Page 29 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

Kristy sat across from Rusty at the small café situated only a few steps from her office, Rusty frowned as the waitress delivered her salad and his burger. She’d talked about the gala the whole way over, trying to persuade him to think of the bigger picture and remind him that the town’s police chief would likely be in attendance.

That frown told her she hadn’t made the sale yet. “It’s a great way to get noticed.”

“I’d prefer to get noticed for the right things.”

He took a bite of his burger, as if that should be the end of the discussion.

“Thiswouldbe the right thing. Helping out the charity.” What could be better?

He set the burger on his plate and looked directly at her. “So what is it about me that has you swiping to the left?”

Now there was a change of subject. One she hadn’t been prepared for. She took a moment to process because though he’d asked a direct question, she wasn’t sure how to answer.

She liked him. She found him attractive. He intrigued her. But something in her head, or maybe her heart, was signaling that if she got involved with him, it would beveryinvolved.Thatwas what scared her. But she couldn’t say that.

“It’s not you…”

He shook his head, and a lock of chestnut-colored hair fell over his brow, giving him a bad-boy look. That scared her too. She’d always been a sucker for bad boys, hence Dean the Weasel.

“Don’t give me the ‘it’s me’ routine. We haven’t known each other long enough for that.”

Should she be honest with him? Or be cruel and tell him she was not interested even though she was, perhaps too much. She took a sip of her seltzer and tried again. “I just can’t focus on anything right now except the charity event. It’s going to either make or break us, and with Marcia out of commission, I’ve got to be all in to assure that it doesn’t breakme.”

He leaned forward. So close she could see the golden flecks in his eyes, smell the scent of coffee. “And if it weren’t for the charity event?”

She bit on her lip. “Then I’d swipe right.” There, she’d said it. Though the moment the words had left her mouth she’d wanted to take them back, except for the fact that a big old smile had replaced the frown on his face.

“You did say you’d bid on me if no one else does.”

She felt the heat rising in her face. This was what she got for being honest. “I am a hundred percent certain that I won’t be required to bid.”

He cocked a half smile. “But will you bid even if someone else does?”

Her pulse danced as she sat back and looked at his cocksure expression. She’d gone this far. It would only be a dance. With a man who at least seemed to be a good guy.

“Maybe.” She couldn’t contain her smile.

“If you promise to bid regardless, I’ll be part of the auction.” His eyes sparked, and those sparks headed straight to her heart, warming her from the inside out.

How could she resist? “I promise I will bid.”

“And if someone overbids you, will you still go out with me after the event?”

How could she say no now? Because part of her definitely didn’t want to say no. She nodded.

He sat back, seemingly satisfied with his negotiations.

Oddly, so was she.

“Are you going to be in jail too?” His tone was hopeful.

“Not if I can help it, because what I am certain of is that I will have my hands full, overflowing, in fact. This is such a big event. Please don’t mention this to your sisters, but I’ve only done events this size under Marcia’s tutelage.” She figured his sisters knew this already, but she didn’t want to sound like she was worried.

“How is your boss?”

“I talked to her the other day. Besides being concerned, I wanted to reassure her that things were going well and to discuss our ideas more thoroughly.” Surprisingly, Marcia hadn’t said no to anything. “She’s doing just fine.” And was busting Kristy about meeting the business goals, so definitely okay.

“How is the business doing besides the gala?”

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