Page 91 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“So how did it go between you two last night?” With one hand under her elbow, he steered her to the coffee station. Her father knew his daughter.

She started filling a cup. “As you might expect. I slept in Ariel’s room, and he slept in my room.”

She finished fixing her coffee, and her father pointed to an empty table for two.

“I’m sure he was disappointed.” Her father pulled out a chair for her, then slid into his own seat.

“And are you disappointed?” She could predict the answer.

“I won’t lie. It would be pretty perfect for me if you married Dean or someone like him. Someone interested in politics and who would have my back. But the reality is, I just want you to be happy. Does this Rusty fellow make you happy?”

She nodded. “I know it didn’t look good last night, but, really, I’ve never seen him use physical force. He’s all about helping people. He thought Dean was hurting me.”

Her father’s head snapped back. “Was he?”

“Shoved me up against the wall and wouldn’t let me go.”

“He did that?”

“Dean was trying to get me to listen to him. I was ready to give him a knee to the groin if he didn’t release me.”

Her father chuckled. “That’s my girl.”

“So I’m here to ask a favor.”

“Of me?” He pointed to his chest.

“Yes. For Rusty. He’s supposed to enter the police academy this September. It’s all he’s talked about. But if this goes on his record, if Dean files a complaint against him, that’s not going to happen.”

“Did he pass all the psychological tests? I mean, it was an overreaction, though it gives me comfort to know that someone else cares about you enough to defend you. Even if it sounds like you don’t need defending.”

“That’s Rusty’s biggest blind spot. He’s so ready to step in and help, he doesn’t find out first if the person needs or wants his help.”

“If that’s his only flaw, it doesn’t sound like a deal-breaker.”

“It’s not.” That was what this whole incident had shown her. She’d take him, flaws and all.

“I know you don’t like it when I step in and help either. This guy must be important to you for you to be here. So what do want from me?”

“To convince Dean it’s not in his best interest to file charges. I’ve tried, pointing out that pinning me against the wall could also be considered assault.”

“True. But a misdemeanor.”

“But I’m thinking this is not something Dean would want his future constituents to know, nor that he got knocked out by one punch…”

“Not male stereotyping, are you?” He chuckled.

“I was trying to sow doubt in Dean’s mind. But it didn’t work. A word from you would go a long way.”

“And what do I get in return?”

She took a sip of coffee and looked over the rim of the cup. “My undying gratitude?”

“That’s a start.” Her father shifted in his seat. “You know, kitten, your mother and I want you back in Cheyenne.”

“And I’m making it work here. I’m still within driving distance.”

“Looks like I’m going to be making a move soon that requires having a chief of staff. I need someone I can trust in that position. You’d be perfect. And it would be a better use of your talents.”

---