Page 15 of What the Cowboy Wants
The distraction was good, otherwise he would’ve had a certain redhead in flannel pajamas on his mind all night.
It took a while to clean the little dog.By the time the first white curls appeared he could also see why she’d cried out when he’d picked her up.He bit back a cuss word.Why the hell did people have pets if they couldn’t love them.She’d been badly abused.
“I’m so sorry you were hurt,” he whispered as he closed his eyes.Slowly he ran his hands over her, focusing on healing her wounds.Healing her spirit was going to take much more time, though.By the time he’d brushed out the white curls, the little dog was still shivering.
“You’re probably also hungry.Let’s get some food in you.”
He found Prince and Charlie in the living room in front of the television which meant they wanted to watch their favorite movie,Lady and the Tramp.With the small dog still in his arms, he switched on the television and found their favorite program.As soon as the title appeared on the screen, Charlie barked excitedly turning to Cooper, his tail wagging.
Cooper smiled.“Ah, I see.Good idea, we’ll call her Lady.”
Prince also barked in agreement.Jumping on the couch, the two settled down to watch the movie.
“Okay, Lady, let me tell you about a certain redheaded lady I think you’ll like.”
Chapter Five
Friday had beena busy day at the yarn shop.By the time Rose got back home, she was irritable and tired.For the second night in a row, she hadn’t slept well.All she wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep, but that would have to wait; she was expecting guests.
She made sure everything was ready for her guests before heading to her room to shower.The temperatures in the evenings had started to cool down, so she chose a pair of jeans and a soft, green sweater to wear.
When she’d left Seattle, she hadn’t been sure where she was going, she just drove away and didn’t stop.She’d grabbed her bag and laptop, but that was it.The only clothes she had was what she’d been wearing.The first few days, she’d borrowed some of Laura’s clothes before she had the energy to order clothes online.For the first time in a long time, she could choose what she liked, what she felt comfortable in, and not worry whether she was presenting the right image.
She’d forever be grateful to her paternal grandma who had left her a substantial amount of money.With her dad’s help she’d invested the money wisely and added to it since she’d started working.Money was the one problem she didn’t have.
As she finished brushing her hair, she looked around.She really missed Molly.The little dog had been her constant companion, she’d even taken her to the yarn shop on the days she worked there.
As she walked toward the living room, her phone pinged.It was from an unfamiliar contact.Since she’d moved to Marietta, she’d changed her phone number.Nowadays she hardly received any messages or phone calls.Her friends in Marietta were the only people who had her number.
As her eyes quickly scanned the message, her heart kicked into another gear.It was a text from Cooper.
“I have news”
Frowning, her heart galloping at an alarming rate, Rose stared at the message.What news?
Rose was still looking at the text when the front doorbell rang.It was already half past five, it could be any one of her friends.Or it could be Cooper.
Trying to steel herself, she walked to the door and opened it.Her heart sighed.It was no use thinking she could prepare herself to see Cooper.The mere sight of the big cowboy on her doorstep simply took her breath away.In a jacket, with a denim shirt underneath and a pair of jeans, his hat on his head, he was mouth-wateringly sexy.
“Rose.”He nodded, taking off his hat.
“You have news?”Hopefully she sounded cool and not like the shuddering mess she was feeling.
“I have another dog for you…”
“I told you I don’t want another dog.”
“This one doesn’t belong to anyone else.She’s looking for a forever home.I was also hoping I can persuade you to stop by sometime over the weekend to see Scarlett.She’s struggling.The two of you had a connection.It will be good for her and for you.Afterward, I can introduce you to Lady.You’re under no obligation to take her, but come and see her, please?Isabella, the woman who cooks for us, and her husband, Ricardo one of our cowboys on the ranch, are looking after her at the moment.She’ll need constant attention for the next few weeks.Isabella keeps her with her wherever she goes.”
“Cooper, really…” she began, but at that moment Cooper’s mom called out.She was coming down the driveway toward Rose’s house, waving.
“Coop!”she smiled, opening her arms.“I didn’t know Rose had invited you as well?But I have heard you two have been kissing, I’m so happy you’re together.”
With a groan, Rose covered her warm cheeks with her hands.“We’re not together!It was one kiss, it didn’t mean anything and no, Cooper…”
But Arlene had already taken Cooper by the arm and before Rose could blink, they were both inside her house.
“I’m so glad you’re also here, Coop,” Arlene continued seemingly unaware of the undercurrents.“Even if you’re just friends.It’s time to stop the ridiculous rumors going around town about her.”
