Page 52 of A Cowboy's Heart

“I brought fishing poles. They’re in my saddlebags. We’ll just have to put them together. We’ll stop by the pond and relax a while.”

“Sounds good,” Rocky yelled back.

They rode over a crest and down to a large pond where they dismounted and unsaddled the horses to let them graze. He handed Rocky a pole and bait then they took a seat on the bank in the tall grass and cast out their lines.

“Is this the same pond the guests fish at?”

“No, that one is closer to the ranch. This is one only Jax and I use.”

“You and Jaxon have a goldmine here, Dev.I’ve enjoyed my time here a lot, and I hope we’ll keep in touch once we—once I leave.”

“You said it right the first time.” Devin stared at the pond, not really seeing anything.

“Sorry. Willa should stay. She loves you.”

Devin laughed without humor. “No, she doesn’t and no matter what you say I won’t believe it. I laid my heart out to her, and all she could say was that I couldn’t possibly be in love with her.” He shrugged. “I’m done. A man can only be shot down so many times before he finally gets it.”

Rocky leaned back in the grass and stared out across the pond. “It’s beautiful here.”

“Yeah, this is a great thinking spot. Jax and I have both come here to clear our thoughts. No one else comes up here.”

“I’m honored you showed it to me, Dev. I might look into buying some land here and coming back for vacations.”

“Do you even get vacations?” Devin grinned as he pulled on a blade of grass then tore it into strips.

“Actually, I do. But I prefer staying in the States rather than go to other countries. Charity is the same way.”

“Charity?”

Rocky looked at him and smiled. “Charity O’Keefe.”

Devin raised his eyebrows at the mention of the beautiful actress. “I didn’t know you two were an item.”

“Not many do. We’re keeping it quiet. Damn paparazzi ruin everything.”

Devin reeled his line in then cast out again. After laying the pole down, he leaned back on his elbows. “I’m sure it’s tough being in the spotlight all the time.”

“It can be. That’s why I’d love a place like this to escape to. Are you really giving up on Willa?”

“Yeah, I’m done.” He glanced away and swallowed hard.

When thunder rumbled overhead, both men looked up. Devin saw the dark clouds rolling in. Standing quickly, he reeled his line in, and Rocky did the same. They both quickly took the rods apart and Devin shoved them in his saddlebags. They swiftly saddled the horses then mounted and nudged them into a run to head back to the barn, reaching it just as the sky split open and rain poured down. Lightning flashed across the sky, and thunder shook the building. Horses neighed in distress. Ranch hands ran inside soaking wet but helped Devin and Rocky remove the tack and cool the horses down.

Devin stood in the doorway of the barn and watched as the rain came down in sheets.

“Damn, that came up fast,” Rocky shouted from beside him. The rain hitting the roof made it almost impossible to hear.

“It can do that here,” he shouted back.

“I’m going to make a run for it to my cabin.”

“I can take you in the truck, but we’re going to have to get to it first.” Devin nodded to where the truck sat.

“I’d appreciate it. Let’s do it.”

Giving him a nod, he ran out of the barn with Rocky on his heels. By the time they reached thetruck, they were soaked. He closed the door and took his hat off. Rain ran down his face. Using both hands, he pushed his hair back, glanced over to Rocky, and laughed.

“Son of a bitch. I’m soaked,” Rocky said as he took his hat off and tossed it to the floor between his feet.

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