Page 27 of Awaiting the Storm
Charli turns around and gives me a slow once-over. “Well, look what the wind blew in. Caison Galloway. Fancy seeing you here.”
“Just purchasing some supplies,” I say, lifting the items in my hand. “I should probably grab some protection too—better to have them and not need them and all.”
She grins wide. “Always be prepared. Didn’t they teach you that in college?” she asks. “Although something tells me you probably need them.”
I shake my head, chuckling. “So, what’s this about The Soused Cow?”
“Oh, eavesdropping, are we, Mr. Galloway?” she says. “It’s a big night. Wildhaven Junction is playing, drinks are flowing, and Matty is wearing lipstick. Shelby and I managed to get her to agree to come out of her barn-shaped cave for the night.”
I try not to let my eyebrows lift, but they do. “Matty’s going?”
Charli’s eyes narrow a little. She’s not stupid; she picks up on the interest in my voice right away. “Why? You planning on being there?”
“I might be,” I say casually, though I know damn well I will be now.
Charli crosses her arms, box of condoms tucked against her side like it’s a six-pack. “You into country music, Galloway? Or something else?”
“I can two-step with the best of them,” I assure her.
“Oh, I bet you can.” She tilts her head and studies me for a long moment. “You interested in my sister?”
I hold her gaze. “She’s … something.”
Charli snorts. “She’s something all right. Sleep-deprived and allergic to fun.”
“Fun’s good for the soul,” I muse.
“Tell her that. Or better yet, show her. Lord knows she could use it,” she challenges.
Elise, behind the counter, is pretending not to listen to our conversation, but her eyes are huge, bouncing between the two of us like she’s watching a ping-pong match.
“I’ll think about showing up,” I say.
Charli gives me a slow smile. “Well, if you do, first round’s on me. And don’t worry about protection.” She holds up the box and winks. “I got you covered, cowboy.”
Elise breaks, bursting into laughter and nearly dropping her scanner.
I rub the back of my neck, grinning despite the heat climbing up my neck. “You always this subtle, Charli?”
“Subtle’s overrated. I prefer a straight shooter.”
She pays for her items and gives me a wink as she heads for the door.
“See you tonight, Elise. You too, Galloway.”
I watch her go, and I swear she walks a little slower just to make sure I’m still looking. The door closes behind her, and Elise is still giggling when I step forward.
“You’re in for it now,” she says, shaking her head.
I just smile and set my purchases on the counter. “God help me, I think I might be.”
The sun’s dropping behind the Tetons as I pull into Ironhorse. Creating a crown of brilliant colors that spill across the pastures and hills. It’s the kind of view that makes people fall in love with Wyoming. The kind of view that makes it hard to remember why anyone would ever want to leave.
I park next to the barn, kill the engine, and climb out, stretching my back and rolling my shoulders. Lunch with Albert is still playing through my head like a scene I’m not done editing. The man was gracious. Wary but willing to hear me out. And offering his support. Which was more than I could have hoped for. He obviously loves his ranch, his family, and especially his oldest daughter.
I head toward the main office, pushing open the door and finding Holland behind his desk with a cup of coffee in one hand and his computer mouse in the other.
“Hey,” I say. “You got a minute?”
