“I’m really sorry about that. I didn’t…I just…wanted to protect you…and convince you to go on a date with me. I’m not good with words. That’s probably why I’m a rancher. I don’t have to talk to my animals. I have a sense of when things are right, and I know that I’m right for you, Abby. Let me prove it.”
She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, but she doesn’t get out.
Abby
Barrett is silent while he drives us to his ranch. The time to sort my thoughts is welcomed, although headed in all the wrong directions like the fit of his Wranglers, the ruggedness of his build, and the well-worn black cowboy hat.
I’m not sure what to make of him. I’ve had a crush on him forever, but this new side of him has my insides knotted. My sex aches and begs me to take him up on his offer even if it is a fling, but I’ve spent my whole life trying to get out of this town.
Which makes me wonder why I came back. I could have picked up a minimum-wage job anywhere. My parents sold our house and bought an RV to permanently travel. I think I just needed something familiar after realizing my lifelong dream was a bust.
So why is Barrett acting like this? First, he asks me out, which is insane. He’s living his dream, and I can’t even figure out what mine is. I honestly like working at the diner, but I’m supposed to want more, like my idea that I was going to show the world thata hick girl could make her way up through the ranks of a major corporation.
That naïve little hick girl hated how impersonal the corporation was. It was every person pitted against each other, clawing their way to the top. That’s why I love the diner. I get to know and care about everybody. Not entirely different from the way Barrett cared about me today—minus the lasso and kidnapping part.
I’m still trying to wrap my brain around why that turned me on.
That must be incidental. He was so worried about me going into the bar. Despite the way I smarted off to him, he’s right. Frank’s the biggest asshole in town.
Why is Barret so hellbent on convincing me to go out with him? What do I have to offer?
Stepping out of his truck when we pull up to his home, I admire the pastures with cattle in one and his horses in the other. Chickens are running freely everywhere. I’m full of joy.
Wow! Other than the fun bantering I do with him each day, it’s the first time I felt joy in a long time. It’s not that I haven’t been happy. And I’m definitely happy in my fantasies where he takes my virginity, but joy is bigger. I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, though.
His old border collie sleeps on the porch. I remember him from when I came around in my high school days selling products for every different club I was in.
But I didn’t just come to Barrett’s place because he always bought stuff. He was that older guy I had—and still have—a crush on.
Barrett motions for me to go inside. “Make yourself at home. Do you want a drink?”
“Whatcha got?”
“Not much. Orange juice, water, milk.”
“Fresh from your dairy cows?” Because of course, he doesn’t just raise meat cattle, he has dairy cattle as well.
“Fresh today.”
“I’ll take that.”
While he pours two glasses, he says, “About Frank, he’s—”
“You don’t have to explain. He comes to the diner sometimes. All the waitresses know about him. He’s a disgusting human.”
“You want me to take care of him?”
That swoony feeling I got when Barrett showed his rough side swirls into a frenzy. That spark of sass is alive and well. I use it to bury the nagging self-talk that tells me I’m only worthy of love if I’m successful. Thanks, Mom and Dad for burdening me with that.
“I’d rather talk about why you kidnapped me. Or if we need an icebreaker… Why do you want to go on a date with me?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” He looks utterly confused as he brings the glass of milk.
The intensity in his eyes makes me nervous. I step away so I can breathe and end up near the fireplace, my gaze landing on a candle sitting on the mantle.
He laughs. “You remember when you sold me that?”
“Yeah.” I tip it sideways, noting that it hasn’t been lit. “Why didn’t you use it?”
