Page 4 of Sexy Cowboy
“Look, I was never going to be Miss. Popular. I’m not the kind of girl that gets asked to dance at prom.” I shrug, hoping it looks like I’m not bothered by it. “I’ve come to terms with who I am. I just don’t like all that other stuff. I like reading and learning about history. It’s who I am.”
Chapter 5
Levi
The fact that she has a determined look on her face makes me wonder if it is who she is or just who she has convinced herself she is. I have no doubt she loves reading. I’ve often seen her in the park with her nose in a book. But look at the fun she has today. I wonder how many things she hasn’t tried because she didn’t fit in with the crowd.
“Did you ever ask a boy to prom?” I ask.
“They wouldn’t have said yes.”
“I don’t know who told you smart isn't sexy, Mabel. Well, maybe high school boys wouldn’t get it. High school boys can be stupid. But let me tell you, right now. Smart is sexy as all get up.”
I hold her gaze. I wish she would believe me. I wish she could see herself how I see her. But she shrugs again and looks away.
“You wouldn’t understand.” She mumbles.
“Sure I can. I like riding horses. I don’t like dealing with the business side of things. Luckily for me I have older brothers who take care of that.”
“It’s not really the same thing as being an outcast. As always feeling left out because you are different from everyone else.”
“Everybody is different. Look at my Grandpa Joe.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.” She looks embarrassed and looks away. It’s a common reaction. According to the town, Grandpa Joe was crazy. He built himself a whole wild west town on our ranch. Took up good land to do it too. He lives there in his empty, fake town. Even wears his gun belt and chaps and walks the streets re-enacting his favorite western movies.
“It’s just part of who we are. We’re all a little crazy in our family but it keeps life fun.”
I smile at Mabel and she smiles back. A little connection of understanding between us.
And my admiration for Mabel only grows as we follow clues around town.
Clue - Who was born in Oct, 1959?
“It’s Mrs. Tailor. The flower shop!”
Clue - Where do the leaves float in the Fall?
“Easy, the cliffs in the park!”
Clue - What is the square root of 19 21 14 18 9 19 5 and 19 16 18 9 14 7?
That one had her stumped for a good five minutes. Little frown lines on her forehead and her tongue at the corner of her mouth as she thinks. Fuck me, she is beautiful like this. And when she finally works it out she beams at me. Jumping up and throwing her arms around me. I’d love to hold her and kiss her but she’s off.
“It’s the big tree with all the roots, back in the town square. Look how the numbers spell out the name of the town, Sunrise Spring! The square root just means the tree in the square.”
I nod as though I understand but honestly I’m just thinking how I love how her mind works. I love her enthusiasm. I love herlittle jog and how I get a good, sexy glimpse of cleavage when she bends over to pick up the next clue.
Clue - I’m underground. It’s cold and cramped and you can only find me if you know what 23 take 2 is.
“Oh my Gosh, I know it! This is brilliant.” Grabbing my hand she pulls me along. “It’s the old Bailey house. It’s number 21 on Small Street and small means cramped! They have a cellar underground, this must be it. And I bet people won’t know about the cellar. We are going to win!”
She looks so beautiful with her eyes all lit up and a big grin on her face. It’s like she is a different person, so full of life. Laughing as she pulls me along down Small Street.
The cellar door is around the side. An old wooden thing with rusty hinges. There are some leaves covering it so it looks like we are the first ones here. Opening the door trap door upwards, Mabel rushes in, down some steps into the dark.
Following behind the trap door slams shut behind me.
Chapter 6
