Page 11 of Cowboy Falling Hard

Her hand dropped, and so he jumped out and ran around.

Opening the door, he offered her his hand, but she must not have seen it, because she got out without taking it.

“Thank you for this evening,” she said as she stopped in front of his car.

“You’re welcome. I had a great time.”

She nodded but didn’t say anything. She probably didn’t know how to put into words how much she enjoyed it.

“I’d love to do it again. Can I call you tomorrow?” He wanted her phone number. He should have gotten it earlier.

He had his hand reaching into his back pocket before he realized she was shaking her head.

“Thanks, but...I don’t think so.”

His hand froze and his mouth hung open, but he seemed unable to close it.

“You didn’t have a good time?” That couldn’t be it. It had to be him. “You don’t like me?”

That seemed like such a lame thing to say, and he hated the words as they came out of his mouth, but he said them anyway.

He should have kept his mouth shut, turned, and walked away. But...he’d tried so hard. How could he have not been successful?

Not to mention, he liked her. Really liked her. More than he’d ever liked any girl he dated before.

“I like you,” she said, and she didn’t hesitate. Her eyes, looking into his, were sincere. He didn’t doubt that.

“Can I ask what the issue is?”

He didn’t want to. But at the same time, he really did. He wanted to know where he failed. Because he didn’t see it.

But she shook her head.

“I just...don’t think we have a lot in common.” She smiled gently up at him. “There’s nothing wrong with you. It’s me.”

Cliché.

Maybe there was usually some truth to clichés. That’s why they were clichés, but he hated that one. Hated hearing it come out of her mouth. It made it seem like there was nothing he could do.

But he didn’t want to stand here and keep her. Didn’t want to draw the evening out if she hadn’t enjoyed herself.

Feeling more dejected than he could ever remember feeling, even three years ago when they’d lost the pennant, he nodded his head. “I’m sorry. I had a great time, so...thank you. And I’m sorry you didn’t.”

“You’re a great person. I hope you find someone who really appreciates you.”

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