Page 68 of Wild Rose
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” I try to argue.
“I insist.” He thanks the vendor, who bags them up for me and the three of us start walking. “It’s been a minute since I bought a pretty lady a pair of cowgirl boots.”
I notice that Ginger’s arm is tucked under his, and I wonder what the story is there. Are they .?.?. on a date? Do his sons know? Or maybe it’s a secret and these are the few moments they get together.
Suddenly conscious—and slightly uncomfortable—that I might be witness to something no one else knows about, I decline the offer.
“Thank you.” I hold up the boots. “These might last me a lot longer on your ranch than the ones I brought.”
He nods approvingly. “They were a good choice. Break ’em in right.” He winks.
I glance at Ginger. “Well, I appreciate the invite to lunch, but I don’t want to intrude. I’m sure you both—”
“You’ll come to lunch,” he cuts me off with a soft grin and slides his arm beneath mine so he’s between Ginger and me. “There’s a place just around the corner I think you’ll like.”
“Cozy and traditional,” Ginger adds.
Their warmth spreads through me like a summer breeze, making it hard to argue. And truthfully, I’m not sure I want to.
We stroll into a small restaurant along the street. It’s a simple nod of Mr. Thorne’s head before we’re quickly seated at a table by the window.
It’s no wonder. The man exudes power. His presence, his build. But something tells me he’s well known. As well as being the original owner of Blue River Ranch, he’s also got that confidence about him that tells me he’s respected in this town.
“So, there’s no Mrs. Thorne?” I ask as we’re seated. And immediately feel like I need to justify the question. “Or is she not a fan of cowgirl boots?”
“Oh, she was a fan, all right.” He spreads his napkin along his lap. “She’s been gone a while now,” he says, voice rough. “An accident.” And it’s all he says. I catch him rub a calloused thumb over the silver band around his finger.
“I’m sorry. What was she like?”
Ginger chimes in energetically. “Oh, she was somethin’ fierce. Always smilin’, kept fussin’ over him and the boys.”
Mr. Thorne rubs his chest. “Yeah. I fussed over her fussin’.”
I laugh gently. “Sounds like you two were a fun match. Or maybe she just knew how to pull the fun out of you .?.?.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Even when you were a bit grumpy?”
He scoffs, peering over at me like I’m smarter than I look. “About sums it up.”
We order and I try not to ask too many more questions. Instead, I watch the two as I once again try to figure out their relationship. If it’s an innocent friendship or .?.?. courtship.
That’s definitely not something I can ask. Maybe I’ll wait until Ginger and I are back at work.
“So Rose, how do you like working with Wilder?”
“Oh everyone’s been really welcoming,” I glance at Ginger inparticular. “Truthfully, I don’t know a lot about ranching but it’s easy to tell you’ve built quite the legacy.”
His brows rise. “What makes you say that?”
I shrug, trying to find the right words for what I feel when I walk the grounds. “There’s a quiet .?.?. strength to the land. Can tell it’s cared for, appreciated. You poured a lifetime into it, Mr. Thorne, and it shows.”
He watches me for a moment with a subtle nod. “Well, I’m touched and I’m glad you’re feeling welcome. But also wondering if you’re dodging my question on how you like working with my son?”
I smile. “Notice that did ya?”
He grins back. “Just one more of myquiet strengths.”
Ginger and I laugh. She nudges me playfully but addresses Connor. “Your boy’s needed a reminder or two on his manners.”
“Which are really unnecessary, Ginger,” I argue with a subtle glare.
