Dads. I swear he’s on this planet to test me, but I do like his train of thought. Grabbing my tablet, I flop on the couch and re-open the folder with pics I saved of Rhett from rodeos.
“I wonder if he kisses as good as he rides a bronc?”
six
Rhett
“Idon’t think this is the one. I need a yard for Tater.”
I’ve viewed four rental properties and one house for sale today. None of which met enough criteria for me to write a cheque.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Cuglietta, but maybe we need to up the price range to find something?”
Running a hand down my face, I sigh. “I was afraid you might say that. Let’s call it a day, and I’ll get back to you on that if that’s okay?”
“Of course. You have my number, and I’ll keep watching for something in the meantime.” He pats my arm. “New properties come up every day. Don’t be discouraged.”
“Thanks. I know it takes time. I’m just anxious to get settled.”
We say our goodbyes, and just as I slide into my truck, my phone rings with a call from Hunter.
“Rhett, hey. Sorry for the call when I told you to take the afternoon off, but I need your help with the computer system. I think I fucked up your schedule.”
“Fucked up how?”
“Uh…erased it entirely?”
Fuck no. Not the last week of work. He couldn’t have. Could he?
“I’ll be right there.”
Instead of driving back to the ranch, I point the truck towards the rodeo facility. Hunter warned me he wasn’t computer savvy, but there’s no way on this planet he uninstalled the scheduling program by accident. I hope.
But if he did, I might be in for a long evening of backtracking and making calls. If that’s the case, I should arrive prepared.
Before I can overthink the move, I pull into the parking lot of The Thirsty Cow first. Since I apologized to Diamond, I’ve felt better about my behaviour. He’s a close friend to the men I work with, and it would be in my best interest not to have him hate me.
He also seems like a lot of fun. If I ever get to know him, that is. I’ve not been back to the coffee place that everyone loves since the first time because…well, because I needed time to figure my shit out.
The moment I step into The Thirsty Cow, it’s almost like the energy around me shifts. Laughter and conversation greet me along with the aroma of something so mouth-watering I know I’ll need to ask what it is before I leave.
And there he is.
Diamond’s gaze meets mine before I even reach the order counter. He waves and smiles before touching the shoulder of the man he’s speaking with in what appears to be an apology for leaving the conversation.
He strides across the floor towards me in his cowboy boots and jean shorts. A branded T-shirt with The Thirsty Cow logo on it in the prettiest shade of blue that makes his eyes pop. Whatever the fuck that means, but I heard it on a TV show once, and I think itfits. A man shouldn’t look as good as he does in shorts and a T-shirt.
Yet here I am, practically drooling and wondering if a smile really tops an orgasm’s endorphin release or not. Good lord, I think I’ve been alone too long to even consider that question. And I really need to stop reading those health science magazines.
“Hey, sug. This is a surprise. When my horoscope said my stars were aligned, I didn’t realize it meant to draw in the sexy new cowboy in town.”
His eyes twinkle in a way that spells trouble, but I feel the corners of my mouth pull into a small smile.
“Do you know when you smile, it could literally make a single person’s day better?” Diamond says.
I wonder if he knows I was thinking something similar before walking in here. “Is that a scientific fact?”
Diamond leans over the counter towards me, and I catch the scent of him. Roses maybe. Definitely floral and something sweet. Maybe it’s just the scent of the bakery. “Not scientific. Just a personal observation.Yousmiled, and it just made my day infinitely better.”
