Page 24 of Cowboy Stalker
Missy
The next day, it’s time to return to my normal life. I want to take Daisy with me to the diner like I always do. But with the number of customers that come and go throughout the day, Dorothy and Russell convince me to leave her home with them. They’re worried that Roulette and Jagger will show up and try to take Daisy.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared of that exact thing happening. With all the chaos that happens in the kitchen, it’s possible someone could slip into the back office undetected by Ernie, Lorna, or me.
So, I leave Daisy with Russell and Dorothy. They’ll watch over her today and keep her safe. I give her extra kisses and promise I’ll be home soon.
When Griffin drops me off at the diner, he makes me promise to call him when I’m ready to leave, so he can pick me up.
I agree, and he gives me a kiss, a steamy one that has my body temperature rising. I leave the truck before he can maul me right there in the parking lot.
I’m not sure if Ernie and Lorna would fire me for that, but they definitely wouldn’t appreciate me giving their customers a show. Not that Griffin would let me do that. He’s too possessive to possibly let that happen.
I’m only on for half a shift today. It was Ernie and Lorna’s way of easing me back into my work. It feels good to be back on my feet and in my regular routine.
I greet Ernie and Lorna, but my shift goes by too quickly for me to really chat with them. Around lunchtime, Audrey shows up. She doesn’t have Paisley with her today.
I called her after my date with Griffin. I told her all the details. Well, except for the steamy parts. I kept those for myself, but she could guess from what I did share what happened.
“How are you doing with everything?” Audrey asks.
“Good,” I tell her, my gaze bouncing around the crowded restaurant. I’m glad my shift is over as I settle into the booth across from her with my burger and fries.
“I haven’t seen anyone suspicious. I don’t know whether or not that’s a good sign. Maybe it means they gave up, or maybe it means they’re working on another plan. One with better odds of success.” I shiver at the thought.
“Don’t worry,” Audrey tells me. “You have the support of Griffin and Luke and the whole town. We protect our own here.”
I swirl my iced sweet tea with my straw, not looking up at her. “This town is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a family.”
“But?” Audrey prompts.
“Well, there was something I wanted to talk to you about.” I check to make sure no one’s paying attention to us. When I see that most of the patrons are busy with their own meals, I lean close and keep my voice quiet as I say, “How long after you met Logan did you know?”
“Know what?” she frowns.
“Know that you were in love with him.”
A soft smile lights up her face. It’s obvious she’s a woman in love. “I knew the moment I laid eyes on him, but it took me a little while to trust my heart. Once I did, I was really glad I listened.”
“I’m scared. It’s so fast. I wasn’t prepared to feel as much as I do for him.”
“And now that you’ve let him in, it feels like your whole world revolves around him,” Audrey says. “Before, it was you and her against the world. Now, you have a protector, a provider, a man who is beside you, who will fight for you, who will do anything it takes to put a smile on your face. And that’s a lot.”
I nod, relieved she knows how I’m feeling. “It’s not that I’m not grateful for Griffin. I am. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me and Daisy. I can’t help thinking, what if everything goes wrong?”
“When you’ve been on your own for so long, I think that’s a common question,” Audrey says. “But what if everything goes right? What if you found the love of your life, and you marry him, and you have more babies together? What if you raise a family, and your life is filled with so much love and joy that you never even thought was possible?”
Her question makes me see the situation in a new light. I haven’t stopped to think about what might happen if it all goes right. It would be amazing if we got decades to spend together, loving each other and caring for each other.
“You’re right,” I admit softly. “I think this is new to me, and I’m learning.”
“That’s normal,” she reassures me. “But don’t let your fear talk you out of the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Well, the second-best thing.”
“She is the best thing, and he’s a close second,” I agree, thinking of my little Daisy. I can’t wait to get home and hug her again. This whole shift has been a lot harder without her.
With that realization, I start eating my burger. As I’m finishing it and about to call Griffin for a ride, I remember that I wanted to get my tablet and hair dryer from the rental.
I figure that Audrey can drop me off, and I’ll call Griffin from there. I seriously doubt the guys from that night are going to be back. It’s been days since anyone has seen them. Plus, it’ll be a couple of quick minutes.
