Page 11 of Rancher's Heart

We talked all the way home and I didn’t even realize we’d pulled into my yard. Again Griff hopped out of the truck and opened my door. “Care to take a walk?” I asked not wanting this night to be over just yet.

Griff didn’t say a word, he just nodded as he shrugged out of his jacket and put it around my shoulders. We wandered over to the pasture and we leaned against the fence, enjoying the night air and being together.

He took a step closer and I wished I could stop my racing heart.The shrill ring of his cell phone cut through the quiet darkness. “Hold that thought.”Griff took a step away from me and pulled his cell out of his shirt pocket. “What?” The irritation in his voice made me smile. “Yeah, I’ll be right there.” He ended his call and tucked his phone away.“I’ve got a horse in trouble. She’s foaling.”

“Well, why are you still standing here?”I said, putting my arm around his waist and walking with him back to the front steps.

“I had a wonderful time.” He said as we moved toward his truck. “Did you have a good time?”

“Griff, I had an amazing time. Will you let me know when the foal is here?” His eyes brightened ,and I grabbed his phone. Just as I expected no password. Finding the contacts I added my number.

“It might be late.” He said looking at the time.

“Well, my date’s leaving me for another lady so I’m sure sleep won’t come easy.” I grinned but his face fell. “Hey, I’ll be awake because I want to know what she has. You better get going.”

“I hate that our date’s ending this way.” He groaned and pulled open the door to his truck.

“Seems fitting to me since horses brought us together.” I smiled and he chuckled as he climbed into his truck.

“I’ll keep you posted. Good night, Elle.”

“Night Griff. Good luck with the other lady.” I grinned, and he shook his head. I watched his taillights disappear down my road and wished I could run after him. His hand on the smallof my back guiding me into the restaurant, opening the door for me, and making me feel like I was the only person in the world while I was with him. I didn’t need a man to make me feel like a woman, but sometimes, it was nice to be taken care of.

Closing the door to my house, I looked around, and heat crept up my neck. What a mess this place must have looked to him. Shrugging out of his jacket, I lifted it to my nose and inhaled his scent. Smiling as I hung it over the back of my chair, I decided I’d return it tomorrow.

My phone chimed from my purse. Reaching for the small clutch, I frowned when I didn’t recognize the number.

Unknown: It’s Griff, I didn’t give you my number.

Me: Thank you I’ll add you to my contacts.

Unknown: As long as you don’t list me as The Cheater or something like that.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

Me: No, I think Cowboy will be sufficient.

Cowboy: As long as I’m the only one you call that.

Me: Only one in my life right now, so you’re it.

Cowboy: That’s what I like to hear.

Me: How’s your horse?

Cowboy: Stubborn.

Me: Takes after her owner apparently.

Cowboy: You’re so funny.

Me: I try.

Cowboy: Talk soon.

I smiled at my phone and set it on the table. Kicking off my heels, I walked along the cool floors to my room and took my dress off. Smiling at my reflection in the mirror as I looked at the blue bra I’d worn at his request. There was mild disappointment deep down that he didn’t get to see it, but I also wasn’t a put-out-on-the-first date type of girl.

CHAPTER 7

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