Page 20 of What the Cowboy Wants
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Afterward Rose hadno idea how she’d ended up with six bags filled with clothes, including a dress for the dance—a gorgeous cream-colored A-line knee-length dress with crossed straps at the back that left the rest of her back bare.Being in a daze after she’d seen Cooper early in the morning probably had something to do with it.
You should get a dress.Cooper’s word had been on her mind the whole morning.
On the drive back, Rose was in the car with Arlene, Willow, and Ellie.As they left Bozeman behind them, she couldn’t settle.She had more than enough money, but spending so much on a dress because a man she barely knew told her to was a bit much, wasn’t it?
“I can’t believe you’ve talked me into buying so many clothes,” she muttered.“Remind me never to join you on a shopping spree again.”
Arlene, who was sitting in front, turned around to look at Rose.“I’m still sorry you didn’t take the full-length, slinky one in the champagne color as well.You looked so gorgeous in it.”
“It’s a beautiful dress, but surely not for a local dance?”Rose said.
“There aren’t many occasions to dress up,” Laura said.“So, any chance we get, we go all the way.I do love the one you did get, though.”
Rose smiled.“So am I.We’ve tried on so many dresses, I’ve lost count.And I’ve spent way too much money, but I’m so happy you invited me along.I’ll always be grateful I ended up in Marietta.I couldn’t have asked for better friends.”
“Cooper told you to get a dress,” Arlene said.“I have an idea that means he’s planning to take you.But remember, you don’t have to have a date to go to the dance.You can join us any time.You’ll enjoy it.It’s high time you show the people in Marietta what you look like and stop all the rumors.”
“Thanks, all of you.I’ve really enjoyed the trip.”Her mind went back to everything she’d bought.Whether she wanted to admit it or not, what every single item that had ended up in a bag had been bought with Cooper in mind.That was exactly the kind of thing she hadn’t wanted to do again.Although, she really did like every single item, so it wasn’t as if she only wanted to please him.
The strange moment while Cooper had held her gaze this morning, had been on her mind all day.They’d been talking about the dance and the expression in his eyes… Had he asked her to the dance by just looking at her?
Oh, my goodness, she was losing it.“I noticed you’ve also bought something?”she asked Arlene to get her mind on something else.
“Oh, yes.”Arlene said.“I got something for the ball.I really hope you’ll join us.”
“I’ll see, thanks.
“What about lunch tomorrow, please?”
Rose shook her head.Arlene had invited her a few times before to join the Sunday lunch with her family, she was so nice.“Thanks, Arlene, but I’m not intruding on your time with your kids.Besides, Ellie told me today she has already found someone to help her in the shop and the woman is keen to start on Monday.I really need to pack up my life in Seattle before I can start over here, so I’m going to see what flights are available.”
“Please let me know if you need a lift to the airport in Bozeman?”Arlene grinned.“I won’t mind spending more time in the shops.”
“Thanks, Arlene.I’ll probably drive myself.It’s just easier.I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”
They were nearing the entrance to the Weston Ranch when Willow caught Rose’s eye in the rearview mirror.“Mom wants to look at a painting I’ve done, would you mind stopping at the ranch?I could drop you off at the stables if maybe you would like to see Scarlett?We won’t be long.”
“Oh, yes, thank you.”Her heart beating excitedly, Rose quickly looked out of the window.She’d been thinking about Scarlett and would like to make sure the horse was okay, that was all.Swallowing a groan, she stared at the passing landscape.The problem was, her increased heartbeat wasn’t only because she was going to see Scarlett.
Maybe she should just enjoy the feeling.After wallowing in a deep pit of despair for months, struggling to get up in morning, being excited was a heady feeling.
Making decisions and planning anything had been beyond her, but now she couldn’t wait to get her life and career back on track.Whether it had anything to do with Cooper kissing her, she didn’t know, but she was finally ready to make plans and think about her future.
One of the things she’d need was a lawyer to draw up the paperwork so that she could buy Laura’s house.
Minutes later, Willow stopped near the stables.“Just give me a call when you’re ready to leave.”
Rose got out of the car.“Thank you!”
“Enjoy!”Ellie called out as they drove away.
As always when she’d been with her friends, Rose found herself smiling as she waved at them.All of them had helped to keep her sane over the last few weeks.As she moved toward the entrance of the stables, she heard Cooper’s voice.
“I won’t hurt you, beautiful.You know that, don’t you?”he was saying.
A delicious shiver slid down Rose’s spine.If she wasn’t mistaken, she was in deep trouble.He wasn’t even talking to her and her body was responding to him.
