Page 29 of Trusting a Cowgirl

Riley

Riley knew better.And yet, he was ignoring the little angel on his shoulder anyway. He’d convinced her to come to the club under false pretenses, and he was thrilled with how everything was working out.

He should feel guilty. But that familiar twisty feeling had yet to return. He was allowed to enjoy himself. He was allowed to find happiness.

And if that meant he spent some time with Grace when she wasn’t in therapist mode to get it, then so be it.

Grace lifted her other hand to his neck and they swayed back and forth. Around them, cowboys were leading their girls into simple two-step dances. He didn’t quite measure up to those men. Not in his dancing talent, and definitely not in the way he viewed the world.

It was still a dark place, but Grace seemed to have helped him find a way out of the tunnel he’d been trapped in since he’d returned from the desert overseas.

His muscles flexed and his shoulders were tight. Just because she was in his arms didn’t mean he was able to truly relax. He’d been on edge from the moment he saw her speaking to that other cowboy about her sister. Their conversation had seemed strained even from a distance.

Then again, that might have been wishful thinking.

Riley had this strange inclination to protect her. It was probably a residual frame of thinking from when he served. It wasn’t terrible. In fact, it made him feel closer to her somehow. He had a purpose again. He wasn’t just a piece of driftwood out to sea anymore.

His focus shifted to the angel in front of him. She smelled like fresh rain and flowers. It was both sweet and earthy at the same time, and it reminded him of simpler times before he’d joined the army—moments when he’d been more carefree.

Grace wasn’t looking at him. He couldn’t tell if it was the close proximity or if it was something else. He’d most definitely crossed a line somewhere. Well, if she wanted to get away from him, all she had to do was take a few steps.

The fact that she wasn’t running was a good thing.

Unless it wasn’t.

“I meant what I said,” Riley murmured. “You look great.”

Grace peeked up at him. “You really shouldn’t be saying stuff like that to me.”

He chuckled. “Is there something wrong with being honest?”

She shook her head. “No, but we have to maintain this professional—”

Riley hated the way his heart sank to his knees. “Even people who work together can compliment each other,” he said.

“I suppose you’re right.” Her lashes danced, fluttering as she peeked at him once more. “But maybe keep that to a minimum.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“It is.”

They continued to dance in silence. The music didn’t seem nearly loud enough to cover up the pounding of his heart, and the dance would end sooner than he wanted it to. He had to get her talking. “Tell me about your childhood. Were you always good with horses?”

A small smile touched her lips, signaling that it was the right thing to ask.

“I’ve always loved riding horses. I’ve always loved animals.”

“Have you ever considered being a veterinarian?”

Grace shook her head. “First, I have sisters who were already interested in that sort of thing and I wanted to stand out. Second,” she said and grimaced, “don’t judge me.”

He shook his head. “How can you even assume that? Look at who you’re talking to. I’m sure there are several more things that you could judge me for than I could judge you for.”

Her smile returned. “Well, I can’t stand seeing an animal in pain. You know how people who become social workers get burned out really early because they have to deal with children who are struggling day in and day out?”

Riley nodded.

“Well, I think I would get burned out by having to take care of hurt or sick animals.” She let out a soft laugh. “Oh, and I despise needles.”

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