“I think so. Running a business isn’t easy,” I tell Jacob.
He shakes his head. “I imagine so, but I wouldn’t know. I’m nothing but a ranch hand.”
“What ranch?” I ask him.
“Kensington Ranch, it’s well outside of town.”
“Oh, I was going to say I haven’t seen it.”
“So is it just you here, or did your family come too?” he asks me.
Smooth.
“It’s just me,” I say with a smile.
“Have you made some friends? Paxton is full of nice people.”
I giggle. “Yes, I have, and you’re right. I’ve met a lot of really kind people. It’s definitely different from what I’m used to.”
“And what are you used to?” Jacob asks.
I snort and quickly cover my face, embarrassment heating my cheeks.
Jacob chuckles.
I gather myself quickly and drop my hand. “I’m from Denver, Colorado, so not a small town.”
“Ah okay. I—”
Our drinks are called, and we each grab the ones with our names on them.
“It was nice to meet you Jacob, I have to get going.”
He follows me out the door, holding it open for me.
“Thank you,” I say and start walking toward the shop.
Jacob catches up to me.
“Hey, uh, while I have you, would you like to go for a drink with me at the Wooden Cowboy?” he asks.
My feet halt and I stare up at him and hope I don’t look like an idiot.
What do I do? I was taking a break from dating. But this handsome man is asking me out. He doesn’t know me. This time could be different.
Jacob stares at me, waiting for my answer, and I can see the rejection falling over his face, but that’s not what this is about.
“I’m only here for about a year,” I tell him.
He tilts his head. “One day at a time,” he says.
June is right. The circumstances have changed. I won’t know if I don’t try. Screw it.
“I would love to. When were you thinking?”
His nervous mouth lifts into a smile. “How about tonight? I can pick you up?” he asks.
“Sounds like a plan.”
