Page 7 of Rust and Stardust

As the cowboy settled onto a stool just two seats down from me, I couldn't help but steal glances in his direction. His profile was chiseled perfection, all sharp angles and rugged masculinity. I watched as he removed his hat, revealing a mess of sun-bleached hair that somehow made him look even more rugged and handsome. I felt my jeans twitch as I thought of what it would feel like to run my fingers through it.

“The usual, Beau?” the waitress asked, her tone warm and familiar.

He nodded, flashing a smile that made my heart skip a beat. “You know me too well, Dolly. Damn near left town without getting somethin’ to eat. That’s the whole damn reason I came to town in the first place.”

“Maybe you need to take a break once in a while,” she replied, giving him a stern look. “You’re always runnin’ around here like a chicken with its head cut off. Take a vacation!”

“Can’t,” he answered simply. “The cattle don’t take days off, so neither can I.”

His voice was deep and rich, with a slight drawl that sent shivers down my spine. I tried to focus on my pie, but I couldn't stop my eyes from wandering back to him. As if sensing my gaze, he turned slightly, those blue eyes meeting mine once again.

This time, he didn't look away. His gaze filled my chest with excitement that quickly pooled in my groin. I had to tear my gaze away from him if I wanted to remain decent in front of all those strangers.

“Duty calls, honey,” the waitress said to me, patting my arm once more. “You enjoy your pie and let me know if you need anything else.”

I nodded, my mouth still full of apples. As Dolly bustled off to tend to other customers, I found myself sneaking glances at the cowboy - Beau - from the corner of my eye. A moment later Dolly dropped a steaming mug in front of him. It seemed I wasn’t the only one that liked to drink coffee in the middle of the afternoon. He seemed focused on his cup at first, his strong hands wrapped around the mug, but I could have sworn I caught him looking my way once or twice.

The diner soon fell into a comfortable lull, the soft clink of cutlery and murmured conversations creating a soothing backdrop. I tried to focus on my pie, but my mind kept drifting to the man just a couple seats away. It was hard to think about anything else when such a pinnacle of masculine beauty was so close. I swore I could almost smell the scent of sweat and leather rolling off him.

Suddenly, Beau's deep voice broke the silence between us. “You're new 'round here, ain't ya?”

I looked up, startled, to find those piercing blue eyes fixed on me. “Uh, yeah,” I managed, clearing my throat. “Just got into town.”

Beau nodded, his eyes still locked on mine. “Thought so. Don't get many strangers 'round these parts.”

He took a sip of his coffee. The way his lips curled around the edge of that mug made me jealous. It made me wonder what they’d feel like wrapped around my — “So what brings you to Sagebrush?” he asked, his question interrupting my sinful thoughts just in time.

I hesitated, unsure of just how much to reveal. “Work,” I finally said, echoing my earlier response to Dolly. “I'm here to scout the area for a potential food festival.”

His eyebrows rose slightly. “Food festival? In Sagebrush?” He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “Well, I'll be damned. Never thought I'd see the day. There’s hardly anything in this old town except dust and tumbleweeds.”

I couldn't help but smile. “Yeah, it's a bit of a long shot. But my boss seems to think there's potential here.” I leaned in, lowering my voice. “But between you and me, I think he’s full of shit.”

Beau leaned in a little closer too, his voice dropping to meet mine as he smiled. “I think you’re right.”

“Gonna be anything good at the fair?” I asked, straightening back up in my seat. “Dolly said they’ve got lots of food there.”

“They sure do. Some of the best in Texas.” He gave me a big toothy smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling in a way that made my heart sing. “In fact, you should check out Old Turner’s Barbecue while you’re there. I heard it’s some of the best in the world and he’s got the trophies to prove it.”

“I’ll make sure to do that,” I nodded, mentally taking note of my first target.

Just then, Dolly appeared with a neatly folded paper bag and placed it in front of Beau. “There’s your lunch to go, as always,” shesaid with a smile. “Don’t know why you’re too good to eat with the rest of us though.”

“Sorry, darlin’. I’ve got some fence posts that need repairing and those cows aren’t gonna feed themselves.”

“Well, you tell those cows to give you a break, huh?”

“I’ll let them know, but I don’t think they speak much English.” He got up from his seat, grabbing the paper bag. “Thanks, Dolly. I’ll make it up to ya, I promise.”

“Don’t worry, I know where to mail the bill,” she said playfully, giving him a pat on the back of the hand.

Then he stepped up to me, holding out his rough, calloused hand. “Nice to meet you stranger.”

I gulped but took his hand. “Lucas.”

“Beau,” he replied with a tip of his hat. “Have a nice day now, ya hear?”

“You too…” I said, my jaw going slack as I watched him walk away. He was hot from the front but that ass. Damn. Talk about a work of art!

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