Page 30 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“So far I only have one wedding booked between now and September and another one booked for November. And both came to me because the plans to wed had come unexpectedly and they need someone to pull things together in a short time frame.” She placed her hands on the table. “The gal in Sheridan for the end of this month just found out she’s pregnant, and since she’s holding the wedding at her fiancé’s ranch, it has to be during a good-weather month and one where it’s not so busy. And then the one getting married in November is actually doing it over Thanksgiving break because her intended teaches at a local college and they didn’t want to wait until winter break, since both families will be in Wyoming for the holiday. So our company needs this gala as much for the promotional opportunity as the income.”

He reached his hand across the table and rested it on hers. She stared into his mesmerizing blue eyes and felt warmth spread through her. If only he was a good as he seemed. And trustworthy.

“It’s rough starting up someplace new, I guess.”

She didn’t pull her hand back even though a voice inside her head was prompting her to. His touch was comforting, nice, calming. “My mother warned me that it takes six months to get a business running.”

“Six months?”

“That’s how long Marcia’s given me to turn a profit at this location. That’s how long the office is rented for. And my apartment.”

“You seem on top of things. But honestly, what’s a date now and again going to do to your plan? Unless you have any objections to me personally.” The frown was back.

She pulled her hand from under his and tucked it in her lap. “It’s not that. You’ve been great.” She meant that. “And agreeing to be in this bail-out-of-jail event is above and beyond, because you’ll definitely raise some funds.”

“So you think I’m a sexy cowboy too?” He grinned that Cheshire cat grin she’d seen before. Made her want to curl up on his lap.

“Not answering except to say I think you’ll fit the bill.”

His grin broadened. “Really.” He held her eyes for a heartbeat.

Tingles ran through her. Yup, she’d entered dangerous territory.

“Look, I’m only asking to see you now and then, not a commitment,” he said. “When you’re free, of course. Maybe do another lunch, or maybe even breakfast, if you can’t do dinner. Late-night drinks is a possibility too. Basically, you can call the shots.”

His smile and that twinkle in his eye made him so tempting. And he really did sound supportive, so unlike Dean. And she was lonely. Except for Ariel, she knew hardly anyone else. “IfI have an opening, I’ll call you… but don’t count on it before the gala.”

“And you know that if I can help in anyway…”

Music to her ears. “Find us some more guys to bail out of jail. Stetson or Mel or both would be great.” Since he was offering…

One side of his grin cocked up in a Brad Pitt-worthy smirk. Her pulse did a dance “On one condition.”

“Again with the conditions. You’re being awfully transactional.” She’d already agreed to bid for him and to a possible date sometime in the future—what more could he want?

“Since I’m going to be at this charity thing anyway, go as my date.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but he raised a hand. “I know you’re going to be working and your work will have to come first. But I’d like to escort you nonetheless.”

She bit her lip. This was getting real.

“And you can’t bid on any of the other guys.”

She had to laugh. “That’s actually two conditions.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Is it a deal?”

It was a hard bargain, but she couldn’t help being flattered by his persistence. “Deal.”

She hoped she wouldn’t regret it. She knew men who were all about the chase and once they’d got you, they were no longer interested. Rusty could be one of those. He’d already said no commitment, not that she was looking for one. And if he was a fly-by-night kind of guy, it would be a way to at least pass the time. She’d just have to be on her guard, because he was a tempting bundle of good looks and a kind heart.

She extended her hand. He grabbed it, and the roughness of his skin sent little butterflies to her stomach. “You’ve got yourself a cowboy,” he said in a low growl.

He winked, and those butterflies took flight.

Chapter 9

Coming in from the range, Rusty pulled up his horse as his innards twisted and tumbled with that familiar feeling of dread, despite the picture-perfect summer day.

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