“I don’t have a wife. Nor do I have a girlfriend. We broke up last year.”
“Oh. My boyfriend and I split a few months ago.” Why in the world had she told him that?
“Do you think the two of you will get back together?” he asked, meeting her gaze.
“Definitely not. What about you and your girlfriend?”
“Nope. There are times when two people just aren’t meant to be together.”
“Don’t I know it?” She tilted her head and looked at him. “You said you were home on leave. Are you in the military?”
“No, I’m with the rodeo.”
“The rodeo?”
“Yes. I’m a cowboy with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.” He smiled broadly, then added, “It’s known as the greatest show on dirt.”
A rodeo cowboy?Dani could believeit. His swagger said it all.
For years, she’d watched her dad, who’d always walked with a sense of discipline and purpose, like, if given the order, he would start marching in at any moment.
As Wade had walked through the house, she had been watching the way he moved.
He had a bowlegged stride that clearly showed he was a cowboy through and through. She would love seeing him perform on a horse, and she bet he looked good doing any kind of stunt.
Forcing the imagery from her mind, she asked, “Who takes care of your ranch when you’re on the rodeo circuit?”
“My foreman and housekeeper. They are married and have been with my family for years.”
“Family? Your parents live with you?”
“I lived with them, since the ranch was theirs. But I lost them both a few years ago, at the same time, to Covid.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks. So will you take me up on my offer and use my office?” he asked, standing.
“If you’re sure there won’t be a problem?”
“None that I can see. My housekeeper, Elena, arrives at nine and doesn’t leave until around five. You won’t even notice she’s there.”
Dani stood. “Then I will gratefully accept your offer. Thanks for being so neighborly.”
“That’s the Texas way. And like I told you, Rich and I go way back.” He checked his watch. “I need to get going. It’s almost dinner time. Elena keeps my food warm and gets upset if I’m late.”
She walked him to the door. When they reached it, she said, “Thanks again. What’s your address?”
He rattled it off to her as he grabbed his Stetson off the hat rack. “By the way, you probably won’t see me again until Wednesday or Thursday. It’s branding time at my place. If something comes up, and you need to reach me, Elena will know how.”
“Okay, and thanks for everything. Goodnight, Wade.”
“Goodnight, Dani,” he said, tipping his hat in farewell.
After he left, she closed the door, then leaned against it, released a deep breath, and whispered, “Be still, my heart.”
CHAPTER 10
Haven and Skylar
