Page 54 of The Cowboy and the Bombshell
That was why the prospect of whatever Stone wanted to talk about was so daunting. Part of me was afraid that he was going to tell me it was over, whatever we had. That he was done and we were through.
But another part of me was terrified that he would tell me we weren’t.
I wasn’t sure which prospect scared me more.
Plastering a smile back on my face, I approached Carson and Dolly, her chipper laughter lightening my heart effortlessly.
“Well, hey there, butter tart,” Dolly gushed, wrapping one arm around my shoulders. “How’d you like the show?”
“Spectacular, as always.”
“Well, thank you, darlin’, but you know we couldn’t have done it without you. You’re like my very own good luck charm.”
I chuckled, watching as Carson nodded his agreement. “I think you’re plenty charming all on your own, Dolly. If you two don’t need me, I’m going to head out.”
Dolly looked over my shoulder, then smiled slyly. “Why, if I had that hunk of man waiting on me, I’d be getting my behind outta here just as quick as my stilettos could carry me.” She looked down at my feet, once again encased in my black flats. “Oh, honey bear, we have got to get you some real shoes!”
“I’ve been telling her that for weeks,” Stone interjected, any trace of his discomfort gone as he moved to talk to Carson quietly, before looking back at me. “Are you ready to head out?”
“She sure as heck is!” Dolly answered for me. “Now, get, you two, and don’t come back here for the rest of today. Dolly’s orders!”
“Yes, ma’am,” Stone replied with a wink in her direction then motioned me ahead of him as we headed for the parking lot.
The silence was uncomfortable as we drove to the restaurant Stone chose for lunch. I was so distracted that I didn't even notice which one it was. We made our way though most of our meal making half hearted attempts at small talk, neither one of us seemingly interested in broaching the subject that brought us here today.
Finally, after the waiter removed our plates and dropped off some coffee, Stone cleared his throat.
“Thank you for coming with me today, Penelope.”
I smiled, but couldn’t say anything, my mouth dry and my stomach clenching.
“I want you to know that these last few weeks have been…well, I’ve never spent as much time with a woman as I have with you.”
I could feel my smile slipping as he talked, wondering what he was getting at. Was he trying to tell me he was a womanizer? I didn’t particularly need to hear about the women who came before me.
Stone must have seen something in my face, because he quickly changed direction.
“I’m not saying this right,” he huffed, frowning and shaking his head. “What I mean is, I really enjoy spending time with you.” My pulse slowed as he made a recovery, turning the conversation to something less likely to make me vomit. “It’s become so much more than just sex. I’m not a relationship guy.”
And he blew it again.
But really, what did I want him to say? I wasn’t a relationship girl. This was exactly what I had been telling myself since Stone and I started this…whatever it was. I was sending myself mixed messages, so I couldn’t imagine what Stone was thinking. I decided to cut the guy a break.
“Stone, I get it.”
“You do?”
“Yes,” I said, steeling myself for what I had to say next. I wanted this to be as easy as possible. On both of us. “I understand, and it’s okay. I never expected anything to come out of this. I mean, we live on opposite sides of the country. Don’t worry. You don’t owe me anything.” I finished with a smile, even thought my heart hurt more and more with every word I uttered.
So much for keeping my feelings out of it. I should have known.
Never trust your heart. It sneaks up on you every time.
“Penelope,” he grumbled, causing my eyes to snap to his from where they were focused on my clenched fingers. “That’s not it. That’s not it at all.”
I tipped my head and stared at him, completely confused. “It’s not?”
“No, Penelope. I’m not trying to break up with you.”
