Page 76 of Saltwater Cowboy

I climbed onto the back of the four-wheeler, wrapping my hands around the grips as he gunned the engine, kicking up a trail of dust behind us. The breeze on the ride back was a welcome break from the heat, and I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy—like the fresh air was clearing out more than just the humidity. There was something about the air here that felt different. It carried the familiar salt of the nearby ocean, but with a hint of something else—something unmistakably country, grounding and free all at once.

We made it back to the house, and Wells didn’t waste any time. He hopped off and walked around to the back of the truck, lifting the carrier with the flowers and gently placing it in the bed. He dusted his hands off and turned to me with a grin.

“You’re in the clear for the day,” he said, a teasing edge to his voice. “No need to worry about reapplying that sunscreen. We’re not going anywhere for a while.”

I raised an eyebrow, watching him as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “I’ll happily take the break.”

He gave me a nod, “You want a late lunch?”

I stretched, feeling the weight of the sun’s burn fading, and nodded. “Lunch sounds great. Something light.”

“Gotcha,” he said with a wink. “We’ll head out in a bit, but it won’t take long. The folks at the nursing home will appreciate these flowers.”

I followed him inside, the cool air of the house a welcome relief from the heat. As we walked through the door, Wells looked over at me.

“We could grab something before we head over to the nursing home. There’s a diner down the road.”

I raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “There’s other life out here?”

Wells laughed, his grin widening. “More than you think. It’s a small town, but it’s got its charm.”

He smirked, heading toward the kitchen. “We’ve got good food too.”

“That’s debatable.”

He cocked an eyebrow, turning to face me with a playful glint in his eye. “Is that so?”

I nodded, crossing my arms. “You’ve not truly lived until you’ve had a plate of spaghetti and meatballs from Il Pomodoro. It was this adorable little restaurant near my old apartment.”

He leaned against the counter, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Maybe if I make it back out there one day, I’ll give it a shot.”

I grinned, my thoughts drifting to the cozy little spot I missed so much. “That restaurant alone is worth the trip.”

He chuckled, the sound warm. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Wells paused, his gaze meeting mine. “Do you want to get washed up and then we can head out?”

I nodded, “Yeah, I won’t be long.”

I made my way up the stairs, each step deliberate as I moved through the quiet house. I splashed cold water on my face, letting the chill clear away the remnants of the afternoon heat. After dabbing my skin dry, I reached for my mascara, swiping it over my lashes with a practiced hand.

I slipped into a light sundress, the soft fabric perfect for the warm day. My favorite sandals followed, the ones that wouldn’t tear up my heels like the boots had. I grabbed my purse, checking for my phone before heading back downstairs to start the next adventure.

WHATEVER SHE’S GOT

I was leaning against the kitchen counter when I heard the soft creak of the stairs. It was a familiar sound, one I’d gotten used to over the last couple of days. But this time, when Rose came down, it was different.

She appeared in a sundress, the kind of dress that fluttered around her legs with every step. The bright yellow fabric made her look like a ray of sunshine, and for the first time since I’d met her, that frosty exterior seemed to have softened just a bit. Her usual guarded demeanor had melted, if only for a moment.

“Ready to go?” she asked, her voice light and easy, though there was still that edge of hesitation in her eyes. I could tell she wasn’t quite sure about this whole small-town thing, but it was nice to see her letting go of the tension she usually carried.

“You look nice,” I said, straightening up as she walked toward the door. She didn’t reply right away, but I saw the faintest pink blush color her cheeks. Good. I was getting through to her, even if it was just a little bit.

We climbed into the truck together, the engine rumbling to life. The drive wasn’t long, but it was quiet and comfortable. The road was lined with old trees and houses with peeling paint, giving the town a rustic charm that I always appreciated. It was the kind of place where time seemed to slow down.

After a quick stop for lunch at the diner, where Rose had insisted I order something more “exciting” than a burger, we were ready to head out to the nursing home.

By the time we reached the nursing home, the familiar faces on the porch were already waiting, settled into their chairs and soaking in the warmth of the afternoon. As soon as they spotted the flowers, their expressions brightened, and a quiet sense of joy filled the air.

I stepped forward, plucking a bouquet from the box and handing it to an elderly woman who had always been kind to me.