Page 12 of Cowboy Crush
He drops the bag onto the workbench. “Did you ever think that maybe she’s the girl?”
“The girl?” I question.
“Yeah, the one you’re meant to be with. Maybe there’s a reason you can’t chase her off. Is she pretty?”
I roll my eyes. “She’s gorgeous.”
“Then why are you trying to push her away?”
I take off my hat and toss it onto the table, and I run a hand over my sweaty hair. “My life is a fucking mess. I’m no good to anyone. Plus, she told me last night that she’s only here for the summer. What can come of that?”
He shrugs. “Things change, Jameson. And if they don’t, maybe she’s just meant to teach you a lesson, teach you to have a little fun. Trust the process, man.” He pats me on the back. “Eat your lunch Abby had the staff prepare. She’s worried you work too hard and don’t take care of yourself,” he says, walking out of the barn.
I open the bag and find a thick sandwich, a bag of potato chips, and a slice of chocolate cake with a plastic fork. The food actually looks pretty good, so I take the bag and my bottle of water over to the hay stack and have a seat.
I pull the sandwich out of the bag and unwrap it, taking a big bite. The bread tastes like it’s been freshly baked. There’s ham, turkey, salami, and roast beef with lettuce, mayo, and tomato. As I chew the bite I took, I take out the bag of chips and open them, popping one into my mouth. My stomach growls, not getting the food in fast enough.
After my lunch hour, I find some repairs around the barn so I load up in the truck after getting the company card and I go into town to the hardware store. I grab a basket and start filling it with the supplies I need. I grab some nails and move over to the next aisle to get the hinges I need to replace on some of the stalls. That’s when I bump into Hannah.
“Oh, sorry,” she says, stepping back after running into my chest. She looks up and our eyes meet. “Oh, hey.”
I force a tight-lipped smile. “Hello,” I mumble, trying to step around her but she steps with me.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, smiling wide and batting those long lashes at me.
I take a deep breath. “Just have to grab some things for the ranch. I’m kind of under the wire here. Gotta get back. I’m on the clock.”
She nods. “Okay, I can take a hint. What are you doing later? Me and my friends were thinking about going back to the bar and grill tonight. I was hoping I’d see ya.”
I shrug. “I’m not sure. Depends on what time I get off work.”
“Okay, well…you know where I’ll be.” She gives me one last smile as she shrugs her shoulders and steps out of my way. I’m finally allowed to walk down the aisle I need. I don’t see her in the store again until I go to check out. She stands in line behind me to pay for her light bulbs.
“Did you find everything today, miss?” one of the workers asks her.
“Oh, yes. I was just needing some light bulbs. Thank you,” she replies.
I try my hardest not to turn around and engage.
“I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you new to town?”
“Me and my friends are renting a cabin here for the summer,” she answers.
“Ahhh, how you liking it so far?”
“I like it. It’s quiet and everyone seems real friendly,” she says, her voice taking on an edge that I know is meant for me.
“I could show you around if you’d like,” he offers.
I can’t stop myself from turning around and giving him a look that I have absolutely no control over. I fuck up and she catches it, letting out a little giggle.
“Thank you, but I seem to be doing just fine on my own.”
“Well, the offer still stands. Have you checked out the bar and grill yet?” he asks as I step forward to put my things on the counter.
“I was there last night,” she replies.
I completely ignore the person checking me out as I listen to their conversation.
