Page 46 of Trusting a Cowgirl

“Youweren’t.”

He nodded, tugging on her so that she nearly stood touching him. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I knew you were something special. I just didn’t know that I’d get a chance to be something more to you.”

What he wouldn’t give to kiss her—in that moment—on the street—in front of anyone who bothered to look. But the time just wasn’t right. They’d gotten through the thick of it and came out okay on the other side.

He couldn’t think of a happier moment than this one right here. The future was bright, and there was nothing he was going to do to jeopardize that.

Riley stepped backward, still holding her hand. “You probably don’t want to go back into that restaurant, huh?”

She looked over her shoulder. “Yeah, not so much.”

“What if I order something for us to go and we can eat it at my place?”

The hesitation was still there, but it wasn’t as strong. Grace nodded. “Sure. Okay.”

He gave her hand a small squeeze and stepped back. “You have anything you really like?”

Grace shook her head. “I’m easy. Surprise me.”

Riley hurried back to the restaurant, and the moment he entered the building, the air felt different. The hum of conversation died down and several people looked in his direction. That was strange. He headed over to the counter and pulled up a stool. “I’d like to place an order to go, please.”

The woman behind the counter approached. “Sure, hon. What can I get you?”

Riley dragged a menu closer and scanned it for something he thought Grace might like. He pointed to a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. “I’ll take two of those with fries.”

“You got it.”

The restaurant was still too quiet. The longer he sat with his back to the room, the harder it became to remain calm. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and his pulse accelerated. His fingers itched to reach for the gun in the holster at his side.

There were no threats here.

That’s all he needed to repeat to himself.

Zero threats.

The stool beside him creaked and he jumped, his hand already wrapped around the grip of his gun.

“I would let go of that weapon if I were you, son.” The man beside him placed a sheriff’s hat on the counter. “I think we need to have a talk.”

Riley released his gun and clasped both hands on the counter. “I’m not doing anything wrong, sheriff. I have a permit to carry that gun.”

“That’s not what I’m here for, but thanks for the heads-up.”

His jaw tightened and he glanced around the room. “Am I correct in assuming that it might have something to do with those in this room?”

The sheriff leaned back on his stool and glanced around, a smile touching his lips. “One thing you learn real quick about this place is that they take care of their own.”

“I fail to see what that has to do with me ordering a meal to go.”

“It’s not the meal that is the problem. It’s who you were with that is.”

Riley stiffened. “Grace?”

“That’s the one.” The sheriff gave Riley a pointed look. “You arrived with one of the Callahan girls, and then she left in a hurry. A few people saw you arguing outside. You want to tell me what that’s about?”

Mouth hanging open, Riley let his eyes sweep through the restaurant again. “You’re joking, right?”

“Unfortunately, I’m not. There have been a handful of unsavory folks who’ve come and gone from town in recent years. The folks here are just trying to make sure Grace is safe.”

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