Page 105 of Pretend To Be My Cowboy
It was covered in flowers. Beautiful, colorful, wild flowers.
Her lips parted and her heart started racing as she reached for the card resting on the pile of blooms.
Emmawas printed neatly on the outside, and her heart started to pound when she flicked it open and read:
Good morning, Beautiful. Coffee’s ready, fresh donuts from the bakery are on the counter, and I am ready and waiting to have that talk whenever you are.
— Nash
She blinked once. Twice. Was he serious? The alluring scent of coffee told her this was very real. Nash was awake and waiting for her.
She ran a hand over her face, moaning softly at how she must look after crying herself to sleep. Nerves held her hostage for a moment. What did he want to say? What didshewant to say?
A small part of her contemplated lying back down and throwing the covers over her head.
But wild flowers and sweet notes.
Her heart wouldn’t let her do anything but throw aside the cover and burst into motion, splashing water on her face and tying her hair up to keep the tangled mess out of her face. She didn’t bother changing out of the wrinkled dress she’d slept in.
She couldn’t believe she’d fallen asleep. And now he expected her to havethe talk,and she was no closer to knowing what she wanted to say than she had been when she’d fled the reception last night. She’d fallen asleep before making any real decisions about anything.
But she was keenly aware that Nash was waiting for her, so she didn’t let herself stop to think. She grabbed a coffee, and in spite of the fact her stomach was growling with hunger, she left the donut, figuring she was too nervous to eat. With her fingers wrapped around the hot mug, she sought him out.
She knew where he’d be. The back porch overlooking the range had become their place. It was where they’d spent a few relaxing evenings, and where they’d shared several meals together.
Sure enough…
Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him leaning back against the low railing that surrounded the porch. He was sipping a coffee, and while she was certain he heard her, he didn’t turn around right away. She had a moment to take stock, and she realized with a start that he was still wearing his formal clothes from the night before too. The shirt was unbuttoned at the collar and he’d ditched his fancy shoes, but there was no mistaking the groomsmen outfit.
Which meant...what?
Confusion and hope now warred with trepidation as she walked over to him.
“Morning,” she murmured when she reached his side.
He turned, and the look on his face left her breathless. There was more emotion in his gaze than she could even begin to name. “Morning, beautiful.”
Heat crept into her cheeks. She’d seen her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She was hardly looking her best, and yet his gaze made her feel like she was gorgeous...to him, at least.
She cleared her throat. “Sorry I left the reception early. Well, before it even really started.”
“I understand.” His gaze moved over her. “Are you feeling better?”
She looked out across the beautiful land, watching as a hawk swooped low.
Was she feeling better?
She answered honestly. “I’m not sure.” Blinking rapidly, she forced a smile. “How was the rest of the night?”
He tilted his head to the side. “Casey and Ryan had the time of their lives, so it was a success, I’d say.”
Her smile felt more genuine hearing that. “I’m glad. Were you…” She eyed his attire. “Were you up all night?”
His mouth hitched up on one side in a rueful grin. “I left early to talk to you, but you were asleep when I got here. I didn’t want to wake you.”
Her heart clenched in her chest at the tenderness in his gaze. “And you didn’t go to bed yourself?”
He shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep.”
