Page 13 of A Family With the Cowboy

Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the layers of baked cherry, blackberry, currant, and a hint of cardamom of the cabernet sauvignon Becket had ordered. No use wasting a lovely wine.

At the sound of scraping chairs, she opened her eyes. Hayden and Cooper Weston, both looking devastatingly handsome in neat pants and shirts, were sitting down at the table. Before she could get a word out, the waiter hastened closer.

“Another glass, please?” Cooper asked. “We’ve eaten, but we thought we could share your wine, if you don’t mind, Laura?”

Hayden just stared at her.

“We’re the rescue team,” Cooper said as the waiter left. “Becket…um…has his hands full.”

“Thanks.” At least she sounded normal. “I don’t really need rescuing at the moment. Maybe when I’ve finished my meal, I’d rather not walk home. And you’re welcome to share the wine.” She took out her phone and handed it to Cooper. “I was serious the other night when I said I want to get a dog. If you have one, that is. May I have your number?”

“Sure,” Cooper said, entering his details. “Last week a Jack Russell-kinda mutt turned up on my doorstep. She’s clean now and got her shots, but she needs more attention than what I can give her. Might be hard to earn her trust. She hasn’t had it easy, but you’re welcome to come and have a look.”

Laura smiled. “How do you know she had a tough time?”

Cooper shrugged. “She’s told me.”

Animal whisperer, Becket had called him. “I’ll pop in sometime over a weekend, thanks. I’ll let you know.”

“What about tomorrow morning?”

Aware of the silent Hayden still staring at her, she glanced his way. “I still have some unpacking to do, but soon. I’ll let you know.”

“Sure, I’ll send you directions to my house.”

*

Hayden was gladCooper was talking, because he was struggling to breathe, let alone talk. Barefoot, in jeans and a sweater, Laura was beautiful. All dressed up like she was tonight, she literally took his breath away.

In a soft pink top, cut low, leaving her shoulders bare, she had him just about salivating. Long golden earrings dangled from her ears, touching her neck every now and again as she moved her head. He couldn’t stop staring at the exact points where they grazed soft skin every so often.

“…we regularly attend grazing workshops and talk about what the best practices are.” Cooper’s voice finally penetrated his befuddled mind. “…proper grazing techniques can improve overall land health. Our practices include high-density grazing with cattle herds, allowing adequate time for the soil to rest. It has led to some remarkable changes on our range lands.” Cooper slapped Hayden on the shoulder. “But Hayden here is really the man to ask about that.”

Just then, two waiters approached. One put the extra glass in front of Cooper and the other put one plate down in front of Laura. Hovering with the other plate in his hand, he looked at Hayden.

“Just put it down, thanks,” Cooper said and waited for the waiter to leave before he spoke again. “Becket and Laura have been talking about grazing,” he told Hayden, clearly amused. “Definitely a first for our Becket.” He chuckled as he got up. “Excuse me, I see Aiden O’Sullivan and his wife over there. They were looking for a dog. By the way, Aiden has written a story on the deferred rotation system used around here. I’ll send you the link if you’re interested.”

“Thanks, yes,” Laura said, and Cooper walked away. “You really don’t have to stay,” she told Hayden, picking up her fork. “I’m fine eating alone. I often do.”

“Damn it, Laura, I can’t stop thinking about—” He stopped himself just in time before the “you” slipped out.

“Thinking about what?” she asked.

Staring at her mouth, he shook his head. What the hell was happening to him?

Just then a harried-looking Becket returned. Frowning, he looked at Hayden. “What are you doing here?”

“Your date was sitting on her own.”

He turned to Laura. “I’m so sorry, Laura, for leaving you alone, but it was the only way to avoid a total hysterical meltdown…”

Inhaling sharply, Laura put down her fork, picked up her bag, and got up. She’d had it with these Westons. “Please don’t talk about women like that. Expressing one’s feelings doesn’t make you hysterical. It means you’re human. You seem like a nice guy, Becket. Maybe if you let people see that, treat women with the respect they deserve, and stop trying to be the town Casanova, you won’t need to deal with people you’ve hurt. Maybe you Weston boys should try talking about your feelings. I’m going home.”

And turning on her heel, she walked away, head held high, leaving Hayden struggling to catch his breath. It was a good thing he hadn’t known about the short black skirt and high heels she was wearing.

“She can’t walk home in those heels,” Becket said. “But I don’t think she’ll get into a car with me right now. You may have better luck, although I wouldn’t bet on it.” He grinned.

“Coop’s with me…” Hayden began, just as Cooper returned.

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