“Yeah, I guess.”
“I met him at Molly and Michaleen’s when we were all up there, and I was very impressed.” That was saying something, because Dawn wasn’t easily impressed. “He was so polite, said ma’am and sir whenever he spoke to Molly and Michaleen, carried loaded platters from the kitchen to the table out back. Thenafter dinner, he actually sat on the grass and played with the kids, and he really seemed to enjoy himself while he was doing it. It’s obvious his parents raised him right.”
For some reason, the thought of Boone sitting on the grass, playing with a group of little kids, had her ovaries doing a jig. Which was silly, because she was only twenty-four and wasn’t planning to have kids for a few more years.
“He had a bunch of us out to his ranch for a big barbecue, and he actually made homemade ice cream that we ate by a huge fire in his firepit.” She was excited to tell her the best part. “Guess what I did? I actually rode a horse! Totally by myself!”
Luna told her all about Patience and how sweet she was. Dawn laughed when she told her how Sassy tried to buck Hawk off her back, but he was too skilled of a rider to fall for it. Luna gushed about how beautiful the sunset was at his ranch.
“And, oh, my gosh, he grilled steaks from his family’s ranch, and they were a-mazing.” Seriously, she’d never had steak that tasted better. “Did you know the name of their ranch is Wind River Ranch? Isn’t that cool?”
“Luna, I don’t know if you realize this, but when you’re talking about him, you sound happier than you have in a long time.”
She thought about it and realized her sister was right. Luna couldn’t remember the last time she’d been that relaxed or had that much fun.
“What is your gut telling you?” Dawn quickly added, “Don’t think about it, just tell me.”
“That I don’t need to be afraid—of him or what he makes me feel.”Holy crap. That was easier than sheexpected.
“Seems to me your instincts are pretty spot-on.” Dawn was always honest with her, so if she said it, it must be true. “Oh, shoot. I’ve got to get going. We’re heading over to Beck and Gwen’s place for a few days. They put in a swimming pool, so I’ll give you one guess what Cade wants for his birthday.”
“Let me guess—a swimming pool?” Luna laughed.
“Yep, but as you know, our backyard isn’t big enough for a regular pool. So we compromised and got him an inflatable one that he can splash around in.” Their son was almost three and very energetic. “Luna, I’m so glad you called. I know you’ve only been gone a few months, but things aren’t the same around here without you. Let yourself have fun with Boone. If something comes of it, great. If not, I know you’ll be just fine.”
“Thanks, Dawn.” Luna was glad she’d called her sister. “Give Caleb and Cade a big hug from me, okay?”
“You got it,” Dawn said. “Love you!”
“Love you, back.” She ended the call.
If something comes of it, great. If not, I know you’ll be just fine.Her sister’s words played back in her head.
The only problem was, with the way Luna was beginning to feel about Boone, she wasn’t sure shewouldbe fine if they got together, then crashed and burned.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Boonerolledhistruckto the curb and parked down the street from Calliope and Lucas’s rental house. He was late to the party, thanks to Sassy not cooperating with the farrier when he was fitting her for new shoes. She was always happier and more comfortable after she’d been shod, but she seemed to forget that during the process.
He turned off the ignition, reached over, grabbed his black Stetson from the passenger seat and pushed it down on his head. It was what his dad called his goin’ out hat. Those were the cowboy hats you only wore for special occasions like weddings, funerals, or parties and such.
He reached over to the passenger floorboard and grabbed the brand-new bottle of Tito’s Vodka—Calliope’s favorite. Yes, they told him no gifts, but his mom taught him to never show up at a party empty-handed.
As he made his way down the sidewalk to Calliope and Lucas’s place, he recognized the trucks and SUVs lining the street, especially Cole’s sweet, black Range Rover.
They were renting the place while their home was being built on a piece of property about a mile up the road from Boone’sproperty. In the country, that was considered a good stretch of the legs, and it would be nice to have them as neighbors.
He walked up to the door, heard laughter over the sound of music playing in the background, and gave a sturdy knock.
“Come in!” the birthday girl shouted.
Boone stepped inside and removed his hat. From all around the room, his teammates lifted their chins or their bottle of beer in that way guys did to acknowledge his arrival. He returned the chin lift, and his eyes scanned the group searching for one person in particular.
With this many highly skilled operators in one place, their neighbors had no idea how safe they were.
“Welcome!” Lucas strolled over, and they knocked knuckles. “Calliope’s going to be glad to see you. You can hang your hat on one of these pegs, if you want.” He tapped a sturdy shelf on the wall with a row of pegs beneath it. “Luna’s in the kitchen with Dulce, Marigold, and Charlotte. They’re getting the food ready. That’s who you’re looking for, right? Luna?”
“Yep.” Boone smiled and held up the bottle of vodka. “This is not a birthday present. Consider it an early housewarming gift. So don’t let your fiancée kick my butt.”
