Page 30 of Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance

She stole a glance at Dallas this time. Not even a hint of a smile, and her heart fell a little. She missed the times when she could make him laugh so easily. She missed the sound of his laugh itself. The way her heart fluttered when he looked at her with so much affection. The tingles across her skin when he whispered tender things in her ear.

The certainty she’d once taken for granted that he’d always be there for her. That he’d catch her every time she fell. He was the steady, reliable, all-encompassing influence then. These days, she could rely only on herself. There was no one to catch her, and every time she’d fallen, she’d gotten lots of bruises.

She missedhim, everything about him. But even more, she missed herself, the way she used to be when she was with him. Carefree, hopeful, inspired, loved. And happy.

“What would you like to drink?” He sounded gruff. Since he’d had time to think, he must’ve decided seeing her wasn’t a good idea.

Her heart fell even more—and of course, he didn’t catch it or her. She glanced at the lemonade carafe on the table. “Lemonade sounds great.”

He got up and returned with a glass, then poured her the drink.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” At least, she didn’t say thank you a second time. So, that was progress, right?

“You’re welcome.” But he didn’t sound like she was welcome. Not in his house and not in his life, and the thought hurt. He placed a slice of the blueberry pie on a plate and shifted it toward her.

What else could she say besides “Thank you, I appreciate it” again? Who’d believe there were days when she’d talked nonstop?

The pie, sweet, gooey, and yummy, failed to lift her spirits. And the place that once had couldn’t this time, either.

If her grandmother’s place was all about the ocean, here it was all about the land and the livestock they raised on it. Cows decorated a ceramic container with the sweetener on the table and looked at her from the paintings on the wall. Except the painting she’d done for Mrs. Lawrence of cows lounging in a meadow was no longer there. Skylar didn’t expect it to be. Still, she suppressed the feeling of loss.

“This was scrumptious.” Kai pushed his empty plate away. “You and your grandmother did a great job. Unlike the time Dallas had to use a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.”

Dallas cracked half a smile this time.

Okay, Skylar was going to roll with it. “Or the time I used salt instead of sugar. In my defense, I was half asleep when I was pouring it into the container. Apparently, I used the wrong container.”

“And you liked to improvise with recipes.” Dallas’s voice was less gruff. Good.

She drank her lemonade, welcoming the cold, tangy liquid, though not as much as the change in his voice. “Who knew some substitutes wouldn’t work so well?”

“Even when your culinary creations weren’t great, watching you dance and sing in the kitchen while making them was worth it.” Dallas’s eyes widened, and then he frowned as if he’d said too much.

When was the last time she’d danced? When was the last time she’d sung? She couldn’t remember. Probably about the last time she’d painted.

Once everyone finished their treat, she helped clean the table. She was careful to avoid touching his hands. Her emotions were running amok as it was.

“Okay, I got to go.” Kai left for the fields, waving at her before he sauntered away. In a navy-and-white striped T-shirt instead of a Wrangler’s shirt and tall black boots, he didn’t look like a typical cowboy. Why had he forgiven her, after all?

She shouldn’t ask herself those questions but be grateful.

Once the last plate was loaded into the dishwasher, it was time for her to get out. Grandma and Mrs. Lawrence could discuss wedding decorations over the phone or when Mrs. Lawrence came for a visit.

“Thank you so much for having me.” Especially under the circumstances. But Skylar didn’t add that.

Mrs. Lawrence’s phone rang, and minutes later, she disconnected. “Garnet ran away. Dallas, you need to go find her!” Then she turned to Skylar. “Would you help him look for our missing horse?”

“Excuse me?” Dallas and Skylar said in unison.

“Would you mind doing it?” Mrs. Lawrence blinked innocently.

Skylar cleared her throat. “I don’t mind, but—”

“Great!” Mrs. Lawrence beamed. “I’m going upstairs, then. Please keep me posted.”

Skylar stared at Dallas once they were alone. “What just happened?”

He shrugged as he put on his Stetson. “Looks like youvolunteeredto search for a horse.”

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