Page 19 of Falling For Her Cowboy
“It’s not that many in Ironhaven. If you want more options we’d have to go a town over, but Ironhaven does have some great options. I figured we’d stop at Sunrise Kitchen. They have some really nice food and just opened a few months ago.”
“Oh, I didn’t see that online.” She pulled her cellphone from her purse and swiped at the screen.
“It’s new. The owner is the granddaughter of one of my clients. She moved here last year and finally opened her diner.”
“Found it. Oh, the menu looks good. I am famished and I’m going to warn you. I like to eat,” she said with a wide grin.
She patted her stomach, and Ridge couldn’t help but watch her hand. His gaze slid down even farther and stopped at her thick thighs. The fantasy of hersoft, bare thighs came to mind. He tore his eyes away and met her gaze.
“Me, too.”
Ridge respected any woman who enjoyed food. He glanced across the table at Melah who currently worked on her barbecue ribs dinner. They had arrived at the perfect time. They were able to be seated immediately. Now there was a wait for tables. The decor was modern with a country kitchen flair to it. The color palette of the establishment was whites, tans and browns, and had a homey feel to it.
Frankie had outdone herself with the diner, and so far, the townsfolk of Ironhaven loved it. Her food was rich with flavor, filling, and had one wanting to come back for more. Ridge had eaten here on several occasions and had tried many things so far, but his favorite had to be the short ribs and risotto meal. The meat was so flavorful and melted off the bones. Frankie had a talent that was not going to waste.
“This was a good choice.” Melah wiped her hands on her napkins and reached for her drink.
“I’m glad you are enjoying yourself.” He sat back and exhaled slowly.
He wanted to enjoy the food and actually taste it and savor it besides just shoveling it in his mouth. The atmosphere was pleasant with soft rock playing from hidden speakers. Servers moved around taking care of the customers. There was plenty of laughter as patrons enjoyed themselves.
“I am. I guess I should have been exploring the town a little more. When I got here, I wanted to dive straight into the ranch and learn my job and stuff. I figured I’d learn about the town later.”
“That seems reasonable. How long do you plan to stay on at the ranch?” He reached for his Coke and took a sip. The length of time hands stayed was up to them. They’d had people for a couple months to those who’d stayed on permanently.
“Not quite sure. I wanted to see how everything would be at first, but now that I’ve met everyone and I actually do like it, I was thinking at least six months.” She took her fork and stabbed a large piece of her broccoli. She took a bite out of it and moaned slightly. “Even the vegetables are so damn good.”
“Yeah, they are.” The sound of her moan went straight to his cock. He watched her tongue sneak out and slide along her bottom lip. The air in his lungs burned, reminding him to inhale. He coughed slightly and took another sip of his Coke.He couldn’t sit here and fantasize about Melah naked, spread out on his bed. No, that wasn’t right.
“All this food, I’m going to have to go for a run in the morning.” She laughed, reached for her large cornbread muffin, and tore it in half. She took another bite—another moan escaped her. “Damn, this is so good and buttery, too.”
Ridge shifted in his seat. His cock had a mind of its own and pushed against his jeans. He had to think of other things. Her moans were driving him crazy. It wasn’t the sound of them, it was the fact he wanted to hear them louder and her saying his name while he pushed inside her.
He tore his gaze from her and caught sight of Frankie, the owner, walking around greeting customers. Her eyes met his, and he gave her a little wave to come over to their table. Her smile widened, and she made her way over.
“Hey, Ridge. How the hell are you?” Frankie’s warm golden skin practically glowed. Her hair was pulled up in a high ponytail.
He pushed back from the table, stood, and gave her a short hug. “I’m good. How’s your grandfather doing? I haven’t been out to his farm in a while.”
“That old fart is doing just fine.” Shelaughed, turned to Melah, and offered her hand. “Hi, I’m Frankie. I own this place.”
“Hello. I’m Melah. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m in love with you—I mean your food.” Melah took Frankie’s hand.
She moved to stand, but Frankie motioned for her to remain seated. Ridge sat back down.
“Please don’t get up. I’m happy you are enjoying the food.” Frankie pointed at Ridge. “This one is here at least once a week. He’s helping keep me in business.”
“Nothing like supporting a small business,” he teased.
“Well, I see why Ridge is here so often. I’m new to town, and this is the first restaurant I’ve tried,” Melah admitted.
“You will find Ironhaven does have its gems. Like me, we all use nearby farms for almost everything. I love supporting the local economy.” Frankie had been determined to utilize all the farmers around here for all of her meats, dairy, and vegetable needs. She was a respected businesswoman who had cut deals with the residents. That was why so many people loved coming to her diner. Not only was the food cooked to perfection, but the fact everythingwas locally grown held the interest of the community.
“You want to sit for a minute?” Ridge motioned to the empty chair at their table. He was sure the woman had been working all day. She was a workaholic, and it showed with how well her place was doing.
“If I sit now, I will never get up, but thank you.” She smiled and turned her head in the direction of her name being called. “I have to go. It was so nice to meet you, Melah. Please come back soon, and Ridge, I’ll see you next week?”
“Of course.” Ridge chuckled.
