Page 33 of My Cowboy Freedom
Well. When she put it that way... “How do you suggest I turn away an offer of friendship? Because—”
“You’ve got a future here if you want one. This place could be your fresh start, but it will be a big problem if Rock gets it in his head you’re into him.” She took a step back.
“Because Rock is gay,” I clarified. “This isn’t about being friends. You’re warning me off because he’s gay, right?”
“That’s what he says.”
“Don’t you believe him?” Off in the distance a dog started barking.
“It’s not what I believe that’s important. It’s what—” the dog grew louder and more insistent. Almost shrill. “That’s Maisy. I’ve got to go.”
She turned and took off without another word.
What must life be like for Rock?
As Elena’s godson, he wasn’t a member of the Chandler family and he didn’t ride out with the rest of the men. He wasn’t a kid anymore. He was pretty isolated out here. No wonder a few kind words were enough to win him over.
Note to self. No more eye contact then. No encouraging him in any way.
Sad. The kid is the nicest person here.
I’d been on the outside for two days, and already I’d let my guard down.
I’d already broken ’Nando’s rules: Eyes down. Walk softly. Be flexible.
And the most important of all: No one will bother you if they don’t know you’re there.
