Page 12 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“With a check.” She used her most brusque voice in hopes it would shut down Ariel’s inquiry. Rusty had been a perfect gentleman, and taking her own car to Smokey’s had saved her from any awkward moments. Although truthfully, when he’d talked about his family that night, the thought of kissing him had entered her mind. But only for a moment.

“Somehow, if his family owned a ranch that they recently sold, I doubt the guy is hurting for money. And he’s a bit old for that job. Which makes my point that he did it for you and no other reason.”

Unbidden, a warm feeling settled in her chest. “I think he’s just that kind of guy. Helps where he’s needed. He said that in the air force his handle was Rusty to the rescue.” And it suited.

“Air force, huh? Hope you found a way to thank your boyfriend for his service.” Ariel had the irritating habit of jumping to conclusions.

“I’m not dating him. He’s a local guy, and I figured he’d know the area. Short-term rentals are scarce, and I’m particular about where we live. For both our sakes, I thought he could be helpful.”

“By enlisting his help, he’s going to think that you’re interested in him,” she said with a singsongy lilt.

“I explained that I wasn’t interested in dating anyone at this time, and the reason why, when we went for drinks.” She couldn’t have made it clearer. “And he said he isn’t interested in a serious relationship either.”

“Sounds like a perfect match. You did go for drinks. You gave him your number. You’ve followed up with him…”

“He followed up with me asking if he could help.”

“Because he’s interested in you.” Ariel enunciated each word as if Kristy were hard of hearing. “And he’s hot.”

He was definitely hot. Walking behind him when they’d parked cars, she couldn’t help but fantasize, given his nice butt, muscular legs, and hefty shoulders.

She swerved to spare a rabbit crossing the road.

“Stop daydreaming.” Ariel had a smirk on her face.

“Okay, he’s hot. But he could be on fire…” And he was. “And I just can’t right now.” Her bruised psyche wasn’t ready to dive into any sort of relationship when she had a business to get up and running. “I don’t want to give him the wrong impression, but he offered his help, and we could use it.” She had to hope his help didn’t come with strings attached.

“Too late for not giving him the wrong impression, so you might as well admit the obvious. You’re interested too.”

Truth was, she hadn’t stopped thinking about Rusty Russell since that night at Smokey’s. He was so different from her ex, Dean. Didn’t seem to have a huge ego, and from what she had read about pararescue Special Forces (yes, she’d searched on the internet), he could certainly have justified one. They were an elite air force branch, used by other military branches, to rescue downed pilots and such. They’d been involved in the evacuation of Afghanistan as well.

“It’s not that I’m not attracted to him. Or that he isn’t a nice guy. It’s exactly because of those two facts that I’ve got to keep my distance. You and I have a business to build. Neither of us can afford to be distracted.” She’d had enough drama with Dean the Weasel—Ariel’s nickname for him—to last her a lifetime. So when Marcia had brought up this opportunity in Gillette, Kristy had jumped at the chance to get out of Cheyenne, far from bad memories. And despite what Rusty said about keeping things light, she had a feeling she might be swayed into wanting more. She couldn’t afford to get entangled in another relationship that didn’t work out. Wyoming was only so big.

“All work and no play is not good for the soul and not somethingI’msigning up for.” Ariel crossed her arms over her chest. “Nor should you.”

“I’m not ready, Ariel. I’m just not.”

Ariel patted Kristy’s thigh. “Maybe he’s what you need to get over what Dean did to you.”

She shook her head. More drama wasnotwhat she needed. “I’ll manage things with Rusty.” She’d just keep her distance. Emotionally and physically. “But as a longtime member of the Gillette community, he’s a good acquaintance to cultivate, and he told me his sister is on the gala committee—and we’re meeting with the committee tomorrow.”

“Marcia is going to be there, right?”

“She’s flying in for it from Denver. This is a big deal, and the whole expansion into this part of Wyoming is predicated on this gala being a success.”

Ariel shifted in her seat. “Did you get any feedback from her on the slides we sent, because I didn’t hear a peep.”

“If Marcia was concerned, she’d let us know. The fact we haven’t heard anything, I’m taking as a vote of confidence.” Though it was unusual that Marcia hadn’t saidsomethingabout their presentation. Usually she was prompt with that red pen of hers.

“I hope you’re right.”

Ariel was such an asset, and knowing she was depending upon this business venture as much as Kristy definitely weighed on Kristy’s mind. “I’m grateful you took a chance and decided to come work with me, Ariel. You’re such a creative talent. That VA hall looked spectacular. And it’s the main reason we have another prospect.” The couple that had approached Kristy about coordinating their wedding was holding their reception in Sheridan.

“It’s a good sign,” Ariel agreed. “We’re both taking a risk. We have six months to prove to Marcia there is business to be had out here, and the clock is ticking.”

“Which is why we agreed to give it our all and move here for the next six months.”

Kristy’s Cheyenne lease was up, and Ariel was tired of living with her parents. Rents were cheaper in Gillette. They now had two assignments in the area, which should lead to more. And the gala would take a lot of their time and effort.

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