Page 19 of The Cowboy and His Best Friend's Daughter

Her brother's friends were outright ogling her. How her brothers didn't pick up on it, I have no idea. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure how I had the restraint to keep my hands off of her. Especially when the little tease went upstairs showing off her tight ass in her thong bikini. Then a chilling thought crosses my mind. Maybe she was trying to get the guy's attention since I kept pushing her away.

Even if that's the case, it's not going to happen. Even though I know this isn't right and that I should not have her here for the weekend, but if she's here I can keep an eye on her. I'll know she's safe and not showing off for other guys.

Going into the kitchen, I pull out some steaks and get them marinating. Just as I get the potatoes in the oven to cook, my phone goes off. For a heart wrenching moment, I think it's Jenna coming to her senses and canceling because her brother's idiot friends asked her out.

I know they won't get far as I'd be there to rip her from any kind of date. If one of those boys thinks that they can touch someone as beautiful, kind, and pure as Jenna, they’re very much mistaken. But when I reach for my phone, I see it's her dad, which just makes the guilt stronger. Even more so when I read his text.

Our dinner got canceled today. Want to get together and play some cards?

I should say yes and cancel with Jenna. This should be my sign, but I'm already too invested to have her here in my house again. I have to be the worst friend there ever was.

I can't tonight. I have got some weekend plans, but would love to next week.

No worries, man. Hope your ’weekend plans’ are blond and give you the ride of your life.

I cringe. If he only knew he was talking about his daughter, this conversation would go an entirely different way. But it is best to let him think what he wants.

Of course. Tell you all about it later.

Have fun!

I start setting the table and even pull out a candle for the center to make it more romantic. Even if we will be going slowly, like a snail's pace slow, I want to make sure she knows I'm trying.

Just as I finish setting the table, there is a knock on the door. My nerves kick in and my body goes into full force when I see what Jenna is wearing.

She looks comfortable with her hair up, but her outfit shows off plenty of skin and her curvy body. I know those shorts. Fuck, they will be the death of me. Every time she moves, you can see more and more of her perfect ass. What I wouldn't give to find out if she has underwear on or not.

"Jenna," I smile, stepping aside to let her in.

"Here, let me set your bag by the stairs,” I say, taking the duffle bag from her.

"Follow me," I lead her to the kitchen.

"Well, this is nice." She smiles and moves the candle to the side. ”Dinner for two?"

Her tone is playful and immediately puts me at ease. "Yeah, I wanted to do something special for you," I reply with a shrug.

"It looks great. I'm sure it will be delicious," she says, walking around the kitchen and taking it all in.

"Want to join me out back? Thought I'd grill some steaks."

I love how her eyes light up. I know she loves good steak. You can't move to cattle country here in Texas and not learn to appreciate one. She also knows I only eat beef that I raise.

"Sure," she says.

For a moment I think of offering her a glass of wine but stop myself. I want to be fully alert to anything that might happen tonight. So instead I reach into my fridge and grab the steaks and give her a Dr. Pepper, her favorite.

When I hand the can of soda to her, she smiles, taking it from me and following me to the back porch.

Stepping outside, I take a deep breath. The smell of freshly cut grass and the sizzling of the grill fill my lungs. Jenna takes a seat at the table while I brush the steaks with some seasoning and oil. Even though I try to focus on the task at hand, I can't help sneaking glances at Jenna. The way the sunlight hits her just right, making her skin glow, is captivating. Trying to clear my thoughts, I shake my head, reminding myself of the reasons I shouldn’t pursue her.

"You sure know how to charm a girl," she giggles, taking a sip of her soda.

"Well, it's only natural for a Texan like me," I smirk, setting the steaks on the grill.

As I cook the steaks, I try to keep the conversation going, but I'm suddenly unsure of how far I want to take this.

"So, how was your day?" I ask, keeping the conversation light and easy.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com