Page 23 of Country Mist

“Can’t wait to meet them.” She had a smile in her voice. “I adore dogs. One of these days, when I have a home of my own, I want to adopt one from a shelter.”

“How long have you lived with your sisters?”

“Gosh, about five months now,” Haylee said. “When Jill lost her job, she needed a place to stay between career jumps. Leeann’s roommate moved out, so she had to find a new one or somewhere else to live, and I was tired of living in a one-bedroom apartment. We found this home, which is perfect for the three of us. The elderly woman who rented the house to us is a family friend and gave us a reasonable rate, so that’s a plus.”

They talked a little longer before he heard Haylee yawn. “I’m so sorry.” She laughed. “That came out of nowhere.”

“I’ll let you get your dinner and head to bed.” He looked at Zoey, who had popped to her feet at the word “dinner,” and wiggled her butt. “My girls need to be fed, and I’m beat.”

“Thanks for calling.” She spoke softly. “Goodnight, Tyson.”

“Sweet dreams, Haylee.” He pocketed his phone and thought about this coming Saturday.

It couldn’t get here fast enough.

6

Just before 11:00 a.m., Haylee’s truck bounced as she hit the only ruts on the dirt road leading to Tyson’s. For the most part, it was a pretty good road that had been graded.

The smell of the sour cream chicken enchiladas filled the cab, making her hungry. She hoped Tyson enjoyed them.

She rounded a bend, and his home spread out before her. It was a beautiful, long ranch-style house with brilliant fuchsia bougainvillea and hibiscus bushes in front. This part of Arizona didn’t have freezing temps until sometime in the winter, so the red hibiscus blooms were bright and many.

Two Border collies rounded the house, barking. Haylee pulled her truck next to Tyson’s. He followed the dogs, a smile on his handsome face, and her stomach quivered at the sight of him. He was so tall, sexy, and good-looking that she couldn’t help staring at his broad shoulders and muscular physique and the way his jeans molded to his thighs. Damn, there was nothing like a hot cowboy in a Stetson, Wranglers, and boots.

She opened the door, unable to help the broad smile on her face. Tyson was there before she could get out, and he took her hand and helped her down.

The moment she stood before him, he drew her into a tight embrace and kissed her long and hard. She matched his hunger, and her head spun when he pulled away. “Couldn’t wait to kiss you.”

“What a hello.” She gripped his rock-hard biceps to steady herself. “I think I’ll come here more often, just for that.”

He held her gaze, and a shiver trailed her spine. “Any day, hon.”

The way he looked at her took her breath away. She inhaled deeply then let it out slowly. “The enchiladas are on the back floorboard, groceries on the seat.”

Haylee turned to greet the border collies as Tyson closed the driver’s door. She crouched in front of them and put her hand out for each to sniff. “Hello, girls. Which one of you is Zoey, and who is Freya?”

“The gal on your left is Zoey. Freya’s the smaller of the two.” Tyson opened the backdoor of her club cab and retrieved the grocery bag and foil-covered casserole pan as she petted the pair.

“You’re such beautiful girls.” They didn’t have tails, and their butts wiggled in excitement as she spoke to them. “I bet you two are great ranch dogs.”

“They are.” Tyson closed the backdoor. “Come on in.”

“I made the enchiladas last night, so they need to be reheated.” Haylee walked beside him toward the house as the dogs walked beside them. “Funny thing is they taste even better the next day.”

“You mean I have to wait?” He looked down at her. “Dunno if I can.”

Haylee laughed. “You can show me around while they heat up. It takes about thirty minutes.”

Tyson’s hands were full, so Haylee opened his home’s front door and entered his extensive living room. The dogs didn’t come in, instead trotting off toward the barn.

She took in the room and its vaulted ceilings with exposed rough-hewn beams and skylights. Heavy dark-stained oak furniture with tan-colored leather couches occupied much of the room. Southwestern rugs were scattered on the floor, and desert art hung on the walls.

A giant TV and entertainment center were in the far corner, in front of the couches, armchairs, and a recliner. The recliner showed wear, as though it was used frequently, but everything else looked like it could have come straight out of a furniture store.

“This is beautiful.” She closed the door behind him. “I have a feeling you don’t entertain much.”

“You’re my first guest in a long while. I’m not much for regular gatherings.” He gave a nod in the direction of a large archway. “Kitchen’s through there.”

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