AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh sure. I may look tough on the outside,” he said, giving her a wink. “But I like a good romance just as much as the next guy.”
She laughed.
“Although I have to tell you, there were a few parts that gave away your city-girl status. Like when you had the heroine, who was supposed to be an experienced rider, get on her horse from the wrong side.”
“I know,” she said with a groan. “That’s why Faye sent me here. To get some hands-on ranching experience.”
“And how’s it going?” Pearl asked.
“Good, I think. So far, I’ve mucked out stalls, been chased by some cows, used a chain saw, and sampled some authentic ranch fare.” She grinned and held out her palm. “And I’ve got the blisters and the indigestion to prove it.”
Bud chuckled but Pearl narrowed her eyes. “What’s Luke been feeding you?”
“So far, I’ve tried fried bologna and beanies and weenies.”
“Beanies and weenies?” she repeated with a horrified look on her face. “Tell that boy I’ll be bringing out some homemade fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy.”
Kaylee shook her head. “Oh no, you don’t have to do that. You’ve already got your hands full.”
“Nonsense. It’s the least I can do after you watched the store for me today.”
“No sense arguing with her,” Bud said. “I learned that a long time ago. Best just to say ‘yes ma’am’.”
Kaylee liked these people. She smiled at Pearl. “Yes, ma’am.”
Luke leaned his chin on the steering wheel as he watched Kaylee hurry across the park toward the playground where he was parked.
He hadn’t known driving into the hospital parking lot would affect him so much. The tall building was like a stark reminder of all he’d lost. And a warning of why he should shut down the feelings he’d been having for Kaylee.
She had only been kind earlier when she realized what was going on and hadn’t judged his reaction. He’d seen right through her ploy to have them meet in the park instead of making him drive up to the hospital again, but he appreciated the gesture. He’d barely been able to breathe for what felt like a hundred-pound weight sitting heavy on his chest. And he hoped she couldn’t see the way his hands were shaking. He couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
Having something to do, even if it was just the mundane task of filling up his gas tank, helped to focus his mind and take it off all the memories surrounding the loss of his wife.
Even though it was close to six, it was still warm outside, and Kaylee’s cheeks were flushed as she pulled open the door and climbed into the truck. Her scent—something soft and floral—filled the cab. And something in his heart.
“Everything go okay?” he asked as he leaned back in the seat.
“Yes, great. I really like Bud.”
Luke smiled. “Yeah, everybody does. He’s a good man.”
Kaylee turned to him, capturing his gaze with her gorgeous blue eyes. Her voice was soft but firm with resolve. “So are you, Luke.”
He swallowed, unable to respond, her words touching a space inside him, some deep part that had been closed off for years. Not that the door of that part had flung open, but he may have felt it crack.
It had been so long since he’d had the fluttery feelings in his stomach that being around the writer brought on. But the last time he gave in to those feelings had led to pain and a heartache unlike anything he’d ever known.
Losing Beth had almost destroyed him. He’d vowed never to let himself fall in love like that again. Not that he was falling in love with Kaylee—that would be nuts. He’d only known her a few days. But the dang fluttery feelings, and the sweaty palms and the goofy smile his lips were always forming when she was around, were real.
And she was the first woman in five years who’d even made him question that vow.
He pushed the feelings down. He had to. She was only here for a few days,andshe was one of his sister’s writers. Everything about this spelled disaster.Focus on the situation, he told himself. Not the smell of her hair or the adorable crinkle around her eyes when she smiled.
“You hungry?” he finally managed to ask.
“Starving.”
He’d planned to make her chipped beef on toast for supper—another one of his not-so-delectable culinary delights—but she’d worked hard today and kept a great attitude, and he didn’t have the heart. He put the truck in gear and pulled out of the park. “Great. Let’s go find a cheeseburger.”
