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“Okay. You know you’re under no obligation.”
“I know. I’ll see how the day goes. I have a lot to do at home.”
“Okay. I hope to see you here.” Jaxon slapped him on the shoulder, then headed out to the other end of the barn where he’d parked his truck.
Ian knew it was time he headed home too. Not much went on around the ranch on Fridays. It was what was called a free day. The guests could do whatever they wanted, including nothing. He had Saturdays off, and he was looking forward to it. He did have some things to do around the house and he needed to make a trip to town to pick up a few things.
As he drove home, he had to have the wipers on high. The rain was so heavy that he had trouble seeing anything in front of him. He sighed when he reached his driveway. He drove his truck into the garage, then pushed the remote to lower the door. He exited the truck and entered the house through the mudroom.
After hanging up his hat, he removed his boots, and strode to the bedroom to change into more comfortable clothes. He stripped off his jeans, boxer briefs, T-shirt, and socks, then pulled on a pair of sweatpants and another shirt. He padded barefoot to the kitchen and retrieved a beer from the fridge. He didn’t drink much, but sometimes, he liked a beer in the evenings.
Hell, if he didn’t stop thinking about Eden Fairchild, he’d get drunk so he could try to forget her. That woman was way out of his league. City girl through and through and he was a cowboyand a cowboy he’d always be. It was too bad because he wouldn’t mind getting to know her, but he also knew he couldn’t.
Why was she even staying at place like this? This wasn’t her lifestyle. He was sure she rarely wore a pair of jeans and she probably dressed to kill at the office. He could picture her in tight skirts, fancy blouses, and stilettos on her feet.Damn. Don’t think about that.
He had to stay away from her, and he had three more weeks to get through. Why was she staying so long? Was the decision so difficult that she had to take a leave? Maybe she wouldn’t go on camping trips or cattle drives anymore. He sure hoped not. It was hell on him seeing her and knowing he could never have her.
He should never have kissed her, but when she asked him to kiss her and he looked into her beautiful green eyes, he couldn’t help himself.
After sitting on the sofa, he picked up the remote, aimed it at the TV, and found a movie to watch. He doubted that he’d go to the dance tomorrow night. He had a feeling Eden would be there and he just needed to stay away. She’d leave when her stay was up and maybe his dick would stop thinking about her.
Lightning lit up the sky outside the windows, and thunder rumbled above the roof. It was a good night to stay inside. He hoped the rain would be gone by tomorrow. No activities except the morning trail ride and camping trip were scheduled. Ian worked around the barn, which was fine by him. He didn’t have to see Eden.
Friday was hot and humid. The rain had stopped Thursday night, and the sun beat down.As he drove home after work, he decided to head to Dewey’s tonight.
Later, as he sat on a bar stood, he picked up his beer, took a swig, and almost spit it out when he saw Eden and her friend on the dance floor. How did she know about Dewey’s? Was nothing sacred? He turned on the stool, placed his elbows on the bar behind him, and watched her. She seemed to be having fun. He sat up when he saw a cowboy talking with her as he danced beside her. She laughed and shook her head. Ian hoped she would turn him down, no matter what he asked.
When she turned in the line, her eyes met his, and she hesitated in her step, but then got back into the rhythm of the dance. He didn’t take his eyes off her as she moved around the floor.
The song ended and he watched her walk off the floor, and head for the bar. He saw her take a deep breath, then made her way through the crowd, and stopped beside him.
“Are you having a good time?” he asked.
“It’s a great bar.”
“How did you know about it?”
“Willa. When she brought me to town to buy my boots, she told me about this place. I knew Cammie would love it since she was born and raised in Wyoming.”
Ian nodded. “It’s a good place to have a beer and listen to some good music.”
“Yes. Do you mind if I sit here?” She nodded to the empty stool beside him.
“Go right ahead.”
Eden climbed onto the stool, and tried to get a bartender’s attention but she wasn’t havingmuch luck. He took pity on her, and waved at Scarlett, the owner of the bar. She smiled at him and walked to him.
“What can I get you, Ian?”
“Scarlett, Ms. Fairchild would like a drink.”
“Sure.” Scarlett smiled at Eden. “What would you like?”
“Could I get a White Russian, please?”
“I’ll be right back with that. Ian, you good?”
“I’m good. Thanks.”
