Page 19 of The Texas Sterling Collection
My cheeks heated. I remembered Wyl’sWhat have I doneexpression on the first day. “Wyl is a strong, confident guy. He needed no help from me.”
“You’re right about him being strong and confident, but Wyl is a loner. During the times he came home on leave, he never mentioned friends. Having someone besides me to talk to means a lot to him, Dr. Bonner. He says you two chat in the mornings over coffee. It helps him in more ways than you realize.”
The intense, grey-green eyes gazing back at me reminded me of Wyl. I shook my head. “I gotta tell you, Walt. The family resemblance between you and Wyl is uncanny. I hope I’m not being too forward, but I assume you have your mother’s features and your father’s stature.”
“You are an observant man, Dr. Bonner. And yes, we do look alike.”
“Back to your comment about having someone to talk to, Wyl and I talked on the drive to and from Big Spring. I found him quite intelligent with a wry sense of humor.”
Walt nodded. “After he arrived home from the Corps, he stuck around our ranch. As I said, I pushed him to enroll in a few courses at the college, thinking that the campus was a place to meet people and make friends. I like having him around, but a brother can only do so much entertaining.” Walt grinned.
I smiled, too. Knowing Walt talked Wyl into exploring friendship makes me happy. “He is lucky to have a brother like you, Walt.” Walt’s smile and easy-going nature made him easy to talk to.
“Thanks, Dr. Bonner.”
“Please…call me Rod. I asked Wyl to stop with the formal title since we’re friends.”
“Thanks, Rod. He respects you. His entire approach to life is happier. The sense of humor you mentioned doesn’t come out often, but after classes started, he became much more relaxed. Wyl’s happiness is important to me, and I think your friendship is important to him.”
“I’m flattered. I needed a friend, too.”
“Keep doing what you’re doing, Rod. You turned a gloomy guy into a smiling smart-ass.” Walt stood. “Listen, your time is valuable, and I have a couple of errands to run, so I’ll mosey on down the road. I understand you’re coming out for steaks next Thursday. I won’t be home, but don’t be a stranger at our house. You are always welcome.” Walt offered his hand and a smile.
I stood and grabbed his hand for a shake. “Thanks for coming by, Walt, and thanks for the open invitation to the ranch.”
Walt left, and with my mind wandering all sorts of places it shouldn’t, I found it impossible to focus on my work. Someone living under a rock could pick up on all the hints Wyl dropped to Walt, but how to know for sure? Next Thursday evening loomed. Our first date, if you can call it that. Our first time together off-campus aside from the school-related trip to Big Spring.
* * *
Thursday arrived. My workday lasted forever. My mind wandered to the handsome rancher with the sexy braid, infectious smile, and haunting grey-green eyes. Despite not wanting a relationship, every time I thought of Wyl and the signals he gave me, the ones Walt’s conversation brought up, too, I couldn't wait for steak and guitars on the ranch.
At four o’clock, I rushed home, took the quickest shower in history, and threw on a button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves, jeans, and boots. I at least tried to appear like a West Texan. With the salad, a fresh lemon, and my guitar in hand, I rushed out the side door to my truck.
I followed Wyl’s directions, and after what seemed like forever, I came upon the entrance to Sterling Ranch, identified with a simple welded sign sporting the name Sterling near the entrance. I turned onto a caliche road and drove for half a mile until I reached an impressive Texas limestone home surrounded by a three-foot stone fence and a lush green lawn. Each slat in the gate included one letter of the Sterling name attached near the top. On the expansive front porch stood the handsome rancher. Seeing him is like finding an oasis in the desert. I parked and glanced up as he ambled toward the truck. The sight sent shivers up my spine and through my scalp. Grade A number one eye candy described Wyl. The kind of candy I must avoid. But who was I kidding…I wanted to gaze at Wyl for hours, though it bordered on stalker territory. He reached the truck and pulled open the door as I turned off the ignition.
“Welcome to Sterling Ranch. I’m excited you're here.”
Wyl’s deep voice and broad smile made me smile, too. Did we call this a date with only Wyl and me on his ranch? We called it coming out for steaks and a guitar lesson. I handed Wyl the salad container and lemon. “Thanks. I thought I might be lost, but I saw you standing on the porch.” Guitar case in hand, I climbed out and shoved the door closed.
“Yeah, we need a better sign. I think Dad planned to put up one of those massive ranch entrance signs but never got around to it.” Wyl nodded toward the house. “After you.”
As I walked in front of Wyl, I wondered if Wyl had scoped out my ass. Then I chastised myself for wondering. Then I wanted to check him out. Then I berated myself again. Thisno-relationshipthing washard.
Wyl rushed around me and bounded up the steps. He opened the front door and extended an arm inside. “Welcome to the Sterling Ranch homestead.”
His seductive grey-green eyes trapped mine. I forced myself to focus on the interior. “Thanks.” I brushed against him as I entered, wondering if he experienced the same pleasing sensation. The massive front room wrapped me in comfort. Homey and well-appointed, the contemporary Western-style furniture surrounded a stone fireplace. I set my guitar on the couch. The open area of the ranch home created a more intimate setting than the break room or my campus office. “This is quite an inviting room.”
"I'm glad you think so." Wyl closed the front door. “Our parents did a wonderful job with this home.” Wyl’s face crinkled in a smile. “Let me put this salad in the fridge.”
“Thanks.”
He rotated the yellow fruit in his fingers. “What’s the lemon for?”
“The salad.”
“You put lemon in your salad?”
“I’ll show you later.”
