Page 109 of Cowboy's Last Stand
Jason was standing by the front desk with a mixed bouquet of sunflowers and daisies.The afternoon light silhouetted his broad shoulders.He looked tall and lean and achingly handsome.He didn’t say anything as she came forward.She glanced at the bouquet in his hands.The cellophane crinkled as she accepted it.She was aware of the audience of women behind her, tittering at the awkward scene.
He moved his gaze from them to her.“Sorry to bother you at work.”
“It’s fine,” she said stiffly.She didn’t know why he’d brought the flowers here rather than giving them to her at home.He seemed as uncomfortable as she was with the public display, even though he’d chosen it.
“Can I walk with you to get Marcus?”
“Sure,” she said.“I’m off at two fifteen.”
“I’ll wait outside.”
When she nodded her agreement, he turned on his heel and left.Gail and Alma joined her in watching him push through the glass doors and stride across the parking lot.Gail made a sound of appreciation as Jason walked away.He was wearing a cowboy hat that appeared new, along with faded blue jeans that were worn from use.Although the clothes were nothing special, they fit well enough to showcase the hard body beneath.
With a heavy sigh, she stepped away from the front entrance.Then she noticed the squad car in the parking lot.She frowned as Wade emerged from the vehicle to block Jason’s path.They exchanged some terse words.
To her relief, Jason ignored the provocation and kept walking.He paused beneath an oak tree at the edge of the parking lot.Putting his back to the trunk, he crossed his arms over his chest and waited.Wade spoke into the radio receiver on his shoulder.After shooting a glance at the library, he got into his car and drove away.
“Wow,” Alma said.“That was a lot of testosterone.”
Gail fanned her face excitedly.“Can I have the one you’renothaving?”
Natalie gave her an annoyed look.
“Now I understand why you’ve been moping all week,” Gail teased.“You poor thing, torn between Wade Hendricks and a man even finer than him.”
“I’m not torn between them.”
“How would you describe it?Sandwiched?”
Alma and Gail collapsed in giggles.Natalie carried her bouquet to the breakroom and sank into the chair she’d been sitting in before Jason’s visit.
“You should take those home,” Gail said.“We’ll be closed all weekend.”
“I will.”
“Is Wade an option?”Gail asked gently.
Natalie shook her head.“I’ve never had feelings for Wade.Since I met Jason, I can’t think about anyone else.It’s overwhelming.”
Gail hugged Natalie’s shoulders.“I’m sorry for teasing you.”
“It’s OK.I’m really emotional today.”
“Falling in love does that to a girl.”
Natalie covered her face with her hands, groaning.Gail left her alone to compose herself.After a few minutes, she rose to her feet and finished reshelving.At two fifteen, she gathered her bouquet and waved goodbye.
Jason was waiting for her, as promised.She put the flowers in her car before they started walking.When he reached for her hand, she didn’t rebuff him.It felt natural to let him hold her hand as they strolled down the sidewalk.
“What did Wade say to you?”she asked.
“Nothing important.”
“Did you come inside with the flowers because he was here?”
“Yes.”
No wonder he’d decided on a public display.He couldn’t resist showing up his arch-rival.She glanced up at him, noting the faint circles under his eyes.She suspected that he hadn’t been sleeping well, and nightmares still plagued him.
