Walking out of the barn, I pull the doors shut behind me, giving a once over to make sure everything is cleaned up. Cash is back on the road heading to another rodeo and Cade had to go into Cheyenne to meet with our accountant.
I walk along the gravel drive heading towards my truck, glancing up at the ever-changing colors of the sky as the sun begins to set off to the west. It’s decorated in varying shades of orange and pink, along with wispy clouds scattered within the colors. It’s something I missed when I was away. Coming home and being able to see the sunsets like this again truly is a gift.
I glance at the time on the dashboard as I climb into my truck. It's eight o'clock at night and I know tonight is one Ella typically works. It's been four days since I kissed her in her art room. For four days, I've been living as a starved man. The text messages between us aren't cutting it anymore.
I need to see her before I end up losing my mind.
Without a second thought, I turn on my truck and head off the ranch, driving in the direction of the lake. I don’t stop until I’m pulling into a spot outside of the bar.
My footsteps are light, yet purposeful as I stride down the dock, not stopping until I'm walking deep inside the building,heading straight to the counter. There's a man getting up from his stool and I use the opportunity to sit down when I see he paid his tab and is leaving for the night.
The place is unbelievably packed and so busy. It tends to calm down a bit after the dinner rush is over, but right now, it's hard to see an end in sight.
My eyes scan the bar and I catch a glimpse of Ella working on the other side. Her hair is pulled back in a high ponytail and she's looking down as she finishes garnishing a drink. I watch her body as she moves along the counter, smiling at a woman while she hands her a drink.
“Cole, what a surprise to see you here,” Remi greets me with a wink as she clears the plate and empty glass away from me. She grabs a bottle of spray and a rag and quickly wipes down the spot in front of me.
“I thought I'd stop by for a drink after work.”
She sets a square napkin in front of me. “I bet you did,” she says, like she has a little inside joke I don't know about. I chuckle, winking at her. Jokes on her because I know all about it.
“What can I get you?”
I smile at her. “Ella would be nice.”
Remi snorts, rolling her eyes as she shakes her head with a smirk. “I'll get her.”
She walks over to Ella and her gaze collides with mine as she turns around. Her eyes are momentarily wide, almost as if she's shocked to see me here. She nods at Remi and I see her lips move as she says something to her. A shy smile drifts across her mouth as she quickly walks over to me.
“Hey cowboy,” she says in greeting, her voice soft and a little breathless. “I'm getting ready to go on break. Did you want to meet me out back?”
“Absolutely,” I nod, rising to my feet. She looks around for a moment, almost as if she's in a panic before looking at the clockand back to me. I can see the conflict in her expression and take the opportunity to ease her worried mind. “Take your time, El. I'm not goin’ anywhere.”
She gives me a small smile and bobs her head. “Thank you.”
I watch her head over to the other side of the bar before I walk to the front door and slip outside. Walking through a few groups, I round the side of the restaurant and head to the back of the building. There's no one out here, so I lean against the railing, watching the water splashing against the poles buried deep beneath the surface.
A few minutes pass before I hear the door behind me open and close. Pushing away from the railing, I turn around and see Ella as she walks closer to me.
“It is insane in there tonight,” she says with a sigh as she adjusts her ponytail. She walks past me and leans her back against the trailing as we both turn to face one another.
“Has it been this busy all day?”
Ella shakes her head. “It's been like this lately in the evenings.” She tilts her head back, looking up at the night sky. “Don't get me wrong, I love working here. I am so grateful for the opportunities Iris and Remi have given me, but I do not want to do this forever.”
I walk over to the railing and link my fingers together as I lean against it again, looking out to the lake. “What do you wanna do?”
“I don't know,” she says softly as she lifts her head upright. “I haven't really given it much thought.”
“What about your art?”
Ella half snorts and half laughs. “That's only a hobby, Cole. It's not something I could ever plan on making a career out of.”
My head moves sideways and I study her profile, counting the freckles on the right side of her nose. “Says who?”
“Do you hear how ridiculous that sounds?” She laughs to cover up the pain as she looks at me. I don't miss the way it swirls within the depths of her irises. “I have no formal training or experience. I didn't go to college and study art. It's something I do for myself.”
“Don't do that, Ella,” I say as I stand upright, my hands gripping the railing.
