As Toby speaks, his words wrap around me like a warm embrace. Tears well up in my eyes, and I set the tray aside before scooting closer to the edge of the bed where Toby sits and wrapping my arms around him. I didn't realize just how much I was needing a hug until now. His arms hold tight and I close my eyes, tyring to ignore the weird buzzing under my skin and the way my whole body is warm andnotsensitive anymore.
I reluctantly pull away, feeling the loss immediately. Slowly making my way back up the bed, I get back into my blankets, and get back to my dinner. I appreciate you sayin' all of that. I feelpart of the ranch too, but since we’re bein’ honest, I thought I wasn’t workin’ out because you were checkin’ up on me a lot.”
"Dammit, no, Skippy. Nothin' like that. You're perfect–as a ranch hand, I mean," he says as if catching himself before he can say something else.
"This place has become more than just a job to me. It feels just like home. Couldn't ask for a better ranch to end up at."
"That's good. Real good," he replies, his shoulders relaxing. He leans into an arm on the bed, getting comfortable. "I came here for another reason too."
I arch a brow. "Really? So checkin’ up on me and feedin’ me was your cover story? Not that I’m complainin’.”
A chuckle escapes him. “Yes and no. Ididwant to check on you. You looked pale earlier.”
“Yeah. I don’t know why it happened. Just had a dull ache in my head and then felt real tired, you know? Like I’d hit an invisible brick wall I couldn’t get past, around, or over.”
“Feelin’ better now, though?” I don’t miss the concern in his tone.
“Oh yeah. Just tired.” I tap my head. “My brain though, that’s still workin’.”
He huffs out a breath. “Good. OK.”
“So this ulterior motive?” I press, curious as to why he’s nervous.
He takes a long and slow deep breath, slowly exhaling before straightening and meeting my gaze. "I was wonderin' if you'll accompany me to the weddin' on Saturday."
My head jerks. That wasnotwhat I expected.Thatwas what had him all nervous?
“I’d love to,” I reply.
Now it’s Toby's turn to seem shocked. "You would?"
"Of course.” I shrug. “We're all goin' there anyway. I'll go in with you."
His eyes widen and he goes to say something but instead clamps his mouth shut and nods. "Good. That’s good. I mean… yeah, that's great. I'm glad you're comin’ with me," he stammers, and I swear his bearded cheeks have a splash of pink to them. Then again, itisdark in here and Icouldbe seeing things. The thought of him blushing is a bit endearing though. Can big burly ranchers be cute? Cause Tobes is being all kinds of that right now. "I thought it'd be nice to have some company, you know? Red, Austin, and Wyatt will be goin' in early to help the Sallys decorate the church. And Rhett'll be with Landry here gettin' ready too. So I figured it makes sense for us to go together."
His smile gives away just how happy he is. He’s usually so carefree and confident, but right now, he's like a little kid on Christmas morning. He didn't exactly ask me to go as hisdate, so I don't want to assume anything.Besides, boss/employee... rancher/ranch hand... need I say more?But two friends going to his brother's wedding?ThatI can do.
"I'd be honored to go as your plus one, Toby Graham" I reply, unable to hide the flutter of anticipation in my voice.
Toby's eyes light up. "Really? Here's me tryin' to get you to go out on a date with me for weeks and all I had to do was ask you to Lan's weddin'."
"Plus one, remember. Not a date. A date requires many things you don't get by takin' me to a weddin’." I try to keep my voice steady even though my heart is pounding.He was asking me out on a date? And why am I flirting back and encouraging him?
"Yeah, of course," he replies straight away, but his gaze doesn't dim at all. Instead, there's a spark of determination in there. “Defintely not a date. Besides, it’syouwho owesmea date, isn’t it?”
“You didn’t beat me at pool, remember?” I shoot back.
He arches a brow. “So that’s all I need to do?”
“Maybe.”Gah. This flirting thing is addictive and unavoidable.But also… fun.
He looks more than happy with that prospect. “Mmmm hmm..”
I feel like a bumbling idiot even though my heart is pounding. Now that the idea has been planted in my head, I don't think I'll be able to stop thinking about the fact that Toby wants to date me. This isn’t why I came to Alaska.Doesn’t mean it can’t happen though,a little voice in my head tells me.
He stands and studies me as if trying to get a read on where I'm at with this. Before I can think on that any longer, a slow-growing smile curves his lips, the sight so damn nice to look at I swear my brain stutters. “It’ll be fun.”
"Oh yeah. Because if it's not fun, we'llmakeit fun. Right, Tobes?"
