Page 42 of When Sparks Fly

Sutton.

Like a giddy teenager, my heart rate kicks up and I bite my lip. I thought about texting earlier, but I didn’t want to bother him if things were busy at the ranch. I have no idea what those things would be, because I’m not even sure what kind of ranch his family has or what his role is, but it seemed safer to wait him out.

Me:

Good. Hosted brunch. You?

Cowboy:

Sounds like a party. Just got done with family dinner.

Me:

That sounds nice.

I feel a pang of envy. What must it be like to enjoy your family? To have loving meals together and feel comfort in their presence? Belatedly, I realize I have nothing to feel envious of. I have my family, even if they aren’t all blood-related, and I do get to enjoy beautiful meals with them. Today was proof of that.

My phone ringing in my hand startles me and my heart does a little jump atCowboyon the screen. I accept the call and put the phone up to my ear, willing my breathing to even out. “Hi.”

“Hi, yourself.” Flutters. I’d almost forgotten how his deep voice is, both gruff and soothing at the same time. He doesn’t give me a chance to say anything else. “What are you doing right now?”

A grin fills my face. “Talking to you.”

“Did you eat?” I get the impression this isn’t the information he’s really seeking.

“Yes.”

The ensuing pause seems calculated. “What’s your favorite food?”

“Hmm.” Jumping off the couch, I head into the laundry room to switch the linens while we talk. “Probably Indian cuisine.”

He chuckles. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

“I hope you weren’t expecting salad.”

“No. Maybe steak or carbs.”

“I’ll never turn down either. Especially sweets.” A door closes on his end of the line, followed by crunching. “Am I keeping you from something?”

“Not at all.” There’s a dinging from his end and when he speaks again, his voice echoes a bit. I suspect he’s transferred the call to the speakerphone in his truck. “I want to see you.”

“Ok. You said as much at The Spur.”

“Now.”

Settling back on the couch, my heart rate picks up again. My eyes trail over my gray ribbed loungewear. It’s not unpresentable, though it seems out of order to show him this prior to a first date. Then again, I’ve told him I’m leaving. My stay here has an end. Why present him with a polished version, something he can’t have, anyway? And is it even fair to give in to these whims, when it will ultimately lead to nothing?

He’s a grown man, though, who can make his own choices. I’ve been honest, so a little fun won’t hurt anyone, right?

“Ok.”

“Yes?” He seems a little surprised.

“I’m not really dressed.” He doesn’t respond right away so I add in a hurry, “I mean, I have clothes on,” A nervous laugh escapes me. “I’m just notdressed. I wasn’t really planning on company.”

“I’m not interested in your clothes. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

Twenty-five minutes later, a large pair of headlights crests the hill onto the driveway and Sutton parks his dark truck next to my Jeep. I may not have changed clothes while he drove over, but I did fluff pillows, light a candle, and turn on a TV show for some background noise. I have no idea what his plans are, but I couldn’t sit still while I waited.

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