Page 83 of Stockman's Stormcloud

‘I went to that appointment you made me.’

That she’d made for him five days ago. ‘How’d you go?’

‘Good. The doctor gave me the all clear.’

‘That’s great news. I can see you look fine.’ Oh, so damned fine!

Her photos didn’t do justice to the flesh, bone, and chiselled features that made up this magnificent male. Only made worse when he gave that smirk, making her toes curl in the carpet.

‘So you decided to come and annoy me, huh?’ She crossed her arms to at least appear cool and collected.

Which was nearly impossible when he tilted his head and his eyes caught the light. ‘Well, I remembered you telling me you lived out the back.’

‘It’s just a room.’ Now she felt embarrassed about her living space. It was tiny, compared to the guy who lived on a station.

‘I lived in a tent in my place.’

‘And look at it now. Bree must be pleased.’ Her tone was loaded with sarcasm.

‘I haven’t seen Bree in days.’

‘Why? Did Ryder kick her out?’ She arched an eyebrow at him, and at the cat getting all the attention.

‘No. Bree’s husband showed up.’

She blinked furiously, as if her eyes had some grit. ‘I’m sorry. What did you say?’

‘That you have no reason to be jealous.’ He chuckled, amused at her idiotic emotions.

Theprick.

But he was right. Forcing a lick of shame to warm her ears.

‘So, why are you here?’ In her room, like one of her many daydreams, that involved no clothes, no conversation, and that bed.

‘Besides my doctor’s appointment, I was in town to deliver our cattle to the train station, and I bought the last of the quiche and cheesecake.’

Just the thought of her favourite foods had her mouth salivating, along with her stomach echoing with emptiness. ‘What flavour?’

He shrugged. ‘All sorts, and a whole banana cheesecake.’

Yum! ‘And where is this food?’ Because he was empty-handed, except for the cat.

‘In the truck.’

‘You did that because…?’

‘I was hungry. And I was in town and knew I’d miss dinner at the farmhouse. Not that I cared too much—Harper is cooking tonight, and she can’t cook.’ He even playfully shuddered, getting a smile out of her. ‘So, after cleaning the trailers, I saw Lucy packing up her food van at the train station and I stocked up, hoping to share dinner with you as we watch the sunset over the stockyards, now that I’m officially no longer your patient.’ He pointed to her large window that showed the brick wall of the hospital. ‘Bring your camera.’

‘Are you asking me on a date?’

He frowned. And there was the Dex she remembered.

‘Are you going to torture me with this, Sophie? I’m here. I bought food. And it’s the stockyard.’ He shrugged. ‘I could take the cat out and leave you home instead.’

‘No. I’m coming, I’m coming. Gimme five.’ She rushed for the bathroom, hoping for a five-minute miracle makeover, brushing her teeth and hair, slapping on some make-up while trying to pick out something to wear.

What did a girl wear on a date to the stockyards? Even if it soundedlike a cheesy pick-up line used by many other stockmen in the past, it was her first date in such a place. With Dex.

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