I like you too.”

Cole refilled her wine and popped open a Bud for himself.

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