Was it the hot dog or just losing proximity to the man?
My dad’s words earlier reminded me that I don’t give up. I wouldn’t be alive if I did, and maybe that’s something I should apply here. I’m not one to force myself on people who aren’t interested, though. Been there, done that, but Rhett was…cold. I thought we had a connection when he brought up his dog. I was prepared to sit and chat with them for a moment that day. Jackson would talk your ear off about his dogs, so I hoped maybe Rhett would chime in and give me an opening.
Then he was so bitter about my presence when I brought him his coffee. The small smile while talking about his dog was a distant memory. He was rude, and even though he apologized afterward, I retreated out of self-preservation more than anything. He made me question myself, and I don’t like doing that.
It wouldn’t be the first time, but he genuinely made me feel like maybe I don’t listen to my customers or friends enough. Maybe I overstep, and what I thought was great customer service is really just not listening. It’s a vicious circle of self-doubt that I’ve not been in for years, and all because of the man I can’t stop thinking about.
“Do you like hot dogs as much as Hunter?” The soft voice startles me, and I turn to find Rhett leaning on the fence next to me, eating a hot dog. Which shouldn’t be a turn on, but Rhett is a textbook example of how eating processed meat tubes can be sexy.
“I don’t think anyone can like hot dogs as much as Hunter. It’s not possible.”
Rhett attempts a small smile, and I soften some. Maybe I was too quick to judge him. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for a handsome face.
“I’m not a fan myself, but they’ll do in a pinch if you’re hungry, I suppose.” He pops the last of his dog into his mouth with a hum. “These are pretty good, though.”
A heavy silence sits between us, and every nerve of my body wants to break it, but I think for once, I’ll let Rhett give me something here. I won’t resend that memo about my fabulousness just yet.
“Tater is a rescue dog,” he offers after several beats.
“The one that almost ate the cupcakes I left you, right?”
Not that I need to confirm it. I met the dog and know her name, but I want to remind him I’ve done something nice for him already.
“Yeah.” He smiles again, but this time it’s warm and makes my heart beat too fast. “She’s a wily thing. Always putting things she shouldn’t in her mouth.”
“I can relate.” I wink with a laugh, and Rhett, honest to god, looks like he wants the earth to swallow him. “It’s a joke, Rhett. You can laugh.”
“I wasn’t expecting that, is all. I, uh, didn’t want to offend you again.”
Ah, so it is a peacemaking mission. I’m not mad about that.
“You didn’t, and maybe I should be the one apologizing to you. You’re right, I should’ve just brought you what you ordered. Not everyone likes over the top. I get it.”
“You’re not over the top,” he says it so quickly he startles us both. “I mean…you’re great the way you are. Don’t change the ah…um…” He runs a hand over his face with a sigh, and I’m not sure I can stand a moment more of his bashfulness. He’s far too adorable. “Listen…can we start over? I just got here and, well, I didn’t make a great first impression.”
He’s sincere at least, and after a moment, he wipes his palm on his jeans and offers it to me. “I’m Rhett Cuglietta. It’s nice tomeet you. You make amazing cupcakes and coffee, and I’m not always that much of an ass.”
My soft palm slides against his calloused one, and I’m caught up in his dreamy good looks once again. Ready to ignore the rough start and throw myself at him. “I’m Diamond Ward. You have gorgeous eyes, and I’d love to make your favourite dessert someday.” More likebeyour favourite dessert, but let’s walk before we run this time and not scare the man off.
He opens his mouth to say something, and Hunter’s voice booms across the space before any words come out.
“Rhett! I need you for photos!”
“Be right there!” he calls and lets my hand drop. “So I’ll see you around then?”
“Most definitely.”
He nods and walks back to the training facility while I sigh. Maybe I was too quick to ditch the wedding Pinterest board.
Or maybe I should just aim lower and accept his friendship.
Who am I kidding? I almost laugh out loud at the thought.
I’ve never aimed low, and I’m sure as hell not about to start now.
Me and Dad file out of the training facility after watching a brief demonstration from all the rodeo professionals, and what it is they hope to accomplish with the business. My dad can’t stop talking about Levi and his roping.
“You didn’t tell me he was getting so good, Dee! He’s just…wow.” He shakes his head like his mind is completely blown from watching my best friend rope a steer.
