But he knew that wasn’t it. Not all of it. Maybe not even the main part. He liked her. He enjoyed talking to her, hearing her ideas, seeing her enthusiasm about the breeding program or even discussing pasture rotation. Just in the short time she’d been at the ranch, they’d had some far-ranging conversations that he couldn’t remember ever having with other women. Because he hadn’t been friends with them. Not in any meaningful sense.
Friendship was the only kind of relationship he could have with Ella. Even if they both decided to hell with caution and went for it, the relationship wouldn’t last. They never did. He’d had a couple of relationships that had lasted longer than the others. His most recent, a little over a year ago now, had lasted six months. But it had ended too, and he sure as hell hadn’t been heartbroken.
Because, cowboy, you haven’t really wanted anything lasting.
And he didn’t now… Did he?
No, he didn’t. What he needed was to get laid. Or even if he didn’t get laid, he needed to be with another woman. One who wasn’t Ella Slade. He took his phone out of his pocket and dialed the number of a woman he’d met in Fredericksburg at a friend’s party, a week or so before he met Ella. Kayla, a beautiful redhead, had made it clear she was happy to meet him and wouldn’t mind getting to know him better. He’d intended to call her, and then he met Ella and all thoughts of other women had simply disappeared.
“Kayla?” he said when she answered.
“Yes.”
“Chase Walker here. I don’t know if you remember but we met a few weeks ago at the Stephens’s party.”
“Chase Walker? Of course I remember you. But I’ll admit I’m surprised to hear from you.”
He winced, remembering he’d said he’d call her the following day and hadn’t. Her tone wasn’t accusatory. If anything it was a little amused. He bet she didn’t have many men not follow through. “Sorry, I got held up with the ranch. Had a minor disaster.”
“Oh, it’s no problem. I just figured you weren’t interested. I hope it’s all taken care of.”
“It is. I know it’s last minute but can I take you to dinner this weekend?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m busy this weekend.”
Served him right for waiting so long.
“But I’m free next weekend.”
“Great.” They settled on the following Friday. “Is seven good for you?” She agreed and after giving him her address, they ended the call. Maybe now he could finally get Ella out of his head.
And what if you still can’t?
Then I’m screwed.
