Page 15 of The Cowboy and His Beauty
We’re both silent for a few minutes as we tuck into our food.
"So, how's the new job working out?" Ben cuts his eyes toward the table near the door with all the gossiping church ladies.
"I haven't told my parents, so please don't tell anyone you don't have to," I whisper.
"I have no reason to tell anyone." He shrugs and digs into his fries.
"Otherwise, it's going well. I have most afternoons free, and I've been going riding again. It’s good to have a slower paced job."
We talk for a bit longer, and as we finish, Ben eyes the table by the door. "You won’t get by that table without a million questions as to why you’re still in town. I’ll distract them."
"Ben ..."
"Consider it a thank you for helping out Dash. He's a good guy and not many people would give him a chance like you did." Ben stands and pays the bill before heading toward the door and letting the church ladies suck him in.
I stand and try to make a run for it, but I'm not so lucky.
"Oh, Sky, dear. Is it true you took a job working for The Beas—I mean, Dash?" Mrs. Riley asks.
I look at Ben, who gives a slight shake of his head, indicating he hasn't told anyone. But of course, it could have been anyone from one of the ranch hands to Dash himself who let it slip I was working there.
"I am while I'm in town." I smile and take another step toward the door when I'm assaulted with questions from the group.
"Is it true he has bars on the door and windows?"
"Is it true he pines away all day for some lost love?"
"Is it true his horses are scared of him?"
"I heard no one is allowed to leave the ranch, and he keeps everyone gated in."
"I heard he's on the run and the scar is a fake."
All the ladies talk at once, and I can't keep up.
"I can assure you there are no bars on the windows and doors, his animals aren't scared of him, and he works as hard as his ranch hands. Here I am on my day off, living proof that he doesn't gate us in. And why in the world would you think his scar is fake?"
I don’t wait for an answer, forcing my way outside before any more questions are tossed my way. I feel a little bad for bailing on Ben, and I’ll apologize to him later, although I’m sure he understands.
As turn the corner and head to my car, I run right into Phantom.
"Hey there, boy. Where did you come from?" I lean in and pet him.
"The secrets he could tell if he could talk," Dash says from behind me.
"Hey, Dash. What are you doing here?" I ask as I continue to pet Phantom.
"Needed a few things to fix up one of the gates," he replies, giving Phantom a good scratch.
"Well, I'd avoid the diner. They’re gossiping about you and cornered me since they found out I'm working for you," I warn him.
His expression doesn't change, but I see something in his eyes I can’t make out. Hurt maybe? Anger? I'm not sure.
I sigh. "I tried to correct a few of the rumors, but some are crazy."
He gives me a small smile. "Thanks, but correcting one rumor will only start five more. Let them talk."
"They make up gossip because you’re so mysterious. Talking to them for even five minutes would quell some of that gossip."
