Page 12 of The Cowgirl's Chosen Love
Lisa flipped the card over, and her eyes widened as she read her line. “Am I supposed to keep this date a secret from my brother-in-law? Because I don’t feel comfortable with that idea.”
“This isn’t a secret,” Josiah assured her. “Although I will have to do some fast talking to make sure none of your extended family think I plan to take advantage of you.”
Lisa looked him over, her gaze trickling over him from top to bottom. A slow, thorough evaluation as her strong fingers took the note card and folded it decisively in two. “I’m not reading the rest of this. Is that why you haven’t made a move? Because you were worried whatCalebmight do?”
“It’s not about being worried because of some male-ownership thing. I didn’t want to get involved with you as a one-night stand, or just to scratch an itch. I didn’t see that going over well with anyone related to you. To be honest, I’m more afraid of Tamara than anyone else, no matter how sick she is.”
“My family doesn’t run my life,” Lisa pointed out firmly.
“I’m glad, but they’re still my friends. Close friends, who mean the world to me. Their opinions and friendship are important. No matter how much you and I agree we’re adults and what we do is our decision, it’s not going to sit well with your family if the two of us mess around.”
“So why’re you asking me out now?” Lisa shook her head. “Nothing’s changed. You’re still the local veterinarian and I’m still the woman who’s visiting for a while.”
“But until a few days ago you were headed back to Rocky Mountain House.” He couldn’t admit that until the day before it hadn’t soaked through his thick skull that he was ready for more than casual.
“Leaving is leaving.”
“Nope. Heading home is one thing. Deciding you want a change is completely different. I want a chance to show you exactly how perfect a change to Heart Falls could be for you, long term.” This was probably the stupidest thing he had ever done, yet it seemed jumping in with both feet was going to be the only way. Josiah caught hold of her hand. “Hell, maybe we’re totally incompatible. Maybe none of this will work out because there’s something crazy wrong between us, like you’re one of those types who forget to put the cap on the toothpaste on a regular basis. But I’d like us to start dating and see what happens.”
“But I’m only here for six months total,” she reminded him. “I’m leaving after that.”
“Maybe you won’t. You said you wanted to move out of your sister’s house after six months. You don’t really have anything else on your agenda, or anything that you’ve had on a bucket list forever. Or at least, it didn’t sound like that to me when we talked yesterday.”
“I don’t know what I want to do,” she admitted. “It might involve leaving Heart Falls.”
“But it might not. Since you’re not sure, it seems stupid not to take a chance.” He had hold of her hand, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles in a slow circular motion. “My whole argument sounded a lot better on the script, but can you give it a shot? I mean, worst-case scenario, we enjoy some amazing comfort food and get to know each other a little better, in a way that might build something good into our lives.”
He refused to think about how much it was going to hurt if yet another woman decided he wasn’t a good enough reason to stay.
Lisa was shaking her head from side to side, but the words out of her mouth were positive. “There is something to be said for not knowing what the heck a guy is going to do next. Josiah Ryder, you intrigue me. You’re right. Not going to hurt anything in the short term to call your bluff.”
A shot of warmth that could only be called happiness bubbled in his gut. He was also shocked that his quirky idea had worked. “Damn. That’s awesome. I should get money down on this somehow.”
A soft laughter escaped her. “Hundred bucks if I’m still here in the spring?”
Anything to make her keep thinking about staying. “Deal.”
“What time do you want me to come over for dinner? I can help cook.”
He thought through his schedule. “Any time after four, and unless your comfort foods are really off the wall, I should be able to handle it.”
Lisa reeled off her top three favourites, stealing her fingers from his, amusement written all over her. “May I have my saddle back? Please?”
Josiah lofted it to his shoulder level. “Since I interrupted you in the first place, it’s only right I help you get ready.”
He escorted her to Licorice, approving of the sturdy ride Ashton had assigned. They laid everything in place: blanket, saddle, reins. He offered his hand for her to hold as she slipped her foot into the stirrup then mounted in one smooth, fluid motion.
Lisa adjusted her hat, closing her coat around her as she looked down, face shining as she examined him again.
She shook her head. “Definitely entertaining.”
“See you at my place,” he said, letting his fingers drift over her thigh as he walked forward. He caught the lead rope, guiding Licorice then pushing open the door to let her into the outdoors.
He watched them walk away, horse and rider.
Lisa glanced over her shoulder, the strangest expression on her face. As if she wasn’t sure if she should be laughing or running from him in terror.
This was the first time he’d ever headed into a relationship straight up admitting he was hoping for something beyond a good time. Maybe that would be enough to change his luck.
