Page 54 of A Cowboy's Heart

Drawing her knees up, she rested her chin on them. He loved her. When he’d said it to her, it took every ounce of her willpower not to jump into his arms and profess her love for him. It didn’t matter because it would never work because she was scared. Too scared he’d leave her. In her heart, she knew it would destroy her way more than when Edwin had left her for a younger woman, and he was forty. Devin was only thirty-one, and he would surely start wanting a younger woman the older Willa got.No.Shaking her head, she knew she just couldn’t chance it. Edwin had done such a number on her that she was already so paranoid about getting involved with another man, but a younger one—oh hell no, that was just begging for heartbreak.

A tear slipped down her cheek as she thoughtof not having Devin in her life. The time she’d spent with him here was the best time of her life. Only two weeks remained then she’d be gone and never see him again.God! That hurt!When she came here, she had no idea she’d fall in love. It had never entered her mind that she could meet the love of her life here. She’d lived in Hollywood her entire life and never found a man like the cowboy she’d found here. If only he were older.

Raising her head, she stared blankly across the room as realization dawned. Would it make a difference if he were older? Even half the difference? She shook her head. Devin was right. It didn’t matter the man’s age. If he was going to screw around he’d do it whether he was younger or not. The thought of being hurt again by a man she loved was something she was terrified of and she wasn’t going to take that chance again. Yes, she was hurting now but as long as she didn’t stay with Devin, she’d never have to worry about him leaving her for a younger woman. Because she knew that would be the death of her.

Her cellphone rang, and she picked it up to see Rocky’s picture. “Hey, Rock.”

“Hey, I see where you called. I was in the shower.”

“Were you in there when the lights went out?”

“Yeah, I about fell and busted my ass too. Are you all right?”

Willa laughed. “I’m fine. I just wanted to make sure you had enough candles.”

“Yeah, I do. I’m only keeping one lit and carrying it around with me.”

Well, hell. Why didn’t I think of that?“Uh, yeah.I am too.” She blew out the flame on one of the candles. “Are you going to the dance tonight?”

“I think so. I just spoke with Josie. Are you?”

“I… yeah, I want to.”

“Then we’ll go together. I hope the rain lets up soon––”

Thunder boomed overhead rattling her nerves as much as the windows.

“Okay, that was a little close,” Willa said with a nervous laugh.

“Damn close. Okay, Wil, I’ll be over to get you at eight thirty. Be prepared to cut a rug.”

“Cut a rug? Seriously, does anyone still say that?”

Rocky’s laughter came through the phone. “Yeah, my grandma. See ya.”

At eight-thirty, a knock sounded on her door, and she opened it to see Rocky standing there. He’d sure changed since coming to Bur Oak. Gone were the pressed jeans and pointy boots. In their place were faded blue jeans and distressed cowboy boots. She smiled up at him.

“You’re really rocking the cowboy look now.” She teased.

Laughing, he shook his head. “When I think how I looked when I arrived here, I want to hide my head in the sand.”

“I would too, if I were you.” She laughed.

“Shit, Willa. Why didn’t you tell me I looked like an idiot?”

“And miss seeing the looks on Jaxon and Devin’s faces?” She howled with laughter when he tried to grab her. “Let’s go. I’m ready to… cut a rug.”

“Milady,” Rocky said bending his arm.

Willa looped her arm through his and walked outside. Pulling the door closed behind her, she pocketed her key. She wore jeans with a black tank top and on her feet were sneakers. She planned to be comfortable, especially if she planned on dancing. Knowing how Rocky could dance, she hoped to have enough fun with him to keep her mind off Devin.Like that will happen!In all honesty, she was scared to death to see him, but she knew Rocky wanted her to go to the dance and enjoy herself. There was no way he’d let her sit in her cabin alone.

“The riding lessons are going well, aren’t they?”

“Yep. We went out this morning, before the rain and let the horses run. It was exhilarating. I loved it. Gypsy is a great horse. I called Lucy and told her I want to buy her and I’m having the money wired to her account tomorrow.”

“I’m happy you’re buying her. She is a beautiful horse, and she’ll do fantastic in the movie for you. God, the air smells so good after the rain.”

“It does.” Rocky stopped walking and looked at her. “Are you all right? I mean, really.”

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