Page 47 of Giddy-Up
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Riley looked aroundat her tiny kitchen.It wasn’t the most practical place to cook, but it would have to do.Ever since Wade had asked her to create a menu for him, she’d been so excited to start.
Today was the day.She had the whole day off and no plans.
After a trip to the local supermarket, Farm and Fresh, this morning, her trailer was brimming with ingredients.
As the Evans ranch raised cattle, there was plenty of access to beef and dairy, so that seemed like a good place to start.
The first recipe she wanted to test out was beef and goats cheese croquettes with a red pepper coulis to go with it.
After chopping her onions, she pulled out her mixing bowl and began combining shredded beef, goats’ cheese and garlic.
She let out a blissful sigh as she mixed.It had been too long since she’d done this.The kitchen was her happy place.Her escape.
Talking of which, her phone was vibrating again.Her mom was losing her shit.Ever since Wade had spoken to her, her calls had turned hourly.
This time, she let it ring.Her mom would just have to wait.Nothing was going to spoil her day.Or her week.Life was good.For once.Amazing sex.An actual boyfriend who looks like he’s just stepped out of a Wranglers commercial.And an opportunity to do what she loves and create a whole menu from scratch.
It’s about time I had some good damn luck.
Riley went from creating croquettes to beef carpaccio.But when it came time to take a crack at her short rib ravioli, her trailer door rattled from a hard knock.
Who the hell is that?
For a brief and very disturbing second, she had visions of her mother tracking her down to tell her off for ignoring her calls.
No.Can’t be.
Slowly walking toward the banging, she hoped she wasn’t right.A minute later, she swung open the door to find out.
“Hi!”Rachel’s voice squeaked.“I hope you don’t mind me stop...oh my gosh, what’s that amazing smell?Are you cooking?”
Riley couldn’t hide her delight from the compliment and ushered Rachel inside.“I’m working on a menu for the ranch restaurant,” she explained.“Do you want to try what I’ve made so far?”
“Uh, is the grass green?”
“What?”
“Yes, sugar.”Rachel’s smile softened.“I want to try what you’ve made.”
Riley led her through to the kitchen and right into the wooden stool beside her tiny table.She then began filling a plate for her new friend.
Once she’d set down the food, she pulled up a chair opposite and anxiously awaited Rachel’s reaction.
“You’re staring,” Rachel said politely.
“I am.”
“Can we maybe, possibly, dial it back a bit, sugar?I think my boobs are sweating from the pressure.”
That was graphically honest.And a reminder that she needed to work on social boundaries.Or lack of them.To be fair to herself, she was still getting used to this whole talking to people thing.
“S-sorry,” she stuttered.“I don’t usually...I’m not used to...”she trailed off as Rachel gently reached out and covered her hand over Riley’s.
“Hey,” she said softly, “you’re good.There’s no need to be nervous.I don’t bite, I promise...unless of course you look as delicious as one of these croquettes!”A dazzling smile took over Rachel’s pretty face.
Why was she being so nice?All of the women had been.Bella, Cat and Rachel.Riley had no doubt Libby was just as kind.That didn’t mean it wasn’t odd though.It wasn’t often she felt welcome anywhere, let alone in the company of others.
