Page 14 of Choosing the Montana Cowboy

Maybe she asked him to run in and get her something.

Yes, that made more sense. Maybe they were in town on business and had decided to make a quick stop. Only, if that were the case, why had he kept walking instead of getting in line behind her? She cast a subtle glance in his direction and spied him disappearing into the restroom. Hopefully, the mayor would get here soon and then she wouldn’t have to worry about making small talk with Sam two days in a row.

A jovial young woman stepped out from behind one of the drink mixing machines. “Sorry about the wait, hon. What can I get you?”

Natalie offered the barista a sheepish grin. “I’m not sure. It’s my first time here and everything looks amazing. What do you recommend?”

“Well now, that depends. What’s your usual go-to drink?”

Natalie shared her favorites from back home, and the barista offered several options she might enjoy. Eventually, she settled on a Marietta It’s-Too-Hot-Out Cold Brew, then ordered a slice of lemon pound cake to go with it.

“Go on and grab a seat. I’ll bring them out to you when your drink’s ready, hon.”

This—this was why Natalie would never live in a big, sprawling city; she much preferred the small-town pace and extra hospitality. “Thanks so much.”

Still smiling, she turned from the counter… and froze. Sam Miles had parked himself at her table, attention fixed on his cell phone. Had he not noticed her black notepad sitting on the table? And how was she supposed to send him off without getting into a fresh confrontation with him?

He’s just an ordinary man, she reminded herself as she started forward. An incredibly good-looking man who radiated sex appeal, but he put on his pants one leg at a time every morning like she did.Yeah, but just imagine what a viewthatwould be.

Darn it, now was not the time to let her imagination run wild; she had a mayor to win over and a project to complete. She came to a stop beside her table. The scent of his sandalwood cologne was more faint today than it had been last night, but it was still present and proceeded to tease her senses. His cowboy hat sat on the seat beside him, leaving his short hair exposed. It glistened in the muted afternoon sunlight, hinting at the outdoor work he must have been doing before arriving here.

The same work she wished he’d hurry up and return to so she could fully focus on her meeting with the mayor. If Sam stayed, her attention would surely be divided. It was time for him to move along.

“Hey, Sam.”

He looked up from his phone and did a double take.

“Oh, hey, Natalie.” He sat up straighter and looked around the otherwise empty room. “What are, uh, you doing here?”

“I’ve got a business meeting starting in a few minutes. In fact, that’s my notebook there. I was trying to save the table.”

“Sorry, it kinda blended in with the table. I didn’t even notice it.” He blinked a few times, as though trying to process what she had just said. “Who did you say you were meeting here?”

Natalie shifted from one foot to the other. She hadn’t said, not that it was really any of his business. Then again, she had no reason to lie. As soon as the mayor walked in, he’d figure it out, anyway.

“The mayor, actually. His secretary told me this was his usual spot.”

Sam’s brows furrowed. “And you’re sure she said to meet himhere?”

What an odd question. “This is the Java Café, isn’t it?”

“Sure is.”

He looked to the window again, contemplating. Natalie looked, too. Still no sign of the mayor.

“Here you are, ma’am. One cold brew with a side of lemon cake.” The barista set Natalie’s order on the table where Sam was seated. “Can I get you anything, Sam?”

Natalie noticed the change in the barista’s voice when she addressed Sam. And the slight blush rising in her cheeks. Apparently, Natalie wasn’t the only one affected by the handsome cowboy on a daily basis.

“Actually, Lily, I’d love an Americano. Black.”

“No problem, I’ll bring it right out for you.”

She turned back for the drink station, a broad smile on her face. Natalie watched her go, then arched a brow at Sam.

“Where are my manners?” he said. “Please, have a seat.”

Darn it, that look was to get him to move, not to make himself at home. Though, it would probably look kind of silly, them sitting at separate tables when no one else was here. Natalie checked the time on her phone. It was 3:10. Surely, if something would have come up, the mayor or Patty would have called to tell her. Which meant he was on his way, Natalie just needed to be patient.

---