Page 89 of Never Left You

“No, what is it? You’re looking at me funny.”

“Abi…you’re skipping.”

I stopped and looked at my mud-covered boots. “I’m not…”

“Yeah, you are. Oh…and look.” He tilted his chin back towards the arena “Cash just pulled up.”

I felt my heart jump—literally jump—in my chest. It took all my strength not to run…well, skip towards him. It was weird to feel this way. To have this excitement fill my body. There was no more questioning what I was feeling. No more denying it. Not after he kissed me in front of everyone, even getting my son’sstamp of approval. Whatever was here, I was going to keep it and hold on to it. So, yeah…I started to skip back to the barn.

Cash stepped out of his rig, placing his hat on his head, his forearms free with the warmer weather. He turned to the other truck that was coming up behind him—Quinn—and once she was parked, his eyes met mine.

“Hey Abs.” He smiled, his smooth Southern accent filling every vessel in my body. My jog got faster, and in my head, I saw myself wrapping my legs around his waist, kissing him senselessly as his hands roamed my back, allowing those butterflies to take complete control.

It was only then that I remembered I had a potential client in the arena and should probably not maul him in front of them. I slowed and simply reached out for his hand. He responded by threading our fingers together.

“Were you skipping?” He raised a single eyebrow, lowering his chin to look me in the eye.

“You know what?” I pulled my hand away, taking a step back. “I was just…”

“Excited to see me?” His grin turned wicked.

I rolled my eyes. “Okay fine, yes. I’m excited to see you, but we also have a potential client.”

Quinn came up behind Cash. “Is that Oakes Ashford’s truck?” She used her thumb to point behind her back at the bright blue truck that was parked near the stable.

Oakes’ logo, a white outline of a bull rider mid jump on it, a fancy O and A in the empty space, was painted on the side of the truck. Everyone who was following the rodeo knew that logo, Quinn included. I looked at Quinn, answering her question silently.

“Ok, it’s his truck, but ishein the arena?” She lowered her voice, leaning in.

I gave her a nod.

“Oh my God.” She stood up straight as a board. “He’s leading the boards.”

“And he wants to watch you train, so…”

“What!” She froze.

“Quinn.” Cash’s voice lowered as he looked at his client. “Keep yourself together.”

“Oh, I am. I’m gonna show him the best ride.” Quinn marched forward with determination, stepping into the barn.

We both watched her, standing by the entry way as Cash brushed his hand down my arm, his fingers weaving through mine again. He lifted my arm, bringing the back of my hand to his lips, his body facing me. I could feel the blush reach my cheeks.

“You were so excited to see me—”

“Oh, come on.” I rolled my eyes again, leaning into him.

“You skipped.”

“I ran enthusiastically.”

His lips cocked a grin, and he bent his head, giving me the sweetest kiss.

“Go out with me Abi,” he whispered against my lips.

“Go out with you?”

“On a date.”

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